About the   role

 

We are looking for a Responsible Sourcing Manager Cocoa & Fats to drive the development of sustainability, specifically focusing on the fourth pillar of the Forever Chocolate strategy, under the leadership of the Head of Responsible Sourcing. The Responsible Sourcing Manager leads the implementation of corporate targets across various ingredients that require a particular focus, ensuring alignment with the broader Sustainability structure. This involves close monitoring of supplier performance for strategic decision making. The scope of the position is global and includes all third party cocoa and fats. The role will be based in Zurich, Switzerland and will require frequent traveling to origin countries

 

The Responsible Sourcing Manager contributes to the sustainability strategy in collaboration with the other sustainability pillar leads and the involved sourcing desks. The role requires strong transversal leadership skills with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the achievement of the strategic sustainability group objectives. The Responsible Sourcing Manager is also involved internally with different sustainability subject-matter experts, sourcing desks, purchasing, supply-chain and financial teams. Apart from this, the Responsible Sourcing Manager engages with suppliers, auditing companies, customers, certification bodies, producer organizations, cooperatives, NGOs, associations, and international organizations partnered with BC. Additionally, the Responsible Sourcing Manager executes technical visits to the suppliers, coordinates and plans third party audits and verifications to ensure compliance with strategic sustainability goals. 

 

Key responsibilities include

 

Lead and define the approach and set of activities deemed necessary to achieve BC sustainability targets based on the guiding principles and overall framework received by the other sustainability pillars

Lead, execute, coordinate and follow up of BC sustainability targets with internal stakeholders such as the wider sustainability team, sourcing desks, supply chain, purchasing, finances; and external stakeholders as suppliers, auditing companies, customers, certification bodies, producer organizations, cooperatives, NGOs, associations, and international organizations partnered with BC   

Closely align and internally coordinate with the other sustainability pillars on strategic guidelines

Regular exchange, close collaboration and alignment with relevant sourcing desks globally to make sure progress is being made against targets and guidelines

Regular participation in the Responsible Sourcing Team to achieve milestones related to the fourth target on Sustainable Ingredients

Provide day-to-day support in the execution of strategic supplier programs, industry initiatives and other collaboration groups related to Forever Chocolate targets, including human rights, climate, and traceability

Frequent reporting to the Head of Responsible Sourcing and to VP Sustainability, ESG and Traceability

Conduct frequent follow-up meetings with relevant supply chain stakeholders related to the ingredients in scope

Collaborate annually on the Forever Chocolate progress report covering the topics listed above

Analyze, assess and validate sustainably sourced volume and related data in close collaboration with sourcing and finance

Support the set-up of an overarching supplier performance monitoring system 

Coordinate visits or 3rd party audits with key suppliers to ensure compliance with BC sustainability targets

Consolidate and facilitate the alignment of criteria for desks sourcing the same ingredients

Act as the central point of contact and overall business owner of responsible sourcing 

Define yearly targets for sustainably sourced volumes per sourcing desk in scope

Assess progress in achieving the targets established by sourcing and sustainability

Regular follow up with the sourcing desks

Managing indirect sustainability programs by the suppliers  related to the ingredients in scope

Monitor supplier performance against defined sustainability criteria

 

About you

 

Master of Business Administration/Agronomy/ Food Technology / Sustainable Management or related field 

5-7 years professional experience in sustainable supply chain management, global agriculture,  quality, project management, consulting or audit, focusing on impact assessment and sustainability

Deep understanding of social topics (child labor, migrant labor, community approaches, human rights) and environmental topics (water footprint, agricultural practices, GHG)

P&L responsibility, performance management of projects and standard operations, achieving business objectives and supporting M&E, customer relations and R&D

Experience in multi-stakeholder management, community systems and public-private partnerships

Ideally Industry network related to the ingredients in scope

Ideally experience in commodity trading, supply chain and logistics

Strong transversal leadership and interpersonal skills, effective communication and inclusive leadership

Fluent in French and English, and other language (Spanish) an asset

Expertise in agricultural products and commodities and their sustainability context

Deep food technology product knowledge of some of the ingredients in scope is desired

Project management of origin-based programs across the ingredients and regions in scope

Ability to develop relationships with all stakeholders, from colleagues and customers to local farmers and international organizations

Analytical capabilities for data, reporting and processes

Ability to communicate effectively, adapting to each audience

Strong problem-solving mindset and ability to address complex challenges through initiative and critical thinking

High ethical standards, strongly committed to creating meaningful impact

Ability to work in diverse, digital, and global teams, fostering collaboration and accountability

Adaptability and active listening. Open to new ideas and approaches

Transversal leadership to engages with external and internal stakeholders