Human Rights & Ethical Trade Manager

Overview

As Human Rights and Ethical Trade Manager, you will guide the delivery of Co-op’s human rights strategy across global supply chains. You’ll work with suppliers and cross-functional teams to mitigate risks, drive improvements in working conditions, and promote ethical practices. The role blends practical guidance with strategic oversight, ensuring responsible sourcing aligns with business priorities. This is a mission-driven opportunity to shape industry-leading standards within a large, member-owned cooperative.

Pay / Benefits

• annual bonus
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32)
• pension with up to 10% employer contributions
• subsidised onsite gym
• 30% discount on Co-op products
• virtual healthcare

Responsibilities

• Identify and mitigate human rights risks within defined product categories and collaborate with partners to drive remediation
• Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers and category teams; lead cross-functional reviews on supplier performance
• Provide training and practical guidance to suppliers and colleagues on improving working conditions
• Support development of long-term human rights strategy and key risk positions
• Lead delivery of defined supply chain projects and programmes to achieve measurable improvements
• Stay updated on emerging issues, industry activity and competitor trends to inform decision making
• Represent Co-op in industry forums and collaborative initiatives to address systemic human rights challenges

Key requirements

• Significant experience in an ethical trade, human rights, or responsible sourcing role
• Strong knowledge of ethical trade standards, due diligence, and worker welfare issues
• Commercial experience with category teams and suppliers to improve working conditions
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with data interpretation and action translation
• Strong communication and presentation skills; ability to inspire on sustainability and human rights
• Strong relationship-building experience with suppliers and external partners

• communication
• relationship-building
• inspiration/leadership
• ethical trade standards
• human rights due diligence
• data interpretation and trend analysis

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