Eurofins|BLC is a small but growing business specialising in testing and consulting and operates within the Eurofins Softlines and Leather division. Established for 100 years specialising in leather and products such as footwear, bags and upholstery, we have the technical pedigree and experience to provide targeted, testing and consulting solutions up and down the supply chain.

Eurofins|BLC is part of the Eurofins Scientific group which provides Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, which provides a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries. The Group believes it is the world leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetics products testing and in agroscience CRO services. It is also one of the global independent market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, CDMO, advanced material sciences and for supporting clinical studies. In addition, Eurofins is one of the leading global emerging players in specialty clinical diagnostic testing.

In 2020, Eurofins generated 5.4 billion Euro proforma turnover in 800 laboratories across 50 countries, employing about 50,000 staff.

The Role:

Management of our work on traceability of leather, including developing a new scope of work to verify the chain of custody.

Main Duties:

Take ownership of the topic of traceability at the LWG, including:

• Management of the development and implementation of a verified chain of custody for LWG leather that includes identify preservation, in collaboration with a 3rd party provider
• Management of the mutli-stakeholder LWG Traceabilty Working Group, together with the LWG Program Manager
• Being the group’s expert reference for all topics related to international regulations on traceability, chain of custody, and due diligence
• Running research projects on topics related to traceability of leather and it’s key drivers
• Collaboration with key NGO partners, organisations, and upstream and downstream stakeholders, on the topics of traceability and due diligence, especially in South America
• Additional primary or support tasks include:
• Preparation of presentations to aid in decision making at the executive level
• Make regular presentations in webinars and meetings, both at internal and external events
• Create and maintain information on key areas on the LWG website
• Creating LWG suggested sourcing policy documents
• Writing of press releases on key topics, in the correct tone and with awareness of the LWG philosophies
• Closely working with the core team to develop sustainable claims related to the LWG and LWG leather
• Run pilot studies to support proposed changes to the LWG audit
• To work closely with the core team and support all additional tasks as and when required.

What we are looking for:

• Degree educated in a STEM subject, environmental sciences or sustainability, leather, materials and/or relevant work experience in a related industry
• Proven relevant experience in a similar role
• Excellent technical research skills that draw practical conclusions in a fast paced environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work well and in a professional manner with all internal and external stakeholders
• Experience and/or willingness to give presentations, both virtually and in a conference environment
• Full proficiency of the MS office suite, especially including Powerpoint
• The ability and willingness to travel internationally when required
• Strong analytical mind and an inclination for problem-solving
• Well organised and excellent attention to detail as quality is core in everything we do
• Proactive and a motivated self-starter
• Must be able to work well in a small team
• Desirable to have knowledge of chain of custody models
• Desirable to have knowledge of international regulations and initiatives related to sustainable product claims
• Desirable to have an understanding of the technical aspects of leather manufacturing, the leather supply chain, and its key areas of concern
• Desirable to have international experience

Office Location:      Northampton – remote working with occasional travel to the office

37.5 hours per week working, Competitive Salary, Life Assurance, Private Medical Insurance, Income Protection, Group Pension Scheme, Perkbox Discounts, Free Parking onsite

About the role:

This is a newly created role in Eurofins| BLC and a great opportunity to join the small core Leather Working Group team, working with international stakeholders across the leather supply chain. The successful candidate will be responsible for heading up our important work on traceability. The right candidate will be a hard-working team player, keen to learn new skills whilst getting straight to work on current projects in a challenging yet rewarding environment.

Background to the LWG Project:

The Leather Working Group Ltd (LWG) is an international group of leather manufacturers (tanneries), brands and suppliers to the leather industry.  Our core focus is on driving continuous improvements within the global leather industry, through our audit protocol.  Our current membership base is made up of over 1,200 members and is continuing to grow as the environment and sustainability become more and more important to companies, as well as individuals.