Corporate Social Responsibility & Standards Manager

Summary

The Corporate Social Responsibility & Standards Manager plays a key role in advancing responsible sourcing, sustainability, and compliance initiatives across the organization. This position supports the development and execution of CSR strategies for private‑label products, ensures adherence to domestic and international regulations, and strengthens cross‑functional collaboration with Buying, Corporate Affairs, Marketing, and external stakeholders. The role oversees CSR projects, manages sustainability KPIs, collaboration to ensure compliance with third party product claims and certifications.

Contributes to the company’s long‑term environmental and social responsibility goals. In addition this individual manages the Q&S Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2015). This position requires strong leadership, analytical capability, and the ability to influence teams across multiple departments while maintaining a high standard of accuracy, organization, and communication.

• Participate in coordinating the development and implementation of CSR strategy across committees and business departments
• Support and develop CSR and sustainability initiatives for private‑label food items
• Supervise national and international CSR projects and ensure alignment with company standards
• Conduct sustainability research and monitor relevant trends in the U.S. market
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders, including NGOs
• Ensure compliance with internal CSR standards and all applicable international, federal, and state regulations related to CSR and ESG
• Lead or organize subject‑specific training and events for the purchasing team
• Develop business cases for responsible sourcing solutions and long‑term sustainability programs
• Create and continually review sourcing roadmaps, targets, and progress metrics
• Support CSR campaigns in collaboration with the Marketing department

• Maintain ISO 9001 Standards and Certification
• Support the preparation, review, and submission of required documentation for product claims, registrations, license renewals, and regulatory filings
• Monitor and track third‑party sustainability and product claims to ensure validity and compliance
• Support Corporate Affairs with publicly available sustainability reporting based on GRI standards
• Train and support the Purchasing department on Code of Conduct updates and compliance expectations
• Support the further development and optimization of all processes related to food safety and quality within the Quality and Sustainability department

• Excellent management and supervisory skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate

• Serv Safe, PCQI, HACCP, or other industry standard certifications/licenses
• Knowledge and/or certification for an ISO Standard (ISO 9001:2015)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace or related software
• German language skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Food science, Biology, Chemistry or related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a related field

• Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) reporting standards
• Knowledge of industry-specific regulations and quality standards (ISO)
• Experience in a regulatory affairs, quality assurance, or compliance role

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds at times

25% national and international travel required by car, plane and/or train [includes stores, regional offices and distribution centers].

At Lidl, we know that in order for our people to…