Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ethical compliance strategy and conduct supplier audits to ensure high standards.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the food and drink manufacturing industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global supply chains while promoting ethical practices.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in ethical trade; degree in Food Science or related field required.
- Other info: Experience with major UK retailers is a plus; knowledge of Power BI is advantageous.
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.
You Might Be Great Fit If You Have:
- 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.
Preferred System Knowledge:
- 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, especially those involved in ethical compliance. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in ethical sourcing.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the key ethical standards and frameworks mentioned in the job description, such as the ETI Base Code and SEDEX. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently during interviews will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to ethical compliance.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your experience in conducting risk assessments and ethical audits. Think of specific examples where you've successfully identified risks and implemented action plans, as this will highlight your practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s current ethical compliance initiatives and any recent news related to their supply chain practices. This knowledge will not only help you tailor your discussions but also show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
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 managing complex challenges and your ability to engage with suppliers effectively. 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 the 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 standards such as the ETI Base Code and SEDEX during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented these standards in previous roles and the impact it had on supplier relationships.
✨Demonstrate Risk Assessment Skills
Prepare examples of how you've conducted risk assessments in the past. Discuss specific high-risk regions or practices you've identified and the action plans you implemented to mitigate those risks.
✨Highlight Your Training Experience
Since the role involves providing training and support, be ready to share your experiences in training teams across various departments. Explain how you tailored your training to meet the needs of different stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Questions on Compliance Performance
Expect questions about how you monitor and report compliance performance. Have examples ready that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership and external stakeholders about compliance issues.
