The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Senior Manager, Global Responsible Sourcing (L5)
Typically 3-5 years in this role before Director.Skills to master
- Mastering team leadership (of managers), managing regional or programme-specific strategies, budget management (up to £2M), and being the primary liaison to Procurement leadership. You'd be building your executive presence and strategic influence.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led a major, complex global responsible sourcing programme from inception to full implementation, demonstrating significant impact.
- Consistently delivered on budget and strategic objectives for your function, even in challenging environments.
- Proven ability to effectively manage and develop a team of 10+ professionals, including other managers.
- Regularly sought out by senior leaders for your expertise and recommendations on critical supply chain issues.
- 2
Director of Procurement (with strong ESG focus)
Roughly 4-6 years in a procurement leadership role.Skills to master
- Deep understanding of procurement processes, supplier relationship management from a commercial perspective, and integrating ESG criteria into core buying decisions. You'd need to shift from pure cost-saving to value-based sourcing.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully integrated responsible sourcing metrics into procurement KPIs and supplier selection processes.
- Led significant negotiations with major suppliers that included robust ethical and environmental clauses.
- Demonstrated the ability to balance commercial objectives with sustainability goals, driving positive outcomes for both.
- Built strong relationships across both the procurement and sustainability functions.
- 3
Head of Sustainability/ESG for a Business Unit
Approximately 5-7 years in a broad sustainability leadership role.Skills to master
- Broader understanding of all ESG pillars (environmental, social, governance), P&L management for a business unit, and cross-functional leadership. You'd need to deepen your specific supply chain expertise.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully developed and implemented a holistic ESG strategy for a specific business unit or region.
- Demonstrated strong leadership across multiple ESG domains, with a track record of measurable impact.
- Proven ability to engage and influence C-suite stakeholders on broad sustainability topics.
- Deepened expertise in supply chain-specific ESG risks and opportunities.