Sustainability Manager, Due Diligence

The Role We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Sustainability Manager to lead and implement strategic due diligence initiatives that drive positive impact across the leather value chain, from farm to finished leather. In this role, you will champion best practices in due diligence, focusing on critical issues such as deforestation, animal welfare, and human rights. You will work closely with key stakeholders to leverage collaboration and collective action to enhance their sustainability practices. Your work will be pivotal in advancing LWG's objectives and ensuring the leather industry meets its regulatory and voluntary sustainability commitments. Main responsibilities Develop and implement strategic due diligence projects that address key environmental and human rights challenges within the leather value chain, ensuring alignment with LWG’s goals. Build and foster partnerships with key stakeholders, including cattle supply chain actors, brands, leather manufacturers, and NGOs, to drive collective action on due diligence issues. Lead initiatives on relevant due diligence areas such as deforestation, animal welfare, and human rights, advocating for and promoting sustainable practices across the industry. Conduct research and analysis to identify strategic opportunities for positive change, using insights to influence industry practices and policies. Work cross-functionally with the Standards and Assurance team to ensure LWG standards are aligned with global regulations and support companies in meeting both mandatory and voluntary sustainability commitments. Facilitate regular communication and engagement activities, including working group meetings, webinars, and written communications, to keep stakeholders informed and aligned with due diligence efforts. Develop and disseminate resources such as case studies, guidance documents, and regulatory updates to support stakeholders in implementing due diligence practices and achieving sustainability goals. Monitor, evaluate, and report on the effectiveness of due diligence initiatives, incorporating stakeholder feedback to drive continuous improvement. Serve as LWG’s subject matter expert on due diligence, representing the organization at industry events, conferences, and relevant forums. Experience and Qualifications Bachelor's degree or higher in environmental science, geography, engineering, agriculture, sustainability, or a related field. Proven experience in driving positive change in supply chains, with a specific focus on deforestation due diligence. Strong understanding of multistakeholder collaboration, with experience in engaging diverse stakeholders to address complex sustainability challenges. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and build relationships with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. Knowledge of sustainability standards, certification programs, and key regulations within the leather industry. Experience with GIS and geospatial analysis. Proven ability to manage projects, facilitate stakeholder dialogue, and drive consensus towards common goals. Comfortable working remotely across different time zones and willing to travel domestically and internationally as required. Commitment to the principles of environmental stewardship and sustainable development. Employment Package Position: Manager or senior manager depending on experience level Reports to: Director of Sustainability Full-Time Position, Hours a Week Location: Remote, preferred to be based in the UK or similar time zone. Salary Range: £50-70,000 Start Date: As Soon as Available Leather Working Group offers a competitive compensation package that includes opportunities for professional development and advancement within the organization. We have a collaborative and inclusive work environment with a small, dedicated team of passionate professionals. Joining the team is a chance to work with a leading not-for-profit organisation with a vision for a future where leather is sourced, produced, and used sustainably, protecting people and the planet. Salary guidance is provided based on being in the UK, but final offers will be made in alignment with the candidate’s experience and location. All candidates need to have the right to work in their country of residence, LWG does not provide visa or relocation support. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis as they are submitted. Early application is strongly encouraged. About Leather Working Group Leather Working Group (LWG) is a global non-profit, multi-stakeholder initiative committed to building a world where leather is sourced, produced, and used sustainably, protecting people and the planet. LWG supports and encourages the use of responsibly made leather as a sustainable material by inspiring, educating, and challenging those that produce and use leather. Through collaboration, convening, and standard setting, we are collectively creating a transparent leather value chain that achieves positive impacts aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals. To learn more, visit the Leather Working Group website. Leather Working Group is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and creating a workplace culture in which diversity and inclusion is valued and everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As part of our zero-tolerance approach to discrimination in any form, any job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (Protected Characteristics).

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