Sustainability Manager - Human Rights (12m FTC) in London
Sustainability Manager - Human Rights (12m FTC)

Sustainability Manager - Human Rights (12m FTC) in London

London Temporary 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead human rights initiatives and develop strategies to mitigate risks in Sainsbury's supply chain.
  • Company: Join Sainsbury's, a leader in sustainable retail with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy discounts, flexible working, private healthcare, and performance bonuses.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal development and career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in human rights and sustainability while growing your career.
  • Qualifications: Degree-level education and experience in human rights or sustainability within retail.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.

Salary: Competitive Plus Benefits

Location: London Store Support Centre and Home, London, EC1M 6HA

Contract type: Fixed-Term Assignment

Business area: Food Commercial

Closing date: 22 May 2026

We’d all like amazing work to do, and real work-life balance. That’s waiting for you at Sainsbury’s. Here, everything in our stores starts in Sainsbury’s Commercial. From product, proposition, packaging and price, to whether it meets our sustainability commitments or simply tastes great, our team is responsible for all food, non-food and clothing items available in Sainsbury’s stores, online and on demand. It’s an incredibly fast-paced environment. People here are in it together and aren’t afraid to take risks. The knowledge and experience you gain here could set you up for career moves anywhere else in the business. So, if you’re passionate about your products and just hungry to learn, you’ll fit in perfectly.

Expected start date in role: 6th July 2026

At a Glance

  • Lead human rights initiatives and develop strategies to identify, mitigate and prevent human rights risks in Sainsbury’s supply chain.

Company: Join Sainsbury's, a leader in sustainable retail with a collaborative culture.

Benefits: Enjoy discounts, flexible working, private healthcare, and performance bonuses.

Why this job: Make a real difference in human rights and sustainability while growing your career in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications: Degree-level education and experience in human rights / sustainability within retail or manufacturing.

Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal development and career growth.

Joining Sainsbury's as a Human Rights Manager offers the unique opportunity to lead the development and implementation of our Group Human Rights Strategy, making a significant impact in mitigating human rights risks within the food and clothing sectors. You will collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, drive key initiatives aligned with our human rights and broader sustainability goals, and shape the future of sustainability within a customer-focused business.

What you'll do:

  • Lead the development and implementation of the human rights strategy in one of our key business units, working closely with our Ethical Trade Managers, Environment specialists and broader stakeholders.
  • Engage with internal and external stakeholders to further develop and support the implementation of our Human Rights strategy.
  • Work closely with Commercial and Technical teams to implement and manage key initiatives aligned to our Human Rights strategy.
  • Build cross-functional relationships with key suppliers and lead on the facilitation of supplier collaborations and delivery of supplier programmes.
  • Determine our position on key issues by compiling and drafting approaches, policies and standards for internal sign-off.
  • Lead on key human rights topics and represent Sainsbury’s with relevant external stakeholders, including industry groups, government, investors and NGOs.
  • Contribute to external reporting and disclosures on behalf of the Group, such as our modern slavery statement and annual Plan for Better reporting.
  • Keep up to date with evolving legislation, Government action plans, industry activity and innovation.

Who you are:

As a Human Rights Manager at Sainsbury's, you are degree-level educated and bring experience managing human rights and ethical risks, ideally within the food or clothing sectors. You have strong experience of stakeholder management and engagement, working strategically with suppliers and with Technical and Commercial teams to implement key initiatives, and you are motivated by mitigating human rights and ethical risks, building strong business resilience. You understand relevant networks and stakeholders in human rights and offer specialist knowledge across ethical issues, such as discrimination risks, living wages/incomes and management of incidents in the supply chain.

You are experienced in managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and budgets, are comfortable with risk assessment and prioritising activity amid competing priorities. You can influence, train, coach and provide ongoing support to internal and external stakeholders. You are a strong communicator on complex and nuanced ethical and sustainability topics, are confident in interpreting the impact on a business like Sainsbury’s, and can deliver results at pace within a large, customer-focused business while working flexibly across an evolving agenda.

Proven current experience in a sustainability or commercial role, ideally within a retail or manufacturing organisation, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to deliver on human rights and ethical strategies.

Demonstrable experience developing and implementing human rights programmatic work and initiatives, translating ambition into practical delivery plans.

Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience engaging cross-functional internal teams and external partners.

Solid understanding of wider sustainability risks and resilience topics relevant to food and/or clothing value chains.

Track record of managing complex projects end-to-end, including budgets, prioritisation, reporting, and clear written communication.

We are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer so you'll be welcomed whoever you are and wherever you work. We take development seriously and promise to support you. We also recognise and celebrate colleagues when they go the extra mile and, where possible, offer flexible working. When you join our team, we'll also offer you an amazing range of benefits, including colleague discount, pensions scheme, life cover, performance-related bonus, annual holiday allowance, private healthcare, and more.

Sainsbury's is an exceptional employer that prioritises work-life balance and personal development, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive. As a Human Rights Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful initiatives within a collaborative environment, while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous discounts, performance-related bonuses, and flexible working options. With a commitment to inclusivity and employee growth, Sainsbury's fosters a culture where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the retail sector.

Sustainability Manager - Human Rights (12m FTC) in London employer: Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd

Sainsbury's is an exceptional employer that prioritises work-life balance and personal development, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive. As a Human Rights Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful initiatives within a collaborative environment, while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous discounts, performance-related bonuses, and flexible working options. With a commitment to inclusivity and employee growth, Sainsbury's fosters a culture where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the retail sector.
Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd

Contact Detail:

Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Sustainability Manager - Human Rights (12m FTC) in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Sainsbury’s values and sustainability initiatives. Show us that you’re not just passionate about human rights but also about how they align with our mission. Tailor your answers to reflect our culture!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining the Sainsbury’s team.

We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Manager - Human Rights (12m FTC) in London

Human Rights Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Project Management
Sustainability Strategy Development
Risk Assessment
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Communication Skills
Ethical Trade Knowledge
Supplier Relationship Management
Policy Development
Reporting and Disclosure
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Influencing Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Sustainability Manager role. Highlight your experience in human rights and sustainability, and show how it aligns with Sainsbury's values and goals.

Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for sustainability and human rights shine through in your application. Share specific examples of projects or initiatives you've been involved in that demonstrate your commitment to these areas.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This will help ensure your key messages come across effectively.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into Sainsbury's sustainability initiatives and human rights strategies. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and how they align with your experience. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared to contribute.

✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills

Be ready to discuss your experience in managing relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with suppliers or internal teams to implement human rights initiatives. This is crucial for a role that requires collaboration across different functions.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific human rights challenges within the supply chain. Think about potential risks and your strategies for mitigating them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.

✨Emphasise Your Passion for Sustainability

Let your enthusiasm for sustainability and human rights shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to these values. This will resonate well with Sainsbury's culture and mission, making you a more appealing candidate.

Sustainability Manager - Human Rights (12m FTC) in London
Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd
Location: London

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