Closing date for applications: May 10, 2024

JOB Overview 

Are you passionate about the sustainability agenda? Come and work with the biggest retailers at the British Retail Consortium (BRC) as we find innovative solutions to drive the Circular Economy,  reducing waste and the environmental impact of our products and packaging.

The successful candidate will have strong expertise in sustainability and a good understanding of retail challenges. If you want to be part of a dynamic team delivering a positive impact to the retail industry and leading the change agenda, this role is your opportunity to drive meaningful and transformative sustainability initiatives in a dynamic environment.

If you're passionate about making a genuine difference and leading impactful sustainability strategies, this role offers an exciting opportunity for you to do just that. 

In this role, you will: 

  • take the lead on developing BRC positions and representing the BRC with Government and stakeholder groups in all the UK nations on issues including resource and waste policy, circular economy, packaging, and product sustainability.
  • work with the other Sustainability Adviser to manage and develop our CSR Community group for members, covering all environmental, ethical and sustainable issues.
  • develop and promote the BRC’s sustainability initiatives, including the Climate Action Roadmap, retail’s net zero strategy, which you can read here
  • ensure BRC members up to date on sustainability related issues through marketing communications as well as represent the BRC to external audiences and specialist media in association with internal media colleagues.
  • identify commercial opportunities in member recruitment, sponsorship and training
  • maintain a strong network of key officials and stakeholders within the UK to build alliances designed to deliver pragmatic and evidenced-based measures to safeguard the environment as part of a vibrant future for retailing.

To be successful in this role, you will be:

  • a consummate communicator with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the strategic issues in the current and emerging sustainability agenda, with particular focus on resources, waste and packaging.
  • an enthusiastic self-starter, able to use initiative to understand the BRC Members’ perspectives and relate this to the development of appropriate opportunities for raising both the retail industry and the BRC’s profile
  • able to demonstrate credibility to represent the BRC with senior external contacts, including Government officials and environmental NGO’s
  • a trusted and pro-active team player, supporting team colleagues in driving a culture of continual improvement
  • able to debate and challenge constructively, using a range of communication and influencing skills

SKILLS & INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE:

  • Ideally, we’re looking for a sustainability specialist looking for their second role in the field.
  • the Policy Advisor (sustainability) will have hands-on experience in an environmental/sustainability policy context
  • Experienced campaigner, able to bring in new thinking and initiative to the team
  • Understanding of the regulatory system, including how new regulation is developed and shaped.

THE BRC:

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is the trade body for the retail sector, working with the UK’s most exciting companies. Our mission is simple - to make a positive difference to the industry and the customers it serves.

Why work for us?

We offer a wide range of benefits including:

  • competitive salary and discretionary bonus
  • an excellent range of employee benefits, including a private pension scheme, a medical cash plan, private medical and dental insurance, cycle to work scheme & an exercise allowance
  • investment in your professional development as well as a range of health & wellbeing programmes
  • flexible ways of working. The BRC operates core hours of 10am-4 pm, working hybrid with a blend of working from home and being office based. Our office is based in Covent Garden, central to many convenient transport links.

APPLICATION PROCESS & TIMELINE:

  • To apply or find out more, please contact Roxana Venovski @ Hrteam@brc.org.uk
  •  Your application will only be accepted if you submit a covering letter detailing your suitability for the advertised role, your right to work status, salary expectations and your availability to start a new role.
  •  The BRC encourages applications from all backgrounds and communities and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. If you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements for the recruitment process or the role, please let us know and we will be happy to discuss.   
  • DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:  - Please submit your application by noon on Friday 10 May
  • We may move forward to interview suitable candidates ahead of the closing date.

For external applicants: we often receive numerous applications for roles of this nature.  Please ensure you follow the steps in the application process and submit all necessary details required of you. If you have not received any feedback within 14 working days of submitting your application, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. We sincerely thank you for your interest and wish you every success in your ongoing job search. Good luck with your application!