Sustainability Manager

ZipRecruiter; Chichester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Sustainability Manager to enhance sustainability across its supply chains. The role involves developing strategies, engaging with stakeholders, ensuring compliance, and analyzing data to drive continuous improvement. This opportunity requires strong communication skills and a deep understanding of sustainability principles.

Qualifications

• In-depth understanding of sustainability frameworks and ethical sourcing.
• Success in delivering sustainability strategies, ideally in fresh produce or agri-food sectors.
• Proficiency in environmental data analysis and sustainability reporting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sustainability initiatives across the supply chain.
• Monitor adherence to environmental, social, and ethical standards.
• Gather and analyze environmental data from suppliers.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Data analysis

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Job Description

Role Summary

The Sustainability Manager plays a pivotal role in enhancing the environmental and ethical performance of the fresh produce and goods-not-for-resale (GNFR) supply chains. This role involves developing and implementing strategies, working closely with growers and suppliers, ensuring compliance with relevant standards, and driving improvement across sustainability pillars, including agricultural practices, packaging, waste, energy use, and ethical sourcing.

The role also encompasses data analysis, stakeholder reporting, and alignment of initiatives with company and customer sustainability objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Sustainability Strategy

• Develop and implement sustainability initiatives across the supply chain and GNFR.
• Align internal practices with corporate and customer sustainability goals.

Supplier & Grower Collaboration

• Engage with growers, farms, and suppliers to embed sustainable practices.
• Support responsible sourcing and build supply chain resilience.

Data Collection & Reporting

• Gather environmental and carbon data from suppliers.
• Analyse performance against KPIs and sustainability targets.
• Report progress to senior leadership and external stakeholders.

Compliance & Auditing

• Monitor adherence to environmental, social, and ethical standards.
• Conduct audits; ensure accurate documentation for certifications and regulations.
• Manage Sedex SAQ completion, SMETA audit follow-up, and seasonal risk assessment.
• Maintain the annual Modern Slavery Statement.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve packaging, transport, waste, and resource efficiency.
• Promote innovation to reduce environmental impact and improve cost-efficiency.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate across technical, commercial, supply chain, and operational teams.
• Build relationships with customers, certification bodies, and sustainability auditors.

Training & Development

• Deliver training to internal teams and supply chain partners on sustainability standards.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning, awareness, and accountability.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• In-depth understanding of sustainability frameworks, EMS (Environmental Management Systems), and ethical sourcing platforms such as Sedex.
• Demonstrated success in delivering sustainability strategies, ideally within fresh produce or agri-food sectors.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficient in environmental data analysis and sustainability reporting.

For further information, contact Luan at MorePeople on 01780 480530