DescriptionSustainability Assistant - Supply Chain - Part time
We are seeking a dedicated and proactive Supply Chain Assistant to join our team. This role will support in driving sustainability initiatives across our supply chain, focusing on supplier onboarding, engagement, and impact reduction for the NEXT Group.
The Sustainability Team is a central NEXT Group function that covers all aspects of Environmental Sustainability. We work across NEXT own brand, Licensed, 3rd Party brands, Wholly-Owned Brands (Such as Lipsy, Love & Roses), as well as working closely to support our Total Platform Partners (Joules, Reiss, Lipsy).
About the Role
Support Supply Chain Strategy
- Assist in developing and implementing NEXT Group supply chain strategies, including Worldly, ZDHC, Jeanologia, LWG and others.
- Monitor NEXT Group alignment with corporate sustainability goals and industry best practices
- Coordinate supplier onboarding for the NEXT Group, ensuring all NEXT Group suppliers adhere to Supplier requirements.
- Update and manage relevant data from internal and external platforms to integrate sustainability metrics into the business
ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) Programme
- Support line manager to expand and implement the NEXT Textiles ZDHC programme to include leather tanneries and synthetic leather manufacturers
- Liaise internally with NEXT technology teams and externally with wet processors across the NEXT supply chain to support ZDHC implementation
- Manage data uploads and analysis of data from the ZDHC Gateway
Supplier Engagement and Training
- Develop and lead supplier training initiatives, including online webinars and workshops.
- Foster long-term supplier partnerships focused on impact driven improvements.
- Serve as the primary contact for supplier queries
- Ensure all internal and external documents are up to date and shared with the supply chain
Water Strategy Development and Implementation
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance the NEXT Group’s water strategy
- Identify and implement water conservation initiatives across the supply chain
- Work closely with the wider Sustainability team and NEXT Code of Practice team to incorporate all elements of the water supply chain
Support Impact Reduction Initiatives
- Contribute to the NEXT Environmental Impact Reduction Programme by identifying opportunities to lower carbon emissions and reduce waste in the supply chain
- Assist in monitoring and reporting on impact reduction metrics
Ad hoc assistance
- Support the wider team on administrative tasks as needed such as Supplier Onboarding management
About you
- Experience in supply chain management with a focus on sustainability
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to lead and execute supplier onboarding and engagement programs.
- Excellent communication skills
- Familiarity with environmental impact assessment tools and methodologies
- Passion for sustainability and a proactive approach to problem-solving
- Degree in sustainability, supply chain management, environmental science, or a related field
