The Role
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Deforestation Due Diligence Manager to join our team, focusing primarily on deforestation due diligence in the cattle supply chain. In this role, you will have the unique opportunity to drive positive impacts upstream in the leather value chain. You will work closely with key stakeholders to leverage collaboration and collective action to enhance sustainability practices, ultimately contributing to positive improvements in the leather value chain and achieving Leather Working Group's (LWG) aims, including 100% DCF by 2030.
This is a fully remote role - international candidates are encouraged to apply.
Main responsibilities
* Build partnerships and collaborate with key stakeholders, including cattle supply chain actors, brands, leather manufacturers, NGOs, and others, to develop and implement initiatives focused on due diligence in the cattle value chain, that are aligned with LWG's aims and relevant regulations.
* Conduct research and analysis to understand contexts and identify strategic opportunities to influence positive change in the cattle value chain.
* Facilitate regular engagement and communication to keep stakeholders up to date, drive alignment in the industry, and collect input, including activities such as organizing and leading working group meetings, contributing articles to our website, distributing e-shots, hosting webinars, and participating in meetings with stakeholders.
* Serve as a subject matter expert on due diligence issues, representing Leather Working Group at events and conferences.
* Monitor, evaluate, and report on the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives, collecting feedback from stakeholders and identifying opportunities for improvement.
* Develop and implement knowledge-sharing opportunities, such as case studies, guidance documents, expert reports, and other resources, to support stakeholders in implementing sustainable practices and achieving sustainability aims, and to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory developments.
* Advocate for sustainable practices within the cattle industry through engagement with key stakeholders, leveraging your expertise to drive collective action and lead on due diligence issues, such as deforestation, animal welfare, and social responsibility.
* Work closely with the Standards and Assurance team to ensure the LWG Standard is aligned with relevant regulations and supports companies in meeting their voluntary sustainability commitments and reporting requirements.
Experience and Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree or higher in environmental science, geography, engineering, agriculture, sustainability, or a related field.
* Relevant experience driving positive change in supply chains, with a specific focus on deforestation due diligence
* Strong understanding of multistakeholder collaboration and experience engaging with diverse stakeholders to address sustainability challenges.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and build relationships with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
* Knowledge of sustainability standards and certification programs within the leather industry, as well as key regulations, desired.
* GIS experience and an understanding of geospatial analysis desired.
* Proven ability to manage projects, facilitate stakeholder dialogue, and drive consensus towards common goals.
* Comfortable working remotely, across different time zones.
* Willing to travel domestically and internationally as required.
* Commitment to the principles of environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Employment Package
Position: Manager or senior manager depending on experience level
Reports to: Director of Sustainability
Full-Time Position, 37.5 Hours a Week
Location: Remote, preferred to be based in the UK or similar time zone, international candidates encouraged to apply
Salary Range: £45-65,000
Start Date: As Soon as Available
Leather Working Group offers a competitive compensation package that includes opportunities for professional development and advancement within the organization. We have a collaborative and inclusive work environment with a small, dedicated team of passionate professionals. Joining the team is a chance to work with a leading not-for-profit organisation with a vision for a future where leather is sourced, produced, and used sustainably, protecting people and the planet.
Salary guidance is provided based on being UK-based, but final offers will be made in alignment with the candidate’s experience and location. All candidates need to have the right to work in their country of residence, LWG does not provide visa or relocation support.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis as they are submitted. Early application submission is strongly encouraged.
About Leather Working Group
Leather Working Group (LWG) is a global non-profit, multi-stakeholder initiative committed to building a world where leather is sourced, produced, and used sustainably, protecting people and the planet.
LWG supports and encourages the use of responsibly made leather as a sustainable material by inspiring, educating, and challenging those that produce and use leather. Through collaboration, convening, and standard setting, we are collectively creating a transparent leather value chain that achieves positive impacts aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals.
To learn more, visit the Leather Working Group website: https://www.leatherworkinggroup.com/
Leather Working Group is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and creating a workplace culture in which diversity and inclusion is valued and everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As part of our zero-tolerance approach to discrimination in any form, any job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (Protected Characteristics).