Job Description

AVK is seeking an experienced Responsible Sourcing & ESG Assurance Manager to take ownership of Aim 3: Powering Fairer and Responsible Business within AVK’s sustainability strategy, The Footprint We Leave

This is a senior Subject Matter Expert (SME) role responsible for leading the development, implementation and continuous improvement of AVK’s responsible sourcing, supply chain ESG and ESG assurance programmes. The role will play a central part in strengthening both AVK’s own ESG performance and the ESG maturity of our supplier ecosystem, while building internal capability and embedding practical sustainability processes across the business.

You will act as the organisation’s lead SME across supplier ESG, responsible sourcing and ESG assurance, helping AVK establish credible, scalable and commercially relevant approaches to supplier engagement, Scope 3 emissions management, ESG data quality and external ESG performance.

This role combines strategic ownership with hands-on delivery. You will shape AVK’s approach to responsible sourcing and supplier ESG while also being comfortable rolling up their sleeves to build processes, manage data, coordinate assessments, engage suppliers and support day-to-day delivery activities. The role requires someone equally comfortable operating at strategic, operational and practical levels across suppliers, systems, governance and internal stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

Ownership of Aim 3: Powering Fairer and Responsible Business

• Take ownership of the delivery and continuous evolution of Aim 3 within AVK’s Sustainability Strategy.
• Translate strategic sustainability ambitions into practical, measurable and scalable programmes, processes and reporting structures.
• Act as AVK’s senior SME for responsible sourcing, supplier ESG and ESG assurance matters.
• Drive improvements in both AVK’s internal ESG maturity and the ESG performance of the wider supplier network.

Responsible Sourcing & Supplier ESG

• Lead the development and implementation of AVK’s responsible sourcing and supplier ESG approach.
• Develop supplier ESG engagement, onboarding and assessment processes aligned to business risk, customer expectations and regulatory developments.
• Work collaboratively with suppliers to improve ESG maturity, transparency and performance over time.
• Own and continuously improve AVK’s supplier ESG risk management process within Sedex, including supplier risk screening, risk tracking, follow-up actions and reporting.
• Lead the development and monitoring of supplier corrective action plans where ESG gaps or risks are identified.
• Define and maintain a risk-based supplier segmentation approach, prioritising effort across strategic suppliers, critical categories, high-risk geographies and lower-maturity suppliers.
• Develop practical supplier engagement and capability-building initiatives, including the evolution of supplier-focused learning and support programmes (e.g. through development of a supplier Academy).
• Support the integration of ESG considerations into procurement, supplier management and commercial decision-making processes.

Scope 3 Emissions & Supplier Data

• Work closely with the Environmental Sustainability Manager to lead the development, maintenance and continuous improvement of AVK’s supplier-related Scope 3 emissions baseline.
• Improve the quality, structure and governance of supplier ESG and emissions data to support target-setting, reporting and decision-making.
• Support the development of credible Scope 3 reduction pathways and supplier engagement strategies over time.
• Support the integration of ESG requirements into supplier questionnaires, contractual terms, framework agreements and supplier performance routines.
• Establish practical methodologies, controls and documentation for supplier ESG and carbon data collection and management.

ESG Assurance, Ratings & Reporting

• Lead and coordinate AVK’s participation in external ESG ratings, assessments and assurance frameworks, including EcoVadis and other relevant schemes.
• Manage the collection, organisation and maintenance of evidence and supporting documentation required for ESG submissions, customer requests and assurance activities.
• Support ESG reporting and disclosure activities related to responsible sourcing, supply chain ESG and supplier performance.
• Monitor emerging ESG reporting expectations, customer requirements and regulatory developments relevant to supply chains and responsible business practices.

Internal Capability & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with Procurement, Legal, Commercial, Finance and Operational teams to embed ESG requirements into day-to-day business processes.
• Support customer bids, tenders and contractual ESG requirements, particularly those linked to supply chain sustainability, responsible sourcing and assurance.
• Build internal understanding, capability and consistency around supplier ESG, responsible sourcing and Scope 3 topics.
• Develop clear governance, reporting routines, guidance materials and process documentation to support long-term scalability and continuity.

Requirements

• Significant experience in sustainability, responsible sourcing, ESG assurance, supply chain sustainability or related ESG disciplines.
• Strong knowledge of supplier ESG management, Scope 3 emissions, ESG data and assurance processes.
• Experience operating as a SME or lead practitioner within a sustainability or responsible business function.
• Strong understanding of ESG-related procurement expectations, supply chain due diligence and evolving UK/EU sustainability regulations such as CBAM.
• Ability to influence and engage a broad range of stakeholders, including suppliers, customers and internal leadership teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work pragmatically with incomplete or evolving datasets.
• Highly organised, delivery-focused and capable of managing multiple strategic and operational priorities simultaneously.
• A proactive and collaborative mindset, with strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to balance strategic thinking and practical implementation.

Benefits

• Up to £80,000 base salary
• Competitive benefits package
• Flexible / hybrid working options
• Ongoing training and career development
• Supportive, collaborative team environment
• Health Care
• Bonus Scheme