Outsource Program Lead

About this Role

LRQA is seeking a knowledgeable and proactive Program Lead – Responsible Sourcing to support the design and implementation of a strategic ESG risk management initiative for two high profile clients. In this dynamic role, you will serve as the dedicated point of contact for two clients from two different sectors, helping to develop, operationalize, and improve the clients’ Responsible Sourcing Programs. You will provide subject matter expertise, strategic insight, and hands-on support, guiding supplier onboarding, managing the audit lifecycle, interpreting data, and facilitating communication across key stakeholders.

Key Job Responsibilities

1.       Program Leadership & Client Engagement – Serve as the primary point of contact for the Responsible Sourcing Program, managing day-to-day implementation and leading regular progress meetings with client and internal teams.

2.       Program Design & Documentation – Develop key program materials including the audit manual, supplier onboarding documents, and strategic recommendations to enhance clients’ risk segmentation and monitoring approach.

3.       Communication & Audit Coordination – Manage supplier engagement, including audit scheduling, onboarding calls, and participation in webinars to align expectations and program goals.

4.       Oversight & Risk Management – Interpret audit findings, monitor CAP progress, and ensure timely resolution of identified issues, providing actionable feedback to clients.

5.       Advisory Support & Issue Resolution – Offer ongoing strategic advice, escalate challenges as needed, and tap into LRQA’s subject matter experts to support the evolving needs of the Responsible Sourcing Programs.

Primary Responsibilities:

·       Act as the day-to-day lead for clients’ Responsible Sourcing Program implementation.

·       Build and maintain a deep understanding of clients’ sourcing strategy, risk segmentation, and stakeholder priorities.

·       Lead biweekly progress meetings with clients and internal LRQA teams to align on progress, challenges, and deliverables.

·       Review clients’ supplier segmentation strategy and offer improvement recommendations.

·       Draft and refine a concise audit manual outline to guide supplier monitoring activities.

·       Develop comprehensive supplier onboarding materials and guidance documents

·       Represent LRQA clients’ supplier webinars to explain the program's goals, expectations, and benefits.

·       Manage audit scheduling by reaching out to selected suppliers and arranging pre-audit onboarding calls.

·       Coordinate and monitor timely Corrective Action Plan (CAP) completion and follow-up.

·       Interpret audit reports and provide strategic insights and high-level feedback to clients’ responsible sourcing team.

·       Support issue resolution, escalate concerns as needed, and leverage LRQA’s subject matter experts to provide programmatic advice.

Qualifications

Core Qualifications

·       Minimum 7–10 years of experience in ESG, responsible sourcing, supply chain compliance, or human rights due diligence.

·       Strong understanding of international supply chain auditing frameworks and ESG risk management.

·       Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and engage effectively with clients and suppliers.

·       Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and facilitation skills.

·       Experience interpreting audit data and translating findings into actionable guidance.

·       Detail-oriented with the ability to develop professional documentation, training, and program materials.

·       Ability to work independently in a client-facing environment while collaborating with internal teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

·       Experience with major ESG frameworks (e.g., UNGPs, OECD Guidelines, SDGs), as well as industry audit schemes (e.g. SMETA, BSCI

·       Prior consulting or rresponsible sourcing program management experience working for a brand or service provider in a global context.

·       Familiarity with CAP management systems and supplier risk segmentation strategies.

·       Foreign language skills

Diversity and Inclusion at LRQA:

We are on a mission to be the place where we all want to work and we are passionate about embracing different perspectives because we understand the value this brings to our business, our clients and each other. We are all about creating a safer and more sustainable future and our inclusive culture is right at the heart of our business.

Together our employees make our communities better and we want you to be part of our diverse team!

LRQA is a leading global assurance provider.  The integrity and expertise we bring to our partnership with clients support their journey to a safer, more secure and more sustainable future. (Group entities).

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