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 Sustainable Supply Chain Analyst (Internal Promotion)
3-5 years as a Senior AnalystSkills to master
- Leading complex projects, mentoring junior team members, presenting to senior stakeholders, taking ownership of a full workstream (e.g., Scope 3 reporting, a specific due diligence programme). You've already proven you can deliver independently and guide others.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently exceeding performance expectations in a Senior Analyst role.
- Successfully leading 2-3 significant, multi-stakeholder sustainable supply chain projects end-to-end.
- Receiving positive feedback on your mentorship and informal leadership abilities.
- Proactively identifying and proposing solutions for systemic issues, not just individual problems.
- Demonstrating strong communication and influencing skills with internal and external partners.
- 2
Lead, Sustainable Supply Chain Programmes (External Hire)
8-12 years overall experience, with 3-5 years in a lead/programme management role.Skills to master
- Designing and managing large-scale sustainability programmes, acting as a subject matter expert for a key domain (e.g., circularity, water stewardship), and managing cross-functional teams without direct reports. You're used to driving impact through influence.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven track record of successfully launching and managing complex sustainability programmes in previous roles.
- Demonstrated expertise in a specific area of sustainable supply chain that aligns with our strategic priorities.
- Experience navigating complex organisational structures and influencing diverse stakeholders without formal authority.
- Strong strategic planning and execution skills, with a focus on measurable outcomes.
- Comfortable with budget management and resource allocation for programmes.
- 3
ESG Consultant (from a reputable firm)
10-14 years overall experience, including 4-6 years in ESG consulting.Skills to master
- Client management, project delivery, deep understanding of various industry sectors' ESG challenges, and experience in developing and implementing sustainability strategies for diverse companies. You're used to fast-paced, high-impact work.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully managing and delivering multiple complex ESG supply chain projects for various clients.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly grasp new industries and challenges.
- Excellent client-facing communication and presentation abilities.
- Experience in developing and implementing practical, data-driven sustainability solutions.
- A desire to move from advisory to 'doing' within a corporate setting.