Job Title

Main Purpose: The Social & Environmental Responsibility (SER) Specialist supports the Head of Sustainability, India in ensuring that Bata’s supply base upholds the Bata Supplier Code of Conduct and meets all applicable labour, health & safety, and environmental requirements. The role conducts on‑site and desktop assessments, drives corrective actions to closure, and builds supplier capability in partnership with Sourcing, Manufacturing, and Global Sustainability. A key expectation is to help suppliers advance from basic compliance toward a stronger due‑diligence model grounded in self‑verification, traceable evidence, and proactive risk management.Core Accountabilities:Audit & AssessmentPlan and conduct social and environmental responsibility assessments across Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, verifying alignment with the Bata Supplier Code of Conduct, local regulations, and relevant industry standards (e.g., SLCP, Higg FSLM, SA8000). Carry out worker interviews, review contracts, time and pay records, age/ID documents, grievance logs, and EHS documentation, and complete comprehensive facility walkthroughs. Assess homeworker and subcontracting risks where applicable. Prepare clear assessment reports with ratings, supporting evidence, and prioritized non‑conformities (critical/major/minor). Support Bata’s shift toward a due‑diligence and self‑verification model by evaluating supplier readiness to maintain accurate, traceable compliance evidence.Corrective Actions & Continuous ImprovementCo‑develop Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) with suppliers, establish realistic timelines, and verify closure through evidence reviews and on‑site or remote follow‑ups. Identify and track recurring systemic risks (e.g., overtime, wage compliance, freedom of association, contractor management, dormitory/canteen conditions) and escalate critical issues immediately. Strengthen supplier capability to adopt self‑assessment and due‑diligence practices that reduce reliance on external audits over time.Capability BuildingDeliver targeted training to suppliers and internal teams on working‑hours and wage management, grievance mechanisms, responsible recruitment, anti‑harassment/discipline, and foundational EHS topics. Support supplier onboarding and re‑qualification through risk screening, documentation review, and improvement roadmaps. Equip suppliers with the knowledge and tools required for credible self‑verification and data‑integrity management.Data, Reporting & GovernanceMaintain accurate assessment schedules, findings, CAP progress, and risk flags in the compliance system. Produce monthly dashboards and updates for India Leadership and Global Sustainability. Support external verifications and ensure consistent reporting aligned with global templates, governance cadence, and sustainability metrics. Guide suppliers in improving documentation quality, traceability, and record‑keeping aligned with due‑diligence requirements.Cross‑Functional PartnershipCollaborate with Sourcing, Quality, and Manufacturing to sequence assessments efficiently and minimize disruption to production operations. Provide insights for vendor selection, consolidation, and capability‑building priorities. Coordinate with EHS teams where worker‑safety or environmental topics intersect with social‑compliance requirements. Reinforce due‑diligence and self‑verification expectations across cross‑functional teams to support long‑term supplier performance and risk reduction.Resource AccountabilitiesFinancial (Direct and Indirect)People (FTE – Direct and Indirect)1-3 Field StaffOther Measures (e.g. Revenue/Equipment/Property)Key Relationships:Sourcing Teams Quality TeamsExternal Vendors (Tier 1 & 2)Product Development TeamsIn‑House Manufacturing, Retail, Distribution Centres/Warehouses & Office TeamsOther related Senior Management RolesDesired Skills & Experience:2 -4 years of experience in social compliance, environmental responsibility, EHS, or responsible sourcing, preferably within footwear, apparel, or manufacturing‑driven supply chains.Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Business, Environmental Studies, or a related field.Experience conducting social compliance audits and familiarity with standards such as SLCP, Higg FSLM, SA8000, BSCI, or SMETA.Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust with suppliers and internal partners.Solid proficiency in MS Dynamics or Microsoft 365 tools (e.g., Teams, SharePoint, Power BI) for documentation, workflow management, and reporting.Ability to work independently while managing multiple supplier engagements, with up to 50% in‑field travel.Hands‑on, proactive, and detail‑oriented, with a strong sense of ownership.Competencies:Integrity & Confidentiality- handles sensitive worker and supplier data with discretion. Attention to Detail & Judgement- weighs evidence, distinguishes symptoms vs. root causes, and prioritizes critical risks. Influence without Authority- guides suppliers toward sustainable improvements while balancing rigor with practicality.Problem Solving & Follow‑through- drives CAP closures on time; escalates blockers early. Cultural Awareness & Inclusion - builds trust across diverse supplier contexts.