Sustainability Lead

You will support the Sourcing & Sustainability Manager in developing and delivering the Group's Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing Strategy across[VH1] products, supply chain and operations. Working cross-functionally, you will support the implementation of sustainability initiatives, regulatory compliance, ESG reporting and responsible sourcing programmes, ensuring the business is prepared for emerging legislation whilst driving measurable environmental and social improvements across the value chain.,

• Support the development, implementation and continual improvement of the Group's Product Sustainability Targets and Responsible Sourcing Strategy
• Measure, analyse, and report progress against sustainability targets, commitments, and ESG objectives, including internal OKRs and external frameworks
Responsible Sourcing & Ethical Compliance
• Support the Group's responsible sourcing, ethical trade and human rights due diligence programmes, ensuring suppliers operate in line with company standards and international best practice.
• Manage supplier social compliance programmes, including ethical audits, corrective action plans, supplier engagement and ongoing performance monitoring.
• Support the implementation of supply chain due diligence requirements relating to modern slavery, forced labour, worker welfare and responsible business conduct.
Product Sustainability & Regulatory Compliance
• Support product sustainability compliance programmes, ensuring products meet current and emerging environmental legislation across all applicable markets.
• Monitor emerging sustainability legislation and regulatory developments (including product and ESG regulations), assess business impacts and coordinate implementation across relevant functions.
• Support the development of Digital Product Passport capability, product traceability and environmental claims governance.
ESG Reporting & Governance
• Lead ESG data collection, validation and reporting for product sustainability metrics, external disclosures and voluntary commitments, ensuring robust governance and audit readiness.
• Prepare & support responses for sustainability ratings, customer requests, investor questionnaires and external reporting including Modern Slavery, UK Textile Pact, CDP and other sustainability frameworks where applicable.
• Develop sustainability policies, standards and internal governance processes to support regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.
• Lead sustainability risk management by identifying, assessing and reporting environmental, social and climate-related risks and opportunities, including material impacts, financial risks and regulatory exposure, supporting the business's enterprise risk management processes.
Stakeholder Engagement
• Build strong relationships with suppliers, industry bodies, NGOs, certification organisations and external partners to promote best practice and identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Deliver sustainability training, communication and engagement programmes across Product, Sourcing, Buying and other business functions to embed sustainability into everyday decision making.
• Drive innovation & continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to reduce environmental impact, improve circularity and strengthen responsible sourcing practices across the business.
  
  Degree (or equivalent experience) in Sustainability, Environmental Science, CSR, Supply Chain, Fashion, Textiles or a related discipline.
• 3+ years experience working in Sustainability, ESG, Responsible Sourcing or Corporate Responsibility roles.[VH4.1]
• Strong understanding of ESG reporting frameworks and sustainability legislation.
• Experience engaging with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting ESG data and producing meaningful reports.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Experience with certifications and programmes such as Better Cotton, GRS, FSC, CanopyStyle or similar.
• Knowledge of legislation such as ESPR, Digital Product Passports, CSRD, CSDDD, Modern Slavery and Green Claims.
• Experience using ESG or supplier management platforms.
  
  N Brown - who we are and why work for us?
N Brown is a leading UK digital retail platform for clothing, footwear, home and technology, headquartered in Manchester and employing over 1,000 people nationwide. Through our strategic retail brands JD Williams, Jacamo and Simply Be and our unique payments offering, we exist to champion inclusivity and serve the underserved. Our customers are our passion, and we take great pride in delivering products that ensure they can look and feel amazing, without compromising on choice, value and accessibility. We're committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment that values equality for all. Our vision is that by 'By championing inclusion, N Brown will become the UK's most loved and trusted consumer platform, shaping the future of financial empowerment and personal expression'. 'Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging are, therefore, at the heart of our culture. In May 2024 we were delighted to be named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024. We work hard to create a happy and inclusive culture for everyone and we're so proud to have made this list - as voted for by our very own colleagues!


• 24 days holiday (+ 8 bank holidays)
• Annual bonus scheme
• Enhanced maternity and adoption leave
• Company pension with up to 8% N Brown contribution
• Mental Health support both internally and externally, including access to our wellbeing champions and counselling services
• A range of financial wellbeing support
• Stream - a financial wellbeing tool that helps you track your pay, access earnings early and manage your money with confidence
• Colleague discount across all N Brown brands
• Onsite café with subsidised rates and local restaurant discounts!
• Life Assurance
• Paid volunteer time - all our colleagues can take a full day paid to volunteer for a charity of their choice
Ways of Working We offer hybrid working which varies across the business depending on the role you're in. Our Head Office is located in the Northern Quarter in Manchester City Centre. So if you are travelling by train, tram or bus we're perfectly located, plus we're surrounded by cool cafes, trendy bars and the best places to eat! Our working hours are 36.17 per week over 5 days. We believe AI will become a standard part of modern professional practice. We are therefore looking for individuals who are open to learning, testing, and responsibly adopting AI tools to improve efficiency, insight, and impact in their role.