Assistant Ethical Trade Manager

Job ID
Job ID 75676
Team
Team Finance
Location
Location Leicester
Job Schedule
Job Schedule Full time
Salary
Salary £36,000 - £45,000
Posting Date
Posting Date 19/05/2026
Apply Before
Apply Before 05/06/2026
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Summary

The Role:

As an Assistant Ethical Trade Manager you will be responsible for supporting and assisting with the continuous development of the Next plc global Corporate Responsibility strategy and to support the compliance of the Next Group supply chain. This will involve identifying where issues exist, making decisions and reporting on the improvements required and managing such action plans to achieve the required standards. The role will involve national and potentially international travel. You will be working closely with relevant product teams to build awareness of our Code of Practice approach and will liaise regularly with our own overseas team.

The role will spend time at both Next Head Office in Enderby and Joules Head Office in Market Harborough

What You Will Take On:

Auditing

You will ensure that the new supplier on-boarding and induction process is followed correctly as well as processing New Site Requests and factory self-assessments for inclusion in audit planning. You will schedule and carry out audits as per Code of Practice in the ‘UK & Rest of World’ region in line with COP Principle Standards and Auditing Standards ensuring that non-conformities are clearly identified & communicated to the relevant supplier in a timely manner. Audit reports must be completed to a high standard in line with our team approach.

COP Process

As part of the role you will plan and hold meetings with internal teams and external suppliers covering a range of issues such as factory lists, compliance performance, remediation plans, global supply chain issues as well as supporting suppliers/factories/product teams/global COP team with management of corrective action plans. You will also be responsible for building and maintaining supplier and product team relationships

What You Will Bring:

You will demonstrate a passion and interest for ethical trading, as well as an understanding of broader global supply chain issues. Having a good understanding and appreciation for compliance processes and practices is also an advantage.

An ability and willingness to travel throughout the UK and overseas.

An effective communicator you will possess exceptional organisational skills and have an ability to adapt and prioritise a challenging workload.

A natural problem solver you will have experience of visiting factories and engaging with a range of stakeholders including internal teams, external suppliers and other organisations.

A strong understanding of compliance processes and ethical trading issues.

Excellent organisational skills and the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities.

Some experience of data analytics and using data to prepare reports is desirable but not essential.

A valid driving license and the ability to travel across the UK and overseas.

#LI-DC1

Benefits

  • 25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria's Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT)
  • Company performance based bonus
  • Sharesave scheme
  • On-site Nursery available; OFSTED outstanding in all areas
  • 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
  • Early VIP access to sale stock
  • Access to fantastic discounts at our Staff Shops
  • Restaurants with great food at amazing prices
  • Access a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services
  • Free on-site parking
  • Financial Wellbeing - Save, track and enhance your financial wellbeing
  • Apprenticeship - Grow and develop on the job whilst gaining a qualification
  • Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store
  • Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other
  • Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more

Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.

We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long-term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.

What's Next?

Team Overview

Finance is where we turn ambition into action. This team protects value, funds growth, and gives leaders timely insight. From reporting to managing risk, your work keeps decisions sharp, ensuring the business stays on course and ready to take on the next big challenge.

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Our brands

You’ve probably heard of NEXT, but did you know about our portfolio? Every brand in our offering brings a distinct story, attitude and community. Spanning contemporary lifestyle brands, established high street names and timeless collections, together they showcase the vibrancy of today’s retail world.

About NEXT

You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 44,000 people across the Next group. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 450 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 80 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global!
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Are you ready to take it on?

Challenges. Opportunities. The future. Let’s take it on at NEXT. 

Bring your energy

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