As businesses increasingly recognize the importance of ethical practices and social responsibility, the role of an Ethical Trade Manager becomes vital in ensuring sustainable and responsible business operations. You will find below an overview of the job description, including mission description, required skills, background and sectors of origin, and salary ranges in the UK, US, Europe, and the Middle East (in USD per annum).
Missions
As an Ethical Trade Manager, your primary mission is to develop, implement, and monitor ethical trade policies and practices within an organisation. You will collaborate with stakeholders, including suppliers, employees, and local communities, to drive positive change and foster ethical business conduct across the supply chain. Your efforts will contribute to promoting fair trade, human rights, labor standards, environmental sustainability, and community development.
Promoting Sustainable Practices in Global Supply Chains>
Hard Skills
Compliance and Standards: Thorough knowledge of international ethical trade standards and frameworks such as Fairtrade, SA8000, Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
Supply Chain Management: Proficiency in assessing and managing supply chains, conducting due diligence, and implementing sustainable procurement practices.
Auditing and Assessments: Experience in conducting social compliance audits, risk assessments, and impact assessments to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
Training and Education: Ability to develop and deliver training programs to raise awareness and build capacity on ethical trade principles and practices.
Reporting and Metrics: Aptitude in developing and managing reporting systems to track and measure progress towards ethical trade goals and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Stakeholder Engagement: Strong communication and collaboration skills to engage with diverse stakeholders, including suppliers, NGOs, industry associations, and government entities.
Soft Skills
Communication and Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships, influence stakeholders, and promote ethical trade initiatives.
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution: Ability to negotiate with suppliers, address conflicts, and find mutually beneficial solutions.
Leadership and Influence: Effective leadership skills to drive change, inspire teams, and foster a culture of ethical responsibility.
Ethical Awareness and Integrity: A strong ethical compass and integrity to champion ethical trade practices and act as an advocate for social responsibility.
Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Resourceful problem-solving skills to address complex ethical dilemmas and adapt to evolving industry and societal expectations.
Background and Sectors
Ethical Trade Managers typically come from diverse educational backgrounds such as business administration, supply chain management, international relations, or social sciences. They may have previous experience in roles related to supply chain management, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, or auditing. While Ethical Trade Managers can be found across various sectors, they are especially prevalent in industries such as apparel and textiles, consumer goods, electronics, food and agriculture, and manufacturing.
Salary Range
Salary ranges can vary depending on factors such as geographic location, company size, industry, and level of experience. The following approximate salary ranges provide a general overview:
UK: $50,000 - $90,000
US: $60,000 - $110,000
Europe: $55,000 - $95,000
Middle East: $45,000 - $85,000
Please note that salary ranges provided are approximate figures and can vary based on factors specific to each job market and organisation.
Role Summary
As an Ethical Trade Manager, you play a crucial role in advancing social responsibility and ethical business practices. Your responsibilities include developing and implementing ethical trade policies, conducting audits, engaging stakeholders, and driving positive change across the supply chain. With a focus on sustainability, fair trade, and human rights, you contribute to shaping a more responsible and equitable global commerce landscape.
