Overview
We're looking for a confident and capable Responsible Sourcing Associate to support the execution of our responsible sourcing strategy. This role plays a key part in maintaining our material and supply chain standards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and helping us push forward innovation in due diligence and impact reporting. You will lead on managing key sustainability standards (e.g. Better Cotton, Leather Working Group, Good Cashmere Standard), assess supplier data for Scope 3 and carbon impact, and support critical initiatives like Digital Product Passports and design circularity pilots. You'll also work closely with the analyst to manage data and claims, and help train internal teams on sourcing standards. This role is ideal for someone highly organised, loves systems, and confident in presenting.
Responsibilities
* Manage and maintain compliance with key sourcing standards, for example Better Cotton and Traceable Better Cotton, Leather Working Group (LWG), Good Cashmere Standard (GCS).
* Ensure accurate documentation, due diligence, audit tracking, and claims substantiation across standards.
* Lead claims validation in coordination with the Responsible Sourcing Manager (RSM) and Analyst.
* Conduct due diligence related to high-risk sourcing issues, including Uighur forced labour exposure.
* Support retail store auditing and internal supply chain assessments.
* Stay informed on upcoming legislation affecting sourcing (e.g. CSDDD, ESPR, DPP).
* Collate and assess supplier Scope 3 emissions data in collaboration with responsible sourcing, DBMS and suppliers.
* Assist with lifecycle assessments (LCA) and new data systems implementation (e.g. for ESPR/DPP readiness).
* Support RSM in driving forward circularity, regenerative materials, and impact measurement pilots.
* Engage the product teams on sustainable materials and processes, crew and customers through supporting marketing and communication.
* Create clear, actionable internal documents, presentations, and guides for wider business use.
* B Corp - collate and supply data.
* Critical path driven, understanding of the buying calendar.
* Understanding of Raw Material standards.
* Review social and environmental related information from suppliers e.g. certificates, policies, impact data.
* Contribute to corporate reporting and sustainability updates on website.
* Align self to the company\'s social and environmental mission and champion any actions that you can directly impact at all times.
* Responsibilities may evolve over time in line with business needs and your areas of strength.
Qualifications
* At least 2 years' experience in responsible sourcing, ethical trade, or sustainability in fashion or consumer goods.
* Understanding of material and fibre standards (e.g. BCI, LWG, GCS), and certifications.
* Confident working with data in Excel - able to manage, analyse, and clearly present complex information.
* Familiar with carbon reporting concepts (Scope 1-3) and regulatory frameworks (e.g. EU Deforestation Regulation, DPP, ESPR).
* Excellent communicator - strong written and verbal presentation skills.
* Fast learner, comfortable with digital systems and collaborative platforms (e.g. PLM, Higg, PEFT).
* Intermediate Excel.
* Project management skills - ability to manage multiple areas of work and meet deadlines.
* Systems experience e.g. Board, D365.
* Raw material/ textile experience is an advantage.
* Interest in environmental issues.
* Awareness of and interest in new legislation and emerging issues, ability to flag and raise risks.
* Confident in documenting processes and disseminating.
* Experience across textiles, supply chain and operational areas, particularly around standards, fabric certifications, audit processes and corrective action planning.
* True passion for responsible product and sustainability.
* Competencies: Attention to Detail, Analytical Thinking, Organisation & Planning, Communication, Collaboration, Adaptability, Initiative, Systems Confidence, and Purpose-Driven alignment with FatFace\'s mission and values.
Benefits
* Perkbox – online platform with discounts and wellbeing content.
* THRIVE – learning management system accessible from day one.
* Dental Insurance (employee funded).
* Pension scheme.
* EAP support around the clock.
* Critical Illness Income Protection/Death in service for salaried staff.
* Sick pay allowances.
* O2 phone discount.
* Eye tests/contributions to glasses.
* Sabbatical leave in line with service.
* Enhanced Family Friendly policies (e.g. Maternity Leave).
* Refer a friend scheme.
#J-18808-Ljbffr