Ethical Trade & Human Rights Specialist

Hilton Foods is a business built on a passion for food. We have grown from operating in one country with one retailer relationship, into an international company that has strong customer partnerships around the world. Today, we operate in 10 countries worldwide operating our own or joint venture food processing facilities to supply retail and foodservice partners serving over 19 markets. 75% of revenues are now outside the UK, and we have over 7000 diverse colleagues with whom we work with around the world.

Our expertise spans food, technology, and services. Our unique multi-category offer includes the food categories of meat, seafood, vegan and vegetarian, and easier meals. We leverage our market-leading technology and supply chain services within our business and with external customers. At Hilton Foods, our purpose is growth and success through partnership. We believe in the power of clear, impactful communication to drive success and foster strong relationships with all our partners - our colleagues, customers, suppliers, and the communities in which we operate.

As our Ethical Trade & Human Rights Specialist, you will be aligning Hilton Foods’ operations with ethical standards and promoting human rights, ensuring accountability and transparency throughout the supply chain. It combines operational focus on compliance and data with opportunities for strategic engagement in global human rights issues. There will be two key areas of focus: ethical onboarding, risk assessment and audit and strategic engagement in human rights projects.

• \isting with implementing and maintaining Hilton Foods Ethical Onboarding and Risk Assessment process to assess suppliers against human rights and ethical standards.
• Identifying issues and risks related to ethical compliance within supply chains raised through the Hilton Foods ethical audit program.
• Engaging Hilton Foods Local Excellence Teams (LETs) to further embed ethical onboarding and risk assessment, delivering monthly reporting to LETs and developing actionable remediation plans to assist suppliers.
• Participating in broader strategic human rights initiatives within Hilton Foods and across global supply chains to drive systematic improvements.
• Engaging in public-facing or pre-competitive forums to deliver best practices and sharing across the industry

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Risk Assessment Approval

Review and approve risk assessments within Hilton Foods’ Ethical Onboarding and Risk Assessment system, escalating critical issues to the Ethics and Social Sustainability Senior Manager and LET as required.

Compliance Reporting

Prepare and deliver monthly compliance reports to Hilton’s LETs, highlighting their supply chain performance. Maintain and update audit data within key systems, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely reporting.

Supplier Support and Communication

Collaborate with suppliers to develop and implement action plans, ensuring adherence to Hilton Foods’ ethical codes and standards.

Identify and Address Human Rights Risks

Assist Hilton Foods in identifying, analysing, and responding to emerging human rights risks across its global value chain.

Risk Database Management

Support the maintenance of a high-quality risk database through media monitoring, research, and engagement with external stakeholders, including civil society organizations.

Contribute to Strategic Initiatives

Actively participate in strategic projects that align with Hilton Foods’ Sustainability Goals, including initiatives related to modern slavery, climate and human rights, and living incomes.

KEY EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Analytical Skills

• Demonstrated expertise in analysing audit data, assessing compliance risks, and implementing targeted corrective actions.
• Proven ability to proactively identify emerging risks and develop customized solutions to enhance audit and monitoring processes.

Project Management

• Strong project management experience, with a proven ability to effectively prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and deliver results under pressure.

Educational Background

• University degree or equivalent professional experience in relevant fields such as responsible business conduct, human rights, politics, human resources, law, or international development.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 3+ years in a role involving risk assessment, ethical supply chains, or corporate responsibility.
• Knowledge of Sedex, SMETA and ETI Base Code preferred

Communication and Language Skills

• Fluency in English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of delivering concise, high-quality reports and engaging effectively with stakeholders.

Technical and Analytical Expertise

• Advanced skills in analysing both quantitative and qualitative data to generate actionable insights.
• High attention to detail, technical rigor, and the ability to produce thorough, high-quality work within tight deadlines.

Research Capabilities

• Proven ability to conduct in-depth research and analysis of global human rights, labour rights, and environmental risks in supply chains.
• SA8000 Lead Auditor trained (not required)

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