Sustainability Manager - ESG & Social Impact (Supply Chain)
Sustainability Manager - ESG & Social Impact (Supply Chain)
About the Company
The company is a leading certification and advisory organisation, supporting manufacturing and industrial companies globally to improve their sustainability, ESG performance, and responsible supply chain practices. Our work spans ESG assessments, social compliance audits, management system certifications, and strategic advisory services aligned with international standards and frameworks.
Role Purpose
The Sustainability Manager will lead a team delivering ESG and sustainability advisory and certification-related services, with a strong focus on the Social pillar of ESG across manufacturing supply chains.
This role combines technical expertise, client advisory, and people leadership, working closely with manufacturing clients to strengthen social responsibility, ethical sourcing, and supply chain transparency in line with global standards and regulatory expectations.
Key Responsibilities
1. ESG & Sustainability Advisory (Social Focus)
- Lead and deliver ESG advisory projects with emphasis on social sustainability
- Advise manufacturing clients on social risk identification, mitigation, and improvement programmes across complex, multi-tier supply chains
2. Supply Chain Sustainability & Social Compliance
- Guide clients on responsible sourcing and supply chain sustainability strategies, including supplier codes of conduct, risk assessments, and corrective action plans.
- Oversee and review social compliance assessments, audits, and supplier engagement programmes for manufacturing supply chains.
- Support integration of ESG and social criteria into procurement and supplier management processes.
3. Certification & Assurance Support
- Act as a subject-matter expert on social and ESG-related certification schemes, supporting:
- Client readiness assessments
- Gap analysis and improvement roadmaps
- Ongoing compliance and surveillance activities
- Collaborate with certification, audit, and assurance teams to ensure consistent technical interpretation of social and ESG standards.
4. Team Leadership & Capability Building
- Manage, mentor, and develop a team of sustainability consultants and specialists, ensuring high-quality project delivery and professional growth.
- Allocate resources, review deliverables, and provide technical guidance across multiple client engagements.
- Build internal capability on social ESG topics, supply chain due diligence, and emerging regulatory trends.
5. Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as a trusted advisor to manufacturing clients, sustainability leaders, and supply chain teams.
- Present findings and recommendations to senior client stakeholders, including operations, procurement, and ESG leadership.
- Support business development by contributing technical input to proposals, client pitches, and thought leadership.
Key Requirements
Experience & Expertise
- 7-12+ years of experience in sustainability, ESG, social compliance, or responsible supply chain advisory, ideally within:
- Certification bodies
- ESG or sustainability consultancies
- Manufacturing or industrial organisations with complex supply chains
- Strong hands-on experience with social ESG topics (human rights, labour standards, H&S, ethical sourcing).
- Proven experience managing and developing teams.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong client-facing and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to translate complex ESG and social requirements into practical, implementable actions for manufacturing clients.
- Confident people manager with a collaborative leadership style.
Why Join Us
- Lead impactful ESG and social sustainability work across global manufacturing supply chains.
- Combine technical depth, leadership, and client advisory in a high-visibility role.
- Be part of an organisation shaping how companies meet evolving ESG, social responsibility, and supply chain expectations.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with resume and interview preparation. From customized support on how to optimize your resume to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.