Sustainability Capability Manager - Social in London

The Global Human Rights Supplier Assurance Manager is responsible for driving BAT’s global social sustainability agenda within Procurement. The role embeds human rights principles and due diligence into sourcing strategies and supplier engagement, ensures compliance with social metrics and global regulations, strengthens supplier accountability, and builds capability across the procurement function. Through global coordination, governance, and external benchmarking, the manager positions BAT as a leader in ethical sourcing and responsible supply chain practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate global social sustainability strategy and due diligence across all procurement categories.
• Manage indicators and compliance related to social metrics.
• Centralise sustainability workstreams and deliver training to build procurement capability on social standards.
• Benchmark external FMCG practices to strengthen BAT’s procurement social strategy.
• Lead supplier communication and capability‑building initiatives on social requirements.
• Drive alignment and compliance with regulations related to Human Rights.
• Facilitate the Supply Chain Due Diligence governance forum to monitor supplier compliance and performance.
• Support integration of sustainability goals into key programmes, including social due diligence, responsible minerals sourcing, annual reporting, conflict minerals, modern slavery statements, and global regulations.
• Build external networks and peer group engagement to share procedures and influence industry standards.

ROLE DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Define the sustainability social strategy for procurement and embed standards into category strategies and SRM reporting.
• Deliver human rights and social due diligence critical metrics in line with global procurement and sustainability targets.
• Standardise KPIs for social sustainability and monitor compliance across Procurement.
• Deliver training and build capability within Procurement on social sustainability standards.
• Lead collaboration projects with priority suppliers to advance the social sustainability agenda.
• Support sustainability champions with supplier engagements and resolve escalated supplier challenges.
• Business‑partner with procurement functions and global sustainability centre of excellence teams, corporate sustainability, legal, Product, R&D to advance the social sustainability agenda.
• Perform peer and industry benchmarking for human rights and social standards practices for continuous improvement.
• Communicate sustainability priorities, progress, and achievements effectively to collaborators and leadership.
• Formulate social digital transformation specification requirements and ensure alignment with Digital lead for planning, execution and implementation.
• Perform control self‑health checks, manage risk registers, and ensure self‑health audits for human rights and social due diligence compliance.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE

ESSENTIAL

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in Procurement, Sustainability, or Operations within a global organisation.
• Strong understanding of ESG principles, procurement processes, and sustainability reporting frameworks.
• Sound knowledge of corporate regulations and legislation to ensure the creation of effective group contracts.
• Detailed knowledge of Sustainability FMCG market, supplier capabilities and competitor activity, and expected trends at a geographical / global level.
• Strong background in supplier relationship management, including managing critical suppliers.
• Proven ability to manage complex, high‑risk transformation projects and change management programmes.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leadership collaborators.
• Successful cross‑functional collaborations.

Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required

• Knowledge of sustainability principles, governance frameworks, and reporting standards.
• Deep understanding of global operations and supply chain networks, supply capabilities and trends.
• Experienced in supplier, customer, and collaborator communication at senior levels.
• Experience in managing high risk and critical change management projects.
• Experience in managing risk registers, control navigators, and audits.
• Demonstrates agility, adaptability, and resilience in dynamic environments.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships working across geographical boundaries and functions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required

• Relevant Business / Sustainability / Supply Chain / Engineering qualification.
• Sustainability relevant qualifications.

BENEFICIAL

• Advanced understanding of financial evaluation and interpretation of supplier records and their key cost and business drivers.
• Advanced knowledge of corporate regulations and legislation to ensure the creation of effective supply contracts.
• Supplier relationship management experience.

BENEFITS

• Market‑leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility).
• Health plans, initiatives for work‑life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives.
• Access to online learning platforms and personalised growth programmes to nurture leadership skills.
• Opportunity for continuous improvement within a transformative environment.

EEO STATEMENT

BAT is committed to promoting an inclusive workplace and values diversity. We encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio‑economic and professional background, or diverse perspectives and thinking styles. We actively support career breaks and offer a Global Returners Program to assist professionals returning to the workforce after an extended absence. As a Disability Confident Employer, we provide reasonable adjustments or accommodations to support applicants during the recruitment process.