Responsible Sourcing Associate

Location: Our office New York City. This is a hybrid role. 

About LRQA Sustainability: LRQA Sustainability is the global leader in ESG, sustainability, and supply chain solutions. We design, build, and manage data-driven sustainability programs with expertise in assessment, advisory, program management, and analytics. With 120+ offices worldwide, we offer a unique opportunity to tackle global challenges and make a lasting impact on communities, people, and the planet. Our clients include some of the world’s most innovative and influential companies across sectors like consumer goods, retail, food/agriculture, electronics, renewable energy, and electric vehicles.

 

Job overview at a glance

LRQA is seeking a Responsible Sourcing Associate to support our clients' social compliance, sustainability, and ESG initiatives. As a key member of a rapidly expanding team, you will play an essential role in shaping and delivering customized sustainability solutions, focusing on responsible sourcing and supply chain management. This position offers the opportunity to work with a diverse portfolio of US-based and global clients across multiple industries, ensuring their sustainability programs are on track, impactful, and aligned with their objectives.

As an Associate, you will collaborate closely with clients, internal teams, and key stakeholders to ensure that client requirements are clearly understood, communicated, and met. You will track progress, monitor KPIs, and escalate issues when necessary to ensure successful program delivery.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Be the expert in company processes and systems. You will maintain a strong technical knowledge of the market you operate in.
• Create and maintain internal documents and instructions following SOP’s and clients’ expectations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring their social compliance and sustainability needs are met across all stages of engagement.
• Monitor daily progress of assessment services for clients, identifying potential risks and proactively addressing any issues with internal teams and clients.
• Deliver client-facing communication, including reports, presentations, and updates, to ensure expectations are managed and met.
• Act as a liaison between clients and internal teams to align service delivery with client needs, ensuring smooth execution of projects.
• Escalate and address any delays or service challenges, working collaboratively with teams to develop corrective action plans.
• Provide up-to-date tracking reports and records for clients on a regular basis.
• Address client queries related to service delivery, scheduling, reporting, and TATs through regular communication and meetings.
• Prepare and present quarterly KPI reports, tracking key metrics and performance indicators for clients.
• Contribute to onboarding processes for new clients, ensuring smooth transitions and program integration.
• Participate in client meetings and events, fostering strong relationships and supporting broader client success initiatives.
• Be an ambassador for One LRQA, working with colleagues from other functions and disciplines, to remove barriers to success.

 

 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and 2-3 years’ experience, with experience and/or demonstrated interest in in ethical sourcing, supply chain sustainability, labor compliance. 
• Proven track record in client-facing roles, particularly in a commercial environment, with experience managing KPIs, reporting, and program delivery.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; additional languages are an advantage.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong sense of urgency, responsibility, teamwork, and accountability.
• Experience in a global operating environment is preferred, with the ability to manage cross-functional relationships across diverse cultures and time zones.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to process and interpret quantitative data.
• Passionate about sustainability, social responsibility, and environmental issues.
• High emotional intelligence, with the ability to work autonomously and adapt to fast-paced, dynamic envi