Ethical Trade Executive

Discover Your Impact as an Ethical Trade Executive at Primark

Are you a forward-thinking professional with a passion for ethical practices and environmental sustainability? Primark is offering a compelling opportunity to join their dedicated Ethical Trade and Environmental Sustainability team. This role is more than just a job; it's a chance to be an integral part of Primark's "Primark Cares" strategy, directly contributing to social compliance, environmental stewardship, and legislative adherence within a global, fast-paced retail environment.

For candidates aspiring to make a tangible difference and grow their careers in a dynamic sector, this position presents a unique blend of strategic responsibility and hands-on execution. Primark's commitment to fostering individual growth and encouraging employees to "own their career" makes this an attractive prospect for ambitious professionals.

What You'll Experience in This Role:

As an Ethical Trade Executive, you will be at the forefront of ensuring Primark upholds its commitments. Your day-to-day will involve:

• Driving Audit Excellence: You will manage the entire audit lifecycle within the EMEAA region, from onboarding and forecasting to scheduling, execution, and reporting. This includes leading pre-audit meetings and ensuring timely and accurate review of audit findings.
• Cultivating Strong Partnerships: Building and nurturing robust relationships with suppliers, factory sites, and various stakeholders will be crucial. Your ability to foster clear communication and collaboration will directly influence the success of ethical trade initiatives.
• Empowering Through Education: You'll play a key role in knowledge transfer by delivering training sessions to diverse teams, including ethical, commercial, and supplier personnel. Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will ensure consistency and best practices across different regions.
• Championing Governance and Compliance: Leading third-party audit schedules and managing auditor relationships are central to this role. Ensuring the timely review and distribution of audit reports will be paramount to maintaining high standards.
• Proactive Risk Management: You'll be tasked with monitoring regional issues and global trends, proactively identifying and reporting potential risks. Your insights will help safeguard Primark's Ethical Trade programme and its leadership position in the industry.
• Driving Continuous Improvement: The role involves generating comprehensive monthly and annual regional reports, managing critical updates, and actively seeking opportunities to enhance processes and strengthen stakeholder partnerships.

Key Advantages for Your Career Path:

This role offers significant advantages for professionals looking to advance their careers in ethical trade and sustainability:

• Global Impact: You'll be working for a well-established global retailer, providing exposure to international operations and diverse challenges within the ethical trade landscape.
• Tangible Contribution: Your work will directly contribute to a company's commitment to responsible sourcing and sustainability, allowing you to see the real-world impact of your efforts.
• Skill Development: The role demands a multifaceted skill set, offering opportunities to hone your abilities in data analysis, stakeholder management, training, process improvement, and risk assessment.
• Career Growth: Primark emphasizes career development, encouraging employees to "own their career" and "leave their mark." This suggests a supportive environment for professional advancement and learning.
• Collaborative Environment: You'll be part of a 130-strong team and collaborate with various departments, fostering a culture of teamwork and shared purpose.
• Work-Life Balance: Primark offers a competitive benefits package, including generous leave, options to buy additional leave, and various lifestyle benefits, indicating a commitment to employee well-being.

Considerations for Aspiring Candidates:

To thrive in this role, consider the following aspects:

• Analytical Prowess: A strong command of data analysis, particularly with tools like Excel, is essential for managing and interpreting audit and compliance data.
• Meticulous Attention to Detail: The complex nature of ethical trade processes requires a high level of accuracy and a keen eye for detail.
• Interpersonal Dexterity: The ability to build rapport and effectively manage relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders across different cultures is vital.
• Proactive Mindset: This role rewards individuals who can anticipate challenges, identify risks, and propose solutions independently.
• Adaptability: Working in a fast-paced global retail environment requires flexibility and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Cultural Sensitivity: An understanding of human rights and environmental issues, coupled with strong intercultural communication skills, will be highly beneficial. Language skills are also an advantage.
• Desirable Background: While not strictly required, experience in manufacturing or logistics, practical interviewing skills, or social/environmental auditor qualifications would be a significant asset.

If you are driven by purpose, eager to innovate, and ready to contribute to a more ethical and sustainable future in fashion, this Ethical Trade Executive position at Primark could be the ideal next step in your career journey.