Overview
Accountable for leading and delivering the continuous improvement of Hilton Foods' Group human rights programme, embedding robust human rights due diligence across operations and supply chains to identify, prevent, mitigate and remediate human rights risks, in line with the UN Guiding Principles and Hilton Foods' 2030 Sustainable Protein Plan and applicable regulatory requirements including the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and the UK Modern Slavery Act.
The role supports the integration of HRDD practices into operations through running the Group modern slavery strategy and associated training, managing the internal due diligence program via SMETA audits and enhanced labour provider & service provider audits, and integrating programmatic work such as responsible recruitment, accommodation standards and improved access to grievance. It is responsible for delivering the human rights strategy for the global supply base across 20 international production sites, including the delivery of the Group Ethical Onboarding and Approval Process for in-scope suppliers. This requires knowledge of ethical trade compliance, risk assessment systems, and a beyond-audit approach using multiple sources of insight to identify, manage and escalate ethical trade and human rights risks.
The Senior Manager will report to the Group Sustainability team, build relations with the Group People and Culture team, senior stakeholders across risk, procurement, and Local Excellence teams, and represent Hilton Foods in pre-competitive industry initiatives and with customers where relevant. They provide strategic and operational advice related to human rights and lead cross-functional collaboration to embed ethical standards across the supply chain and operations.
Responsibilities
* Provide group level strategic leadership on human rights due diligence, modern slavery risk management and remediation across the value chain, ensuring continuous improvement and regulatory alignment.
* Own and improve the Group Ethical Onboarding and Approval Process, including risk assessment approval, audit assessments, LET training, and monitoring to ensure proportionate due diligence beyond audits.
* Support the delivery of the human rights program into operations, including the modern slavery strategy, internal audit program and labour provider standards.
* Act as the central point of contact for ethical trade and human rights matters, managing relationships with key customers and suppliers, including escalations, remediation and continuous improvement activities.
* Partner with LETs and functions (Quality, Procurement, Technical, Legal/Compliance) to embed ethical standards across the supply chain and operations.
* Deliver the human rights areas of the Sustainable Protein Plan by translating commitments into priorities, plans and measurable outcomes.
* Lead priority human rights projects (e.g., modern slavery, responsible recruitment, living wage/income, grievance mechanisms) aligned to group sustainability commitments.
* Ensure compliance with relevant legislation (UK, Australian, Canadian Modern Slavery Acts; EU CSRD and CSDDD) and deliver required reporting.
* Represent Hilton Foods in external forums (e.g., FNET and other pre-competitive initiatives), sharing learning and influencing best practice.
Qualifications & Expertise
* Ethical Trade & Human Rights Expertise: Strong experience in ethical trade, human rights due diligence and/or responsible sourcing, ideally within food or FMCG supply chains.
* Working Knowledge: Sedex/SMETA, ETI Base Code and broader social compliance frameworks; ability to interpret social audits and define effective remediation.
* Leadership & Influence: Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams, translating risk and compliance into clear business actions.
* Data & Programme Management: Confident managing complex datasets and reporting, ensuring data quality and turning insights into prioritised actions; strong programme/project management skills.
* Education / Professional Background: Degree or equivalent professional experience in human rights, law, international development, sustainability, politics, HR, or business; typically 6+ years of related experience.
* Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to produce clear internal reporting and contribute to external disclosures.
Desirable
* Audit qualification/training (e.g., SA8000/SMETA, lead auditor) and experience engaging with NGOs/industry initiatives.
* In-depth knowledge of seafood human rights risks.
* Strong knowledge of risks related to labour providers and agency staff within a human rights context.
* Experience of making legal disclosures, particularly UK Modern Slavery Act Statements or equivalent.
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