Head of Supply Chain & Sustainability

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is the trade association for UK retail. The industry is diverse, dynamic and includes retail brands, brand manufacturers who sell direct to consumers, and covers many innovative business models, from in-store and digital to rental, repair and re-use.

Retail is the ‘everywhere economy’, a vital part of the socio‑economic fabric of the UK. It’s 5% of GDP, our largest private sector employer with 3 million direct jobs and 2.7 million more in the supply chain and through its scale and reach, helps support delivery of government policy.

The BRC is seeking an experienced Head of Supply Chain & Sustainability to lead the BRC’s policy work in this priority area for the retail industry. The role will make a vital contribution to UK retailers, helping them to succeed by progressing retailers’ supply chain and sustainability priorities. The role is also externally focused: making sure retailers’ views are heard by government and helping shape new policies so they are practical, promote competition and growth, and meet business needs while supporting the UK’s goals.

The role requires a strong emphasis on external impact, team leadership and strategic judgment., working closely with Policy Advisors and Policy Executives to ensure our offer delivers real-world value for members.

As BRC's Head of Supply Chain & Sustainability, you will be responsible for:

• Oversee the work of the BRC’s Sustainability Community
  , developing a comprehensive forward plan of activity and monitoring and overseeing its delivery.
• Shape and deliver supply chain and sustainability policies and plans that provide practical, external‑facing support and measurable value for members.
• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with senior partners, regulators, industry bodies, and government—representing and advocating for members on supply chain and sustainability priorities.
• Develop insights from supply chain and sustainability data and external benchmarks
  , using findings to steer activity and demonstrate impact for members.
• Identify external risks and opportunities across sustainability and supply chains
  , proposing member‑led solutions and collaborations that deliver tangible outcomes.

The ideal role holder will be:

• Proven supply chain experience with sustainability and policy knowledge
  , focused on converting external requirements into practical member support and value.
• Proven ability in influencing government
  , regulatory bodies and policymakers at senior levels to deliver regulatory/policy change.
• High credibility with members, stakeholders and internal colleagues.
• Strong people management capability
  , including colleague development and building effective teams.
• Skilled at analysing policy and market developments and translating them into clear, member‑facing guidance, positions, and communications.

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience, with eligibility for annual bonus.
• Benefits include private health and dental insurance, pension contributions and the availability of season ticket loans.

We are an equal opportunities recruitment partner and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of background.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where employees can lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Our wellbeing offerings include:

• Access to mental health professionals and subsidised private healthcare
• Dental cash plan and Medi‑cash plan
• 35 GBP per month contribution toward gym membership
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with 24/7 counselling and specialist support
• Menopause and the Workplace Programme

26 days of annual leave, plus a discretionary Christmas day off and volunteer days.

Enhanced statutory pay for eligible colleagues, with a focus on family-friendly policies.

Diversity is embedded in everything we do — it’s natural and authentic to who we are as an organisation. We celebrate individuality, embrace inclusivity, and create a culture where everyone feels comfortable bringing their whole selves to work. Here, differences aren’t…