Eurofins|BLC is a small but growing business specialising in testing and consulting and operates within the Eurofins Softlines and Leather division. Established for over 100 years specialising in leather, consumer and chemicals 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 is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat to the water you drink to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins works with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate. Eurofins believes it is a global leader in food, environmental, 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 in the support of clinical studies.

In 2021, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR € 6.7 billion, and has been among the best-performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years. Employs over 58,000 staff across a network of more than 1000 independent companies in over 54 countries and operates more than 900 laboratories.

The Role:

Take responsibility for the topic of sustainability at Leather Working Group, including all aspects of impact related to leather, from farm to finished product, to end of life. You will be the expert and ambassador for this topic, engaging regularly with the LWG membership, as well as key stakeholders.

Main duties: 

• To lead sustainability workstreams, including all key impact areas related to social, environmental, and economic impacts
• Build the narrative around responsible leather production, sourcing, use, and disposal, supporting each element with clear, fact-based data and information, and communicating this through articles, web content, and virtual or in-person presentations
• Create well-defined research project proposals, run a transparent tender process, and manage the work to completion with the third-party company
• Ensure LWG directors are kept up to date on the impact workstreams on a regular basis, and stay within the approved budget
• Ensure that LWG is collaborating and are signatories to key industry initiatives related to the impact areas, and that the strategy is aligned with international goals and timelines
• Ensure that member companies have access to key sustainability metrics to support them to measure and reach their climate goals, and that the information is provided in a responsible manner within the correct context
• Manage relevant LWG stakeholder engagement groups, including the Environmental Impact Working Group
• Engage with relevant external groups and discussion forums on responsible leather sourcing and use, using a fact-based, scientific approach
• Be the key expert within the team on new legislation related to the impact of leather, including the EU PEFCR and the Green claims initiative
• Be the key person who ensures that Leather Working Group stands for responsible leather sourcing and use, that all of our activities are aligned with this and that we are demonstrably reducing the impact of leather on our planet or providing information about how companies can reduce their impact through leather
• Work closely with the operations team to ensure LWG is transparent in the measurement and reporting of the positive impact through the LWG audit program
• Be flexible and willing to take on new responsibilities as the needs of the organisation change and support team members as and when needed

What We Are Looking For:

• Significant experience in a professional business environment, for instance in a consultancy, as part of an in-house sustainability team, or other relevant organisation working in this field
• A relevant degree in environmental sciences, engineering, or the sustainability realm (or demonstrable experience in lieu of this)
• Relevant experience in delivering projects, developing strategies, or implementing change
• Applied knowledge of UK and international legislation, sustainability frameworks and guidance and best practice
• Some experience in one, or more of these areas would be useful: carbon accounting; Scope 3 emissions; life cycle assessment (LCA); science-based targets, CDP disclosures and ISO 14064 GHG inventory production and/or verification.
• Excellent communication skills to communicate clearly and professionally
• Fully competent in the production of concise, impactful written/presentation outputs
• Membership in a professional institution, such as IEMA, would be preferred
• International experience preferred
• High levels of drive and commitment; a self-starter, and problem solver with the ability to turn ideas into reality.
• Be comfortable juggling a variety of tasks in a sometimes fast-paced environment.

Working 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday. Flexibility to work from home, with the view to commuting to the office in Northampton if required.   Competitive Salary, Life Insurance, Private Medical Insurance, Income Protection, Group Pension Scheme (match contribution of up to 5 %), Perkbox and Free Parking

You will be employed by Eurofins|BLC who manage the contract for the Leather Working Group (LWG).

About the Leather Working Group (LWG).

The global multistakeholder is a member-led not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to driving excellence in the leather industry, minimizing the impact of leather production, challenging industry perceptions, and riving best practice through a suite of tools and ESG certification. LWG have over 1,800 member companies and represent over 25% of the world’s leather production. Discover more at www.leatherworkinggroup.com