Human Rights Manager, Ethics & Sustainability

About the roleThe Ethics and Sustainability team are looking for a Human Rights Manager to join the team until March 2026 delivering the strategy and direction for Ethics and Sustainability, in line with the wider business strategy which will influence Customers, Partners, suppliers and the constitution.
You will support setting the Partnership’s E&S standards and initiatives within Human Rights and will ensure the implementation and measurement of these standards. You will prioritise and facilitate activities which will enhance and differentiate the Partnership’s position as a market leader in Ethics and Sustainability.
You work with the E&S team and Partners across the Partnership to deliver the commercial and market advantage that the E&S opportunity provides to the Partnership. You will be customer and impact focused with the aim that customers are more engaged than ever, responding positively to our initiatives and encouraging us to go further.

At a glance

• Expected Salary - £52,600 - £70,000 

• Contract type - This position is a Fixed Term contract until March 2026

• Working pattern/flexible working - This is a hybrid working role, therefore your time will primarily be split between working from home and the London or Bracknell Head Office. However, there will also be an expectation to visit other locations as the need arises. 

Key responsibilities 

• Co-develop the Partnership’s position on ethical trade and human rights, working closely with the Lead, Responsible Sourcing and Manager, Human Rights (non food), designed to improve the livelihoods of the people working in Partnership supply chains, with a particular focus on worker voice

• Identify, monitor and address emerging issue issues in ethical trade and human rights

• Create and maintain human rights policies and standards relating to ethical trade and RSCOP

• Have a plan in place for salient human rights risks identified (refreshed annually) with programmes in place for priority  areas (own operations and GFR/GNFR supply chains) and an aligned approach to high risk areas, for example use of agency workers

• Be accountable for our approach and process for ethical compliance at a factory level

• Develop contingency plans with trading teams where remediation is required with suppliers against standards

• Play a supporting role in the delivery of the Waitrose Foundation programme, ensuring robust governance and effectiveness, including its Global Board, Country Steering Groups and Global Strategic Initiative

• Provide robust insight and data to inform ethical trade and human rights reporting, for example the Modern Slavery Statement

• Manage contracts with 3rd party providers, for example for auditing and programme partnerships

• Represent the Partnership externally, influencing public opinion formers, NGOs and charities and bring in their expert feedback to position the Partnership as a leader in E&S and maximise the shared value of our initiatives.

Essential skills/experience you’ll need 

• Experience or qualifications relevant to your specific area of accountability - Human Rights /  Ethical Trade / Responsible Sourcing 

• Degree level qualification or relevant experience in Human Rights /  Ethical Trade / Responsible Sourcing  

• Experience in understanding relevant UK / EU legislation, certification standards and assurance schemes

• Experience of delivering successful strategic projects, for example with partners including government, industry bodies and NGOs

• Experience in senior stakeholder management 

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About The Partnership

We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us.

We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.

As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect.

We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective.

As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.

Important points to note:

It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting. If required, you’ll find out more about vetting throughout the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays.

We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants.

We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.