Head of Technical Compliance & Sustainable Sourcing

Job Introduction

Unique opportunity to join the Commercial team at cardfactory at the start of an exciting new phase.  In this newly created role as Head of Technical and Sustainable Sourcing, you will be responsible for leading a sustainable sourcing strategy through the management of a highly effective Technical product team and strong working relationships with our suppliers.

Reporting into the Buying Director, you will manage the Technical product team, whilst supporting the Buying teams in the development and sourcing of product ranges to deliver product quality, labelling and packaging of a high standard that is fit for purpose, aligns with our ESG ambitions and meets our customer’s expectations. 

You will be future focused, leading a team that can support new and changing markets on quality standards, regulatory compliance and new product development globally, through a collaborative working approach across the business

We operate smart working principles at cardfactory, combining some days working from our support centre in Wakefield (approx. 2-3 days a week onsite) with some days working remotely from home.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead product workstreams, developing cardfactory’s approach including technical and sustainability specifications, policies, implementation plans and monitoring
• Develop strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring a clear audit framework for compliance with legal and statutory requirements across the supply chain
• Set, monitor and report progress on product sourcing, supplier performance and sustainability targets
• Build visibility and a baseline around product supply chain GHG emissions, nature impacts and raw materials use
• Consistently monitor for policy, legal or regulatory developments impacting the business
• Build a Technical Product team to support the delivery of future business growth plans globally
• Create a development framework for the Technical team that nurtures talent, encourages career development and a pathway that enables strong succession planning
• Lead and support wider commercial team on development of a responsible sourcing roadmap to enable cardfactory’s Delivering a Sustainable Future plan targets
• Lead development of Technical and Buying team training programmes alongside L&D team for all Technical and Responsible Sourcing Topics

The Ideal Candidate

• Extensive experience of sourcing, supply chain management or technical product development, preferably in the retail or consumer goods sector
• Bachelor’s degree is desirable -  preferably with related technical focus on Supply Chain Management, Business, Environmental Science, or a related field
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to discuss complex issues clearly and credibly 
• Strong understanding of sustainable sourcing practices and relevant industry regulations
• Strong project management skills and ability to prioritise own workload whilst building a framework for the team to do the same
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills
• Passion for product, sustainability and a commitment to ethical sourcing practices

About The Company

Card Factory is the UK’s leading specialist retailer of greeting cards, dressings, and gifts with over one thousand stores across the UK and Ireland.  In 2020 we launched our exciting 5-year business strategy including our vision of becoming a true Omni-channel retailer.  This strategy sees significant investment into our colleagues across the business creating multiple opportunities to join a fast-paced environment and be part of our exciting journey.  

In return, we offer a wide range of benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial well-being.

Benefits

• 25% Card Factory colleague discount in-store and online
• Save As You Earn scheme
• Financial Wellbeing Support       
  • Financial Education Tools
  • Salary Advance
• Seasonal incentive schemes
• Opportunity to apply for Retail Apprenticeships
• Access to blended learning and development content
• Discounted mobile phone contracts
• Discounts across 100’s of UK retailers
• Employee Assistance Programme – access to tools to support mental, physical, and financial wellbeing

This is an exciting role with genuine prospects for the right candidate. If this role describes you and your career aspirations, click apply now.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once sufficient suitable applications have been received. We advise applying early to avoid disappointment as applications will be reviewed regularly. 

No agencies, please.