Ethical Trade Manager

To manage Matalan's ethical trade and human rights due diligence programmes across the global supply base, ensuring supplier compliance, effective remediation, and continuous improvement in labour standards.

Key Responsibilities Strategy & Governance

• Input into the company's Code of Conduct, policies, and standards (e.g. Modern Slavery, Responsible Purchasing Practices).

Programme Delivery

• Implement the Ethical Trade and Human Rights strategy aligned to business objectives and ESG commitments.
• Manage ethical trade activity across allocated regions, suppliers or product categories.
• Ensure timely completion of projects and initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement rather than audit-only compliance.

Supplier Engagement

• Build strong relationships with suppliers and agents to improve labour standards.
• Support suppliers in understanding Code of Conduct requirements and remediation expectations.
• Escalate and manage serious or zero-tolerance issues.

Risk Management

• Conduct and maintain ethical trade risk assessments for suppliers and regions.
• Work closely with Buying and Sourcing teams to manage risk in supplier selection and order placement.
• Track and report on KPIs, risks and progress.

Legislation & Reporting

• Support delivery of Modern Slavery statements and due diligence reporting.
• Ensure accurate data capture and documentation for internal and external reporting.

Collaboration

• Build on relationships and represent the business with external stakeholders, initiatives and NGOs (e.g. ETI, BSCI, ILO, Industriall, industry forums).
• Partner with Buying, Sourcing and Technical teams to integrate ethical trade into day-to-day decision-making.
• Deliver training and guidance to internal stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Experience in ethical trade or social compliance, ideally within fashion retail.
• Strong knowledge of apparel supply chains and common labour risks.
• Experience managing audits, remediation and supplier improvement plans.
• Confident communicator with the ability to challenge and influence.
• Analytical and organised, with strong reporting skills.

Benefits

• 20% staff discount, which increases with length of service
• Thrive Recognition Scheme
• Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust
• Life Assurance
• Retail Rewards platform offering discounts for other retailers
• Pension Scheme
• Access to a wide range of career development
• Additional benefits may apply depending on your role and area of the business