Ethical Compliance Assistant Manager

Debenhams Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading online department store in Manchester is seeking an Ethical Compliance Assistant Manager to support compliance programs. The role involves developing policies, monitoring supplier compliance, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure ethical practices. Ideal candidates will have a background in compliance and strong analytical skills.

Benefits

40% discount on brands

Flexible working hours

Health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in compliance or ethical sourcing.
• Strong understanding of international trade regulations.
• Ability to analyze and present compliance data.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain ethical compliance policies.
• Monitor compliance with laws and regulations.
• Conduct audits and supplier reviews.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Job description

You know all about our high street roots and bricks and mortar stores. Now, we're looking to the future. Since 2021, we've embraced some changes. Debenhams hasn’t made a comeback—we’ve been here since 1778, evolving and adapting to the times. This is Debenhams today - Britain’s Leading Online Department Store.

We are more than a department store—we are an institution. From creating the blueprint for designer collaborations with Designers at Debenhams, to launching countless brands and inventing the beauty counter, we’ve consistently shaped the retail landscape.

We don’t underestimate the power of our brand or the place we hold in people’s hearts. This is only the beginning of the next chapter for Debenhams.

Britain needs Debenhams.....Debenhams needs you!

Your Team:

Responsible Sourcing is reimagining how the Group works globally. We cover Sustainability, Sourcing, Ethical Trade, Product Quality and Operational Efficiency. We turn challenges into opportunities so we can be as commercially and operationally effective as possible while still being ethical and sustainable!

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Ethical Compliance Assistant Manager to support the management of our compliance programs.. In this role, you will work closely with suppliers, factories, and internal teams to monitor, evaluate, and strengthen adherence to ethical, social, and environmental standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain ethical compliance policies and procedures for suppliers (MTO and marketplace) and internal teams.
• Ensure compliance with relevant local, national, and international laws and regulations
• Monitor industry developments in ethical trade and recommend policy enhancements.
• Oversee the onboarding, audit, and approval process for new suppliers and factories.
• Conduct regular reviews of third-party audit reports and due diligence assessments.
• Manage and maintain the International database, including escalation procedures and factory list updates.
• Conduct quarterly supplier and factory consolidation reviews using low OPO reporting and brand liaison
• Maintain compliance platforms and manage CAPS; generate and analyse reports.
• Publish the Global Manufacturing List quarterly and ensure supply chain mapping is accurate
• Oversea expired audit process
• Collaborate with suppliers to enhance ethical standards and drive continuous improvement.
• Partner with internal teams to align compliance strategies.
• Communicate and collaborate with external auditors, regulatory bodies, and third-party service providers.
• Prepare and deliver monthly ethical compliance updates to brand stakeholders.
• Develop and deliver ethics and compliance training programs for internal employees and suppliers.
• Support supplier development through targeted training and engagement.
• Identify, assess, and monitor risks related to labour rights, child labour, wages, and working conditions.
• Produce and present internal and external reports on compliance performance, audit outcomes, and supplier assessment
• Report key compliance risks and mitigation strategies to senior leadership.
• Conduct supplier and factory visits in support of the Responsible Sourcing team.
• Support ESG awareness through organising fundraising initiatives aligned with key ethical trade dates and causes.
• Contribute to corporate communication of ethical trade initiatives via reports, websites, and marketing channels.

Working with us:

To succeed here, you have to love working at pace. It’s relentless, but we love it. Change is a certainty – you need to adapt and be agile. We want you to challenge the status quo, innovate and be open to trying new things. We’re always pushing boundaries. We empower our people, giving them freedom and autonomy to learn and grow in their roles. We’re passionate, agile, creative and one team.

Why join us:

Our mission is to create a workplace where everyone is respected, their individual differences are valued, and they can be themselves at work without exception. We get it done!

• Core hours enable you to flex your working times around your needs on an ad hoc basis
• Benefits that support your health and wellbeing
• There’s up to 40% discount off our all of our brands
• Our social calendar? Next level
• With HQs in Manchester and London and offices across the globe (some are dog friendly!), we offer a buzzing atmosphere and the Debenhams group culture wherever you work