Role: Responsible Sourcing Assistant Contract : Full-Time, Permanent Location: Havant, Hampshire, PO9 1QJ Working Arrangements : Hybrid Working (3 days per week office based) Who are we? For over 30 years, weve travelled, weve laughed, weve grown. We believe life is for living and more fun with those we love. We are Made for Life. Our mission statement: Crafting clothes for lifes everyday adventures. Today, tomorrow and always. Our Product formula: Trusted Quality. B Corp certified. Equality and inclusion isnt an aspiration but the standard. We promote and drive equality within our workforce to ignite an inclusive foundation for us all to build from and truly connect with our customers, colleagues, and communities alike. You play a key part in creating an environment free from prejudice, racism, sexism, harassment, bullying and any other form of marginalisation in our workplaces. Role Summary A key role in supporting the Responsible Sourcing team with supplier onboarding, factory due diligence, compliance tracking and materials management. Reporting to the Junior Ethical Trade and Materials Manager, this role offers hands-on experience with both ethical trade and responsible materials, and would suit someone with an analytical mindset, and a passion for improving working conditions and environmental practices in fashion supply chains. Role Responsibilities Align self to companies social and environmental mission and champion any actions that you can directly impact at all times Support the Junior Ethical Trade and Materials Manager with the following tasks: Supplier & Factory Using audit reports to create corrective action plans, issue to suppliers and monitor responses Support supplier/factory onboarding process - information collection and system set up Update and maintain supplier and factory database Update FatFace Factory list for Supply Hub & FatFace website (Every 6 months) Coordinate supply chain mapping ensuring forms are sent out and we receive complete and accurate data Reporting eg. On non compliances Material Standards & Compliance Maintain Factory Scope Certifications excel database ensure we have a valid Factory Scope Certification saved down and listed on the sheet for factories in our supply chain. Review Leather Tracker to ensure data accuracy and document collection Ensure all Leaping Bunny declarations are collected, and trackers updated Assist in maintaining the Lenzing tracker and applying for product licenses on time Assist in maintaining the Linen tracker and requesting certification from suppliers on time Ad Hoc Monitor the Responsible Sourcing inbox and forward emails to relevant team members Regular engagement in webinars, news and training material Liaising with Suppliers (Questions about Certs. Audits. Training) Support RS Team on ad hoc projects and activities including coordinating supplier conferences Maintain contact database (ensuring all contacts are up to data etc) Maintain Policy document log and communicate updates to suppliers Skills and Experience Experience Level/Qualification: Excellent IT skills with demonstrable experience in excel. Good knowledge of Microsoft Office suite. Interest in sustainability & ethical fashion. Fluent in written and spoken English. Additional languages would be advantageous. 1 years'' experience in a similar Office based role, ideally within sustainability or a commercial role. General Skills: Passion for sustainability and responsible sourcing Willingness to learn and develop new skills Disciplined, detailed, analytical, passionate, team player Integrity in personality Good communication skills An outgoing and confident personality; energy, enthusiasm, drive and a can do attitude. Role Competencies Collaboration Works effectively with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and external partners to drive responsible sourcing outcomes Attention to Detail Ensures accuracy in audit tracking, compliance documentation, and claims validation Problem Solving Approaches challenges with a solution-focused mindset, particularly in complex sourcing and compliance scenarios Initiative Proactively identifies risks and opportunities for improvement across suppliers, materials, and processes Planning & Organisation Manages multiple projects, audits, and onboarding activities simultaneously with clear timelines and prioritisation Communication Confidently communicates technical and compliance information to a variety of stakeholders in a clear and engaging way Leadership Supports, coaches and inspires others, contributing to a positive and high-performing team environment Adaptability Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment with changing legislation and business needs Key Contacts and Relationships: Internal: Responsible Sourcing Manager Responsible Sourcing Team Buying, Design & Product Teams Compliance Marketing Retail Operations People Team NEXT COP & Sustainability & Legislation Team External: Suppliers & Manufacturers Standard Bodies & Certifiers Auditors & Technical Consultants Platform Providers NGOs & Industry Bodies Regulators & Frameworks Accountable for Resources: Management and documentation of material standards (e.g. BCI, LWG, GCS) Tracking tools for supplier compliance, claims, and audit data Sustainability platforms and systems (e.g. DPP, PEFT, PLM) Supplier and product-related environmental data (Scope 3, lifecycle, impact metrics) Internal training materials, presentations, and sustainability communications Circularity and innovation pilots (e.g. regenerative fibres, product passports) Responsible sourcing documentation for corporate and B Corp reporting FatFace Benefits: Financial & Protection Benefits Sick pay allowances Critical Illness Income protection/ Death in service (for salaried colleagues) Pension scheme with net deduction and salary sacrifice options Dental insurance (colleague funded) Discounts & Perks 60% off FatFace products 25% discount at Next stores (across full price products) O2 phone discount Discounted gym membership Cycle to Work scheme (for salaried colleagues) EV vehicle scheme (for salaried colleagues) Perkbox our online platform offering: Day-one access Exclusive brand discounts Wellbeing content Home workouts and more Health & Wellbeing Specsavers eye care scheme Eye tests and contributions to glasses Free period products EAP support 24/7 via UNUM, Retail Trust, and Fashion & Textiles Support Learning & Development THRIVE our learning management system: Day-one access 1,000s of learning resources Time Off & Leave 25 days holiday plus bank holidays Sabbatical leave (in line with service) Enhanced family-friendly policies including enhanced maternity leave Flexible Working Opportunities flexible working requests can be made from day one of employment and are considered on an individual basis. Additional Perks Refer a Friend scheme55b20050-bc17-4e5d-bfce-3c406318dffc
Job Title
Responsible Sourcing Assistant