M

Sustainable Procurement Manager

MBDA • United Kingdom • Added on Sep 3, 2026
Apply →

This role involves taking full ownership of how environmental and social standards are integrated into the procurement lifecycle. You will lead the deployment of ESG supplier assessment tools, training internal purchasing teams while managing data-led improvement plans for high-risk partners. It is a hands-on position focused on turning high-level sustainability goals into day-to-day operational realities across a complex supply chain.

Working within the defense sector, your impact is uniquely critical as you bridge the gap between national security requirements and rigorous social value legislation like the Modern Slavery Act. By driving Scope 3 emissions reductions and ensuring ethical standards among suppliers, you help maintain the integrity of vital defense systems while advancing the industry’s transition toward a more transparent and responsible ecosystem.

This suits someone who possesses strong analytical skills and the ability to influence diverse stakeholders through data. You should be a proactive problem-solver comfortable navigating evolving regulations and translating complex ESG metrics into actionable business strategies.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The successful candidate will lead the integration of ESG metrics into the procurement lifecycle, ensuring that sustainability is not just a checkbox but a core part of vendor selection and management. You will be responsible for managing digital ESG assessment tools, analyzing supplier performance data, and facilitating training for the wider procurement community to build internal capability. Beyond data management, you will own the relationship with high-risk or high-emission suppliers, working collaboratively to develop and monitor improvement plans. This role also involves ensuring compliance with evolving government policies such as the Social Value Act and the Modern Slavery Act, translating these legal requirements into practical supply chain requirements.

Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain deep expertise in Scope 3 carbon accounting and the specific methodologies used to track and reduce emissions within a complex manufacturing supply chain. Exposure to the defense industry's unique regulatory landscape will provide specialized knowledge in government-mandated social value frameworks and ethical procurement standards that are increasingly sought after. Furthermore, the role offers the chance to master advanced ESG reporting tools and data analysis techniques. Being part of a multinational organization, you may also gain insights into how sustainability initiatives are harmonized across different European jurisdictions and defense cultures.

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

The ideal profile combines a solid understanding of procurement principles with a passionate interest in ESG. While experience in sustainable procurement is highly valued, the company is open to candidates with strong transferrable skills who demonstrate a willingness to learn the technical nuances of environmental and social reporting. Key technical requirements include advanced Excel skills for data analysis and the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable reports. Soft skills are equally vital; you must be a confident communicator capable of briefing senior stakeholders and influencing suppliers who may be at different stages of their own sustainability journeys.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, your application should demonstrate a clear understanding of the defense sector's specific ESG challenges, such as supply chain transparency and the Social Value Act. Avoid generic statements about loving the environment; instead, highlight a time you used data to drive a process improvement or influenced a stakeholder to adopt a new way of working. Given the requirement for Security Clearance, ensuring you meet the nationality criteria is essential. Aligning your cover letter with MBDA’s values of integrity and commitment will show that you respect the mission-critical nature of their work while bringing a fresh perspective on sustainability.

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

The primary focus is on Supply Chain Sustainability, specifically tackling the indirect carbon footprint (Scope 3) and ensuring human rights due diligence. The role acts as a bridge between corporate ambitions and the reality of thousands of suppliers, ensuring that the company’s environmental and ethical standards are 'flowed down' effectively. There is also a significant emphasis on Social Value, which in a UK defense context involves supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and contributing to the economic and social well-being of the regions where the company operates. You will be at the heart of evidencing these contributions to the Ministry of Defence.

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

One of the main challenges will be engaging suppliers who may have varying levels of maturity in their ESG journey or who may prioritize cost and delivery over sustainability metrics. Navigating the 'frequently uncertain' requirements of changing legislation while maintaining the pace of procurement operations will require high levels of adaptability. Additionally, reconciling the strict security and technical requirements of defense manufacturing with the need for greater supply chain transparency can be complex. You will need to find the balance between necessary confidentiality and the disclosure required for robust ESG reporting.

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

A typical day might begin with analyzing supplier ESG data to identify outliers or high-risk trends that require intervention. You might then lead a training session for internal buyers, teaching them how to use the ESG portal to evaluate new vendors during the tendering process. Afternoons could be spent in collaborative meetings with engineering or project management teams to discuss how sustainable procurement goals intersect with upcoming missile system contracts. You will also likely spend time preparing progress reports for the Sustainable Procurement leadership, ensuring that risks and opportunities are clearly communicated.

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

This role offers a platform for professional growth within a rapidly expanding sustainability function. As MBDA continues to align with global ESG standards, there are likely opportunities to move into more strategic or cross-functional leadership roles within the procurement or sustainability departments. The high visibility of ESG reporting to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) means your work will be seen by senior leadership and government stakeholders. This exposure, combined with the development of niche expertise in defense-related sustainability, makes this a strong career-accelerator.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Internally, you will interact closely with the Procurement UK (PUK) community, project managers, and the wider ESG/Sustainability team. You will also brief senior management on supply chain risks and progress against corporate carbon reduction targets. Externally, your primary contact will be with Supply Chain Partners, ranging from large multinational corporations to specialized SMEs. You will also engage with industry bodies and potentially government representatives (such as the MOD) to ensure MBDA’s reporting aligns with national defense industrial strategies.

CSR Jobs newsletter

Never miss the next opportunity

Get a curated selection of new CSR, ESG, and sustainability roles in your inbox. No daily noise, just useful opportunities.

Free to join. Unsubscribe anytime.