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- Tasks: Lead ethical compliance strategy and conduct supplier audits in a global supply chain.
- Company: Join a top player in the food and drink manufacturing industry committed to ethical standards.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on ethical practices while working with diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in ethical trade, degree in relevant field, and experience with UK retailers required.
- Other info: Ideal for detail-oriented individuals ready to tackle complex challenges in a fast-paced setting.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are working with a leading organisation in the food and drink manufacturing industry to recruit a dedicated and experienced Ethical Compliance Lead. This is a critical role focused on maintaining the highest ethical standards across a complex, global supply chain—ensuring compliance with international frameworks and retailer requirements while aligning with commercial objectives.
This opportunity suits a professional with a strong technical background in food manufacturing and a proven track record in ethical compliance, supplier engagement, and responsible sourcing.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead the ethical compliance strategy for the business, embedding standards such as ETI Base Code, SEDEX, UK retailer codes of practice, and Stronger Together across all supply chain activities.
- Conduct thorough risk assessments of global suppliers to identify high-risk regions, products, or practices, and implement clear action plans.
- Deliver and oversee ethical audits of suppliers and internal operations, with full responsibility for reporting, follow-up, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure that manufacturing and operational sites are fully aligned with ethical standards, including managing internal SEDEX processes and audits.
- Provide expert training, support, and governance to teams across technical, procurement, and operational departments.
- Monitor and report on compliance performance to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in ethical trade, compliance, or responsible sourcing within the food and drink manufacturing industry.
- 10+ years’ experience in the wider food industry, with strong cross-functional understanding (technical, procurement, operations).
- Degree in Food Science, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, or a related field.
- Experience working with major UK retailers and their compliance requirements.
- Skilled in ethical auditing, supplier development, and stakeholder communication.
- Resilient, detail-focused, and commercially aware, with the ability to manage complex challenges confidently.
- Microsoft Office Suite
- SAP or similar ERP systems
- Paperless manufacturing systems
- Power BI (advantageous)
Ethical Compliance Lead employer: Zest Food Jobs
Contact Detail:
Zest Food Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Ethical Compliance Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the food and drink manufacturing industry. Attend industry events, webinars, or workshops where you can meet people who are already working in ethical compliance roles. This can help you gain insights into the role and potentially get referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest ethical compliance frameworks and standards relevant to the food industry, such as the ETI Base Code and SEDEX. Being well-versed in these will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that showcase your skills in ethical auditing and supplier engagement. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this will highlight your problem-solving abilities and resilience.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s current ethical compliance practices and any recent news related to their supply chain. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your discussions and show that you are genuinely interested in contributing to their ethical compliance strategy.
We think you need these skills to ace Ethical Compliance Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Ethical Compliance Lead position. Familiarise yourself with ethical standards like the ETI Base Code and SEDEX, as well as the specific challenges in the food and drink manufacturing industry.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in ethical trade, compliance, and responsible sourcing. Make sure to include specific examples of your work with UK retailers and any successful ethical audits you've conducted. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your CV aligns with what the company is looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for ethical compliance and how your background makes you a great fit for the role. Discuss your experience in leading compliance strategies and your ability to manage complex challenges. Be sure to mention your technical knowledge and how it can benefit the organisation.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread all documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Food Jobs
✨Showcase Your Ethical Compliance Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your understanding of ethical compliance frameworks like the ETI Base Code and SEDEX. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented these standards in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your expertise and alignment with the company's values.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think of examples where you've conducted risk assessments or managed supplier audits, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since the role requires working across various departments, be sure to discuss your experience in collaborating with technical, procurement, and operational teams. Share specific examples of how you’ve facilitated communication and driven compliance initiatives across functions.
✨Demonstrate Your Training Skills
As part of the role involves providing training and support, prepare to talk about your experience in developing training programmes or workshops. Highlight any successful initiatives you've led that improved compliance awareness among teams.
