Head of Sustainability and Community Fair Trade

The Body Shop

The Body Shop has been here since 1976 and we’re not going anywhere. It’s an exciting time to join us as we’re under new ownership and recruiting for some fantastic opportunities in our gorgeous new Head Office in Brighton.

When Anita Roddick founded The Body Shop in 1976, she had a vision. Business as a force for good – that’s us. Over 40 years later, we’re proud to be pioneering cruelty-free beauty every step of the way. We’re the original ethical beauty brand. We’ve got a thing for empowering people and enriching our planet. We’re all about keeping it real, in every way possible. Our activist roots remain a huge part of everything we do, from our iconic window posters to our vegetarian products to our infamous campaigns. We’re never afraid to stand up and speak the truth. We like to do things a little differently around here.

The Body Shop is committed to generating positive economic, social and environmental impact. We’re fighting for what we believe in now more than ever. No holding back. Breaking the mould has always come naturally to us, and we need someone who’s not afraid to mix things up.

Your role in a nutshell

Are you driven to make a real difference? Are you a passionate and experienced sustainability expert with both strategic and practical level experience?

If so, we would love you to join our team as our maternity cover Head of Sustainability and Community Fair Trade on a 12-month fixed term contract basis leading initiatives including the Community Fair Trade programme and helping to meet our organisational sustainability targets. Based in our new Moulsecoomb office, you will be a part of the Innovation team dedicated to driving forward the TBSI sustainability strategy reporting to our Global Innovation & Sustainability Director.

This is an opportunity to do more than just a day job, you’ll belong to a team which values you and your skills, and you will be able to thrive in your own way with our support.

More about the role

• Strategic design and delivery: collaborate with Global Innovation & Sustainability Director to establish people and planet pillars across TBSI sustainability strategy including the Community Fair Trade programme. Define and lead key workstreams, support TBSI’s understanding of future trends most pertinent to our business, staff, and stakeholders.

• Management: lead and manage our renowned Community Fair Trade Programme, all associated partnerships, workstreams and activities. Ensure effective commercial and sustainable management of people and planet sustainability strategy pillar related actions.

• Systems and process: alongside key workstream delivery, define and maintain efficient associated processes including KPI’s, data collection and analysis, monitoring and evaluation, reporting and automation.

• Innovation: identify opportunities to promote sustainable products, services and programmes committed to reducing negative impact and implementing best practice.

• Compliance, governance and assurance: ensure delivery of effective assurance frameworks as well as compliance with all relevant laws, regulations and reporting requirements.

• Policy: lead the design and implementation of relevant contractual agreements, policies, guidelines, standard operating procedures and codes of practice.

• Relations and communication: maintain external relations and associated projects with stakeholders including supply chain actors, intermediaries, consultants, programme partners, and memberships to maximise impact. Lead preparation and development of reporting, presentations and communication requirements. Internally, collaborate with key colleagues across multiple departments, act as subject matter expert. Ensure alignment and consistency on all communications.

• Line management: support development and management of sustainability team in execution of TBSI sustainability strategy including pastoral care.

• Please note you may be asked to travel within the UK and overseas on a limited basis.

What we look for

• Proven experience in senior sustainability role ideally in a comparable global business, with clear implementation and delivery of global sustainability strategy pillars from a social and / or nature perspective

• Demonstrable track record and subject expert of responsible sourcing, sustainability principles, management systems and strategies

• Understanding and experience of external regulatory frameworks, relevant laws, regulation and reporting requirements

• Proven experience of cross functional, matrix style working, team leadership and collaboration and deputising for senior role

• Strong community engagement experience

• Sound understanding of challenges and opportunities of working within brand or retail, NGO or CSO settings in delivering sustainability strategy targets

• Proven ability to manage multiple and diverse stakeholder relationships: ELT, cross functional, external technical and membership bodies including experience to influence at a senior level

• Risk and opportunities management and associated communication to relevant parts of the business and externally with key stakeholders

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (for example, Social Sciences, Business, Public Policy) or equivalent

Skills

• Fluent written and spoken English language skills

• Strong people person: approachable, clear communicator who fosters a collaborative environment

• Efficient internal partnership skills and experience working cross functionally, aligning ambitions and executing goals

• Ability to work within a wider fast-paced and often dynamic environment

• Strategic with strong project management and delivery skills turning ideas into actions, able to prioritise

• Business and commercial acumen

• Highly organised and motivated

• Adaptable and resilient, embracing change

• Strong Microsoft office skills

Talent Drivers

Collaborative Skills

Commerciality

Personal Conduct

Purpose

Benefits

As well as a competitive salary, here are just a few of the rewards that you can look forward to if you join us: a 6% non-contributory pension plan, 23 days holiday, 50% staff discount and access to product sample sales, access to Perks at Work, our online shopping channel with exclusive deals & discounts, as well as LOVE money to spend on your wellbeing and personal development.

Application closing date

Friday 9 May 2025.

Please note we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and encourage early submissions.

Equal opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.