Job Title: Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability Manager (Contract)
Location: Dunstable
Duration: 6 months
Reports to: Head of Sustainability
Job Summary:
The Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability Manager (Contract) will lead efforts to ensure that sourcing practices align with environmental, social, and ethical standards. This role will collaborate with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and external partners to drive sustainability initiatives, ensure compliance with responsible sourcing policies, and contribute to the company’s long-term sustainability goals.
This is a contract-based role with a specific focus on achieving measurable progress in the areas of sustainable procurement, supply chain transparency, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting.
Key Responsibilities:
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Sustainable Procurement:
- Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of responsible sourcing policies.
- Evaluate and audit supplier performance on environmental and social criteria.
- Drive sustainable procurement initiatives, including reducing the environmental footprint of supply chains.
- Collaborate with procurement teams to identify opportunities for sustainable material sourcing and circular economy practices.
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Supplier Engagement & Management:
- Manage relationships with suppliers to ensure alignment with sustainability goals.
- Conduct supplier assessments and audits related to ethical labor practices, environmental impact, and governance.
- Provide training and support to suppliers on sustainability initiatives.
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Regulatory Compliance & Standards:
- Ensure that all sourcing activities comply with relevant environmental, social, and governance (ESG) regulations and standards (e.g., UN Global Compact, GRI, B-Corp, etc.).
- Stay updated on emerging regulatory requirements and sustainability trends, ensuring the company’s supply chain is compliant and forward-looking.
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Sustainability Reporting:
- Collect and analyze data on supply chain sustainability performance for internal and external reporting.
- Contribute to the development of sustainability reports, ensuring accuracy and alignment with reporting frameworks (e.g., GRI, CDP, TCFD).
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to set measurable targets and track progress towards responsible sourcing and sustainability goals.
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Risk Management:
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with sourcing from high-risk regions or suppliers, including environmental degradation, human rights violations, and other social impacts.
- Develop and implement contingency plans to address potential disruptions in sustainable supply chains.
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Stakeholder Collaboration:
- Work closely with internal stakeholders such as product teams, marketing, and communications to align sustainability efforts with broader business goals.
- Partner with NGOs, industry associations, and other external organizations to enhance responsible sourcing initiatives.
Key Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in sustainability, supply chain management, business, environmental science, or related field.
- Proven experience in responsible sourcing, sustainability, or supply chain management (preferably within [insert relevant industry, e.g., retail, consumer goods, etc.]).
- Strong knowledge of sustainability frameworks, standards, and best practices (e.g., GRI, ISO 14001, B-Corp).
- Experience with supplier audits, risk assessments, and sustainability reporting.
- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
- Analytical mindset with proficiency in data collection and analysis tools (e.g., Excel, sustainability reporting software).
- Knowledge of ESG reporting requirements and trends.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree or advanced certification in sustainability, environmental management, or related field.
- Experience with supply chain traceability tools and platforms.
- Familiarity with lifecycle assessments (LCA), carbon accounting, or other environmental impact measurement tools.
