Head of Sourcing (Cheltenham)

Ad Idem Consulting; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job description

This advertiser has chosen not to accept applicants from your region.

Full Job Description

The Head of Sourcing, Ethical and Sustainability is responsible for overseeing the company’s global sourcing strategy while ensuring all practices align with high ethical and environmental standards.

This role involves managing supplier relationships, driving responsible sourcing initiatives, and embedding sustainability into every aspect of the supply chain, ranging from materials selection to manufacturing processes.

The position plays a key leadership role in aligning commercial objectives with the client’s corporate responsibility goals, working cross-functionally to promote transparency, traceability, and long-term positive impact for people and the planet.

The Role

1. Create, direct, put into action, and achieve a worldwide sourcing and sustainability plan that supports the company's goals and is implemented throughout our operations and the global supply network.
2. Motivate and guide the Sourcing, Sustainability, and Ethical teams to fully dedicate themselves to reaching the strategic vision and producing outstanding outcomes.
3. Collaborate with business leaders to introduce new ideas and integrate changes, creating advantages for the client in the industry.
4. Take ownership of and build a top-tier portfolio of suppliers, ensuring the 'right supplier, right location, right initiatives' while providing excellent value.
5. Guarantee that our suppliers meet the company's standards for sustainably sourced materials, ethical practices, and production methods, establishing systems that make sustainability standard in our operations.
6. Lead ethical sourcing efforts, including the prevention of modern slavery and broader human rights issues for the organization.
7. Serve as the main point of contact at the group level for honest communication regarding sustainability and ethical practices, adhering to green claims guidelines.
8. Maintain accountability for all company guidelines related to sustainability and human rights, ensuring they are current and compliant with laws.
9. Achieve cost savings through effective supplier negotiations, ensuring all suppliers meet standards for quality, ethics, and compliance.
10. Manage project execution, improve assessment methods, and provide reports on KPIs for sourcing and sustainability efforts.
11. Provide updates on sourcing activities, supplier performance, market trends, and profit margins.
12. Own analysis of worldwide demands and market trends to identify and leverage commercial opportunities.
13. Produce annual sustainability reports in line with our ESG Leadership Roadmap, including broader disclosures like CDP.
14. Report transparently to relevant governance bodies, including the audit committee and TCFD.
15. Act as the client’s representative and thought leader within the industry, sharing progress through respected channels.
16. Supervise operations of global offices in Hong Kong, Turkey, and India.

The Candidate

• A senior leader with at least three years of relevant industry experience, proven in guiding dynamic teams to achieve measurable results.
• An energetic, driven individual with an entrepreneurial mindset, understanding brands and maximizing their value.
• Substantial sourcing expertise within the branded apparel sector, with successful negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• An outstanding people manager who fosters high performance and motivation.
• Politically astute, capable of influencing through direct and indirect methods.
• Proven experience working with a global organization with multiple international operations.
• A strategic and tactical thinker with strong attention to detail.
• Skilled at building relationships with internal and external leaders, with credibility to influence.
• Highly organized, capable of managing a high volume of communications.
• Willing to travel for supplier visits, including international trips.
• Living near Cheltenham or willing to relocate.