Hilton Foods is delighted to be recruiting for an Ethical Trade & Human Rights Senior Manager
Accountable for leading and delivering the continuous improvement of Hilton Foods’ Group human rights programme, embedding robust human rights due diligence across our operations and supply chains to identify, prevent, mitigate and remediate human rights risks, in line with the UN Guiding Principles and Hilton Foods’ 2030 Sustainable Protein Plan and applicable regulatory requirements including the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and the UK Modern Slavery Act
The role supports the integration of HRDD practices into our own operations through running our Group modern slavery strategy and associated training, managing our internal due diligence program via both SMETA audits and enhanced labour provider & service provider audits, and integrating relevant programmatic work such as; responsible recruitment, accommodation standards and improved access to grievance.
The role is responsible for the delivery of our human rights strategy for our global supply base, across our 20 international production sites. This includes the delivery of our Group Ethical Onboarding and Approval Process for all in-scope suppliers. This requires sound knowledge of ethical trade compliance, risk assessment systems, and where possible a beyond audit approach; using multiple sources of insight (e.g., risk assessment, supplier engagement, worker voice/grievance mechanisms, human rights impact assessments and data analysis) to ensure we identify, manage and escalate ethical trade and human rights risks effectively.
The Senior Manager will report into the Group Sustainability team, alongside building strong relations with the Group People and Culture team, senior stakeholders across the business including risk and procurement, and Local Excellence teams at a site level, providing strategic and where relevant operational advice related to human rights. They are also responsible for representing Hilton Foods within pre-competitive industry initiatives, and where relevant, with customers.
- Provide Group level strategic leadership on human rights due diligence, modern slavery risk management and remediation across Hilton Foods’ value chain, ensuring continuous improvement and regulatory alignment.
- Own and continuously improve our Group Ethical Onboarding and Approval Process, including risk assessment approval, audit assessments, relevant LET training and monitoring, ensuring proportionate due diligence and effective risk management beyond audit alone.
- Support the delivery of our human rights program into our own operations, including our modern slavery strategy, internal audit program and labour provider standards.
- Act as the central point of contact for ethical trade and human rights matters, owning relationships with key customers and suppliers, including escalations, remediation and continuous improvement activities.
- Partner with LETs and functions (Quality, Procurement, Technical, Legal/Compliance) to embed ethical standards across the supply chain and our own operations,
- Accountable for delivering the human rights areas of the Sustainable Protein Plan, translating commitments into priorities, plans and measurable outcomes.
- Lead priority human rights projects (e.g., modern slavery, responsible recruitment, living wage/income, grievance mechanisms) aligned to group sustainability commitments.
- Ensure compliance to relevant legislation including UK Modern Slavery Act, Australian Modern Slavery Act, Canadian Modern Slavery Act, EU CSRD and CSDDD, delivering reporting where required.
- Represent Hilton Foods in external forums (e.g., FNET and other pre-competitive initiatives), sharing learning and influencing best practice.
KEY EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Ethical Trade & Human Rights Expertise
- Strong experience in ethical trade, human rights due diligence and/or responsible sourcing, ideally within food or FMCG supply chains.
- Working knowledge of Sedex/SMETA, ETI Base Code and broader social compliance frameworks; able to interpret social audits and define effective remediation.
Leadership & Influence
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams, translating risk and compliance into clear business actions.
- Experience implementing systems and building capability through training, guidance and practical tools.
Data & Programme Management
- Confident managing complex datasets and reporting, ensuring data quality and turning insights into prioritised actions.
- Strong programme/project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines.
Education / Professional Background
- Degree or equivalent professional experience in relevant fields (e.g., human rights, law, international development, sustainability, politics, HR, business).
- Typically 6+ years’ experience in ethical trade, human rights, responsible sourcing or related roles.
Communication
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to produce clear internal reporting and contribute to external disclosures.
Desirable
- Audit qualification/training (e.g., SA8000/SMETA, lead auditor) and experience engaging with NGOs/industry initiatives.
- In-depth knowledge of seafood human rights risks highly desirable
- Strong knowledge of risks related to labour providers and agency staff within a human rights context
- Experience of making legal disclosures, particularly UK Modern Slavery Act Statements or equivalent