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Sustainability Executive

apetito UK • United Kingdom • Added on Jun 26, 2026
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As the hands-on architect for apetito’s environmental and ethical ambitions, you will translate high-level strategies into tangible results across the food production value chain. Your daily focus centers on managing ethical trade programs, overseeing supplier due diligence within the SEDEX framework, and leading nature-positive initiatives. You will act as a pivotal link between corporate targets and operational implementation, specifically supporting new site developments to ensure circularity is built into the business’s physical expansion.

This role is a unique chance to influence the food systems of the UK’s health and social care sectors. By overseeing animal welfare standards and direct biodiversity projects on-site, you contribute to a business already recognized by the Kings Awards for Enterprise. You will bridge the gap between nature-friendly supply chains and social value, ensuring that vulnerable populations are fed through a system that respects both planetary boundaries and human rights.

This suits someone who possesses a degree in sustainability, strong organizational skills, and the communicative flair to influence both factory floor teams and external supply chain partners.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The Sustainability Executive is primarily responsible for the operational delivery of ethical trade and nature strategies. You will manage the Ethical Trade Action Plan, ensuring that all supplier activities align with the ETI Base Code and Modern Slavery requirements. This involves rigorous due diligence, risk mapping, and continuous engagement with the supply chain to drive improvements in sustainability standards. Beyond ethics, you will spearhead the company's Nature Strategy. This includes managing water risk assessments and implementing on-site biodiversity projects at various business locations. You will also co-lead the Social Value Committee, ensuring that charitable partnerships and social impact activities are effectively coordinated across the business units.

Key learning opportunities for this job

This position offers deep exposure to world-class sustainability frameworks and industry-leading certifications like the SBTi-validated Net Zero targets. You will gain practical experience in navigating complex ethical trade platform such as SEDEX and the Food Network for Ethical Trade, which are highly valued in the FMCG sector. Furthermore, you will learn how to integrate circular economy principles into large-scale capital projects, such as the construction of the new Kitchen West production facility. Mentorship from award-winning sustainability leaders in a company recognized by the King’s Award for Enterprise will provide unparalleled professional insight into authentic, non-greenwashed corporate advocacy.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate holds a degree in sustainability or a related field and demonstrates a proactive, 'hands-on' approach to problem-solving. Strong stakeholder management skills are essential, as the role requires influencing diverse groups from procurement teams to external charity partners. You should be comfortable balancing detailed data analysis with big-picture strategic goals. While previous experience in ethical trade or nature-based projects is desirable, a passionate drive for technical learning is highly valued. Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite and excellent communication skills are fundamental to managing the reporting and relationship-building aspects of this professional mandate.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, move beyond generic passion for the environment and demonstrate an understanding of food system complexities. Show that you have researched apetito's specific achievements, such as their closed-loop packaging recycling system or their recent King’s Award, and explain how your skills can help scale these successes. Highlight any experience you have with supply chain transparency or data-driven sustainability reporting. Use your cover letter to provide concrete examples of where you have managed multiple stakeholders to achieve a shared environmental or social goal, as apetito values leaders who can turn strategy into practical action.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

Your focus will be heavily weighted toward ethical trade and nature restoration. Apetito is committed to a 'Nature Strategy' that includes sustainable water management and supporting nature-friendly agricultural supply chains. You will be the point person for biodiversity projects on their physical estates. The role also carries a significant social component. You will be instrumental in managing social value outputs and charitable relationships, such as FareShare, ensuring the company's ethical compass remains aligned with its status as an Accredited Living Wage employer.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the most significant challenges will be managing supplier compliance across a complex global food supply chain. Ensuring all partners meet the ETI Base Code and supply chain water risk standards requires constant vigilance and assertive relationship management. Additionally, you will need to ensure that the aggressive sustainability targets for the new £100m production site are met amidst the complexities of a live construction and commissioning project. Balancing urgent operational needs with long-term circularity goals requires high levels of resilience and organizational skill.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with reviewing SEDEX risk assessments and following up on corrective actions with a key food ingredient supplier. Mid-morning could involve a site visit to the new Kitchen West factory to coordinate with engineers on water-saving technologies or circular waste management systems. In the afternoon, you might chair a meeting of the Social Value Committee to plan the next phase of a corporate charity partnership, followed by time spent analyzing biodiversity data to track progress against the Nature Strategy targets. The day often ends with stakeholder communication, updating internal teams on progress toward net-zero milestones.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

Apetito provides a structured environment for professional advancement, where a successful Executive can realistically transition into a Sustainability Manager or even a Group-level strategy role. The company’s growth, marked by significant investment in new facilities, creates a 'high-visibility' environment for ambitious professionals. There are also opportunities to become a recognized subject matter expert in specific niches such as ethical trade or circular food packaging. The business's commitment to continuous development means you will be encouraged to attend industry forums and lead high-profile projects that build your external professional profile.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Internal stakeholders range from the Purchasing and Procurement teams to the Site Management at Kitchen West and the Distribution Centres. You will also work closely with the Social Value Committee members drawn from various departments across the UK business. External stakeholders are equally diverse, including international suppliers, industry bodies like the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), and local charity partners like Beyond Dementia. You may also interact with government officials or environmental agencies regarding packaging legislation and water risk management.

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