Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ethical compliance strategy and conduct supplier audits in a global supply chain.
- 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 by ensuring ethical standards and responsible sourcing in a global context.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in ethical trade, degree in relevant field, and experience with UK retailers required.
- Other info: Ideal for detail-oriented individuals passionate about sustainability and ethical practices.
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 key ethical standards and frameworks such as the ETI Base Code and SEDEX. Being well-versed in these guidelines will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to ethical compliance during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented ethical compliance strategies in previous roles. Highlighting your hands-on experience with risk assessments and audits will showcase your capability to lead in this area.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest developments in ethical trade and compliance, particularly within the food sector. Subscribing to relevant publications or joining professional groups can provide insights that may come in handy during discussions with our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Ethical Compliance Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in ethical trade, compliance, and responsible sourcing specifically within the food and drink manufacturing industry. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that outlines your passion for ethical compliance and your understanding of international frameworks like the ETI Base Code and SEDEX. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led compliance strategies or conducted audits in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise your 5+ years of experience in ethical trade and your cross-functional understanding of technical, procurement, and operations. Mention any direct experience with UK retailers and their compliance requirements.
Showcase Your Skills: Detail your skills in ethical auditing, supplier development, and stakeholder communication. Provide examples of how you've managed complex challenges and contributed to continuous improvement in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Food Jobs
✨Understand Ethical Standards
Familiarise yourself with key ethical standards such as the ETI Base Code and SEDEX. Be prepared to discuss how these frameworks apply to the role and share examples of how you've implemented them in previous positions.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your 5+ years of experience in ethical trade and compliance within the food and drink industry. Use specific examples to demonstrate your track record in supplier engagement and responsible sourcing.
✨Prepare for Risk Assessment Questions
Expect questions about conducting risk assessments of suppliers. Be ready to explain your approach to identifying high-risk regions or practices and how you would implement action plans to mitigate these risks.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Knowledge
Since the role requires a strong understanding of various departments, be prepared to discuss how you have collaborated with technical, procurement, and operational teams in the past. This will show your ability to work effectively across functions.
