Responsible Sourcing Associate

Job DescriptionRole: Responsible Sourcing AssociateContract: Full-Time, PermanentLocation: Havant, Hampshire, PO9 1QJWorking 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:Consider Style. 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 SummaryWere looking for a confident and capable Responsible Sourcing Associate to support the execution of our responsible sourcing strategy. This role plays a key part in maintaining our material and supply chain standards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and helping us push forward innovation in due diligence and impact reporting.You will lead on managing key sustainability standards (e.g. materials standards for example, Better Cotton, Leather Working Group, Good Cashmere Standard), assess supplier data for Scope 3 and carbon impact, and support critical initiatives like Digital Product Passports and design circularity pilots. Youll also work closely with the analyst to manage data and claims, and help train internal teams on sourcing standards.This role is ideal for someone highly organised, loves systems, and confident presentingRole ResponsibilitiesManage and maintain compliance with key sourcing standards, for example Better Cotton and Traceable Better Cotton, Leather Working Group (LWG), Good Cashmere Standard (GCS)Ensure accurate documentation, due diligence, audit tracking, and claims substantiation across standards.Lead claims validation in coordination with the Responsible Sourcing Manager (RSM) and Analyst.Conduct due diligence related to high-risk sourcing issues, including Uighur forced labour exposure.Support retail store auditing and internal supply chain assessments.Stay informed on upcoming legislation affecting sourcing (e.g. CSDDD, ESPR, DPP).Collate and assess supplier Scope 3 emissions data in collaboration with responsible sourcing, DBMS and suppliersAssist with lifecycle assessments (LCA) and new data systems implementation (e.g. for ESPR/DPP readiness).Support RSM in driving forward circularity, regenerative materials, and impact measurement pilots.Engage the product teams on sustainable materials and processes, crew and customers through supporting marketing and communicationCreate clear, actionable internal documents, presentations, and guides for wider business use.B Corp - collate and supply dataCritical path driven, understanding of the buying calendarUnderstanding of Raw Material standardsReview social and environmental related information from suppliers e.g. certificates, policies, impact dataContribute to corporate reporting and sustainability updates on websiteAlign self to companies social and environmental mission and champion any actions that you can directly impact at all timesResponsibilities may evolve over time in line with business needs and your areas of strength.Skills and Experience23 years experience in responsible sourcing, ethical trade, or sustainability in fashion or consumer goods.Understanding of material and fibre standards (e.g. BCI, LWG, GCS), and certifications.Confident working with data in Excel able to manage, analyse, and clearly present complex information.Familiar with carbon reporting concepts (Scope 13) and regulatory frameworks (e.g. EU Deforestation Regulation, DPP, ESPR).Excellent communicator strong written and verbal presentation skills.Fast learner, comfortable with digital systems and collaborative platforms (e.g. PLM, Higg, PEFT)Intermediate excelProject management skills ability to manage multiple areas of work and meet deadlinesSystems experience e.g. Board, D365Raw material/ textile experience is an advantageInterest in environmental issuesAwareness of and interest in new legislation and emerging issues, ability to flag and raise risksConfident in documenting processes and disseminatingExperience across textiles, supply chain and operational areas, particularly around standards, fabric certifications, audit processes and corrective action planning.True passion for responsible product and sustainabilityRole CompetenciesAttention to Detail Manages documentation, standards, and data tracking with accuracy and consistency.Analytical Thinking Able to interpret and assess environmental, material, and Scope 3 data effectively.Organisation & Planning Manages multiple projects, deadlines, and seasonal requirements with a clear critical path mindset.Communication Delivers clear written and verbal updates, presentations, and training materials to engage a variety of stakeholders.Collaboration Works effectively across departments and with external partners to drive responsible sourcing goals.Adaptability Stays agile within a fast-changing sustainability landscape and regulatory environment.Initiative Proactively identifies risks, opportunities, and areas for improvement.Systems Confidence Quickly adapts to digital tools and data systems (e.g. PLM, Higg, D365).Purpose-Driven Demonstrates personal alignment with FatFaces mission and values, championing responsible change.Key Contacts and Relationships: Internal:Responsible Sourcing ManagerResponsible Sourcing TeamBuying, Design & Product TeamsComplianceMarketingRetail OperationsPeople TeamNEXT COP & Sustainability & Legislation TeamExternal:Suppliers & ManufacturersStandard Bodies & CertifiersAuditors & Technical ConsultantsPlatform ProvidersNGOs & Industry BodiesRegulators & FrameworksAccountable for Resources:Management and documentation of material standards (e.g. BCI, LWG, GCS)Tracking tools for supplier compliance, claims, and audit dataSustainability 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 communicationsCircularity and innovation pilots (e.g. regenerative fibres, product passports)Responsible sourcing documentation for corporate and B Corp reportingFatFace Benefits:25 days holiday plus bank holidaysPerkbox our online platform to use from day one (this includes amazing online discounts, home workouts, wellbeing content, popular brand discounts etc.)THRIVE Our learning management system- access from day one with 1000s of pieces of learningDental Insurance (employee funded)Pension schemeEAP support around the clock- UNUM/Retail Trust/ Fashion Textiles SupportCritical Illness Income Protection/Death in service for Salaried staffSick pay allowancesO2 phone discountEye Tests/contributions to glassesSabbatical leave in line with serviceEnhanced Family Friendly policies i.e. Maternity LeaveRefer a friend scheme

Created: 2025-07-03