THE BUSINESS

AAB is a tech-enabled business critical services group, providing services that help businesses at every stage of the lifecycle, helping them manage the critical elements that make businesses tick - their people and their finances.

AAB are focused on people. They believe in the resilience of the human spirit; that with bravery, hard work and perseverance, people can accomplish amazing things. AAB are human, passionate, bold, motivational, positive, empathetic, driven and straight-talking.

THE TEAM

At AAB we pride ourselves on providing everyone with an inspiring career opportunity. Our culture keeps the layers simple and the relationship personal. We know that our success is down to one thing, our people, and we make sure looking after our people is at the heart of everything we do.

Does AAB sound like a good fit for you? We currently have an opening for a Sustainable Procurement Specialist Consultant to join our Sustainable Business & ESG Services team to support its development and growth.

THE ROLE

Sustainable Procurement Specialist Consultant - UK

Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced and motivated Sustainable Procurement Specialist Consultant to support organisations in embedding sustainability into their procurement and supply chain operations. This role focuses on helping clients comply with UK regulations such as the UK Public Services (Social Value) Act and the Modern Slavery Act, conduct ethical trade assessments (e.g., SMETA), and drive supply chain decarbonisation (Scope 3 emissions). The consultant will provide strategic advice and actionable solutions to clients, enabling them to align procurement with environmental, social, and governance goals while addressing critical challenges like climate impact and social responsibility

Service Delivery:

• Sustainable Procurement Advisory:
  Develop and implement sustainable procurement frameworks that address environmental, ethical, and social impacts, ensuring alignment with clients' business goals and sustainability and/or ESG objectives.

• Scope 3 Decarbonisation:
  Support clients in identifying and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across their supply chains by analysing Scope 3 emissions, setting reduction targets, and implementing strategies for decarbonisation.

• Compliance with Regulations:
  Assist clients in meeting legal and regulatory requirements, including the UK Public Services (Social Value) Act and the Modern Slavery Act, ensuring procurement practices contribute to social environmental objectives.

• Supply Chain Audits and Ethical Trade:
  Conduct supplier assessments (e.g. SMETA audits), to evaluate labour practices, environmental compliance, and ethical trade performance. Provide actionable recommendations to address gaps.

• Social Value Integration:
  Help clients integrate social value metrics into procurement processes, demonstrating measurable benefits such as community investment, local economic impact, and diversity within supply chains.

• Supplier Engagement and Development:
  Partner with suppliers to improve sustainability practices, ensure ESG compliance, and secure collaboration for long-term improvements in ethical and environmental performance.

• Risk Assessment and Mitigation:
  Identify risks such as non-compliance with the Modern Slavery Act, carbon emissions reporting, and supplier sustainability gaps. Develop mitigation plans and risk-reduction strategies.

• Prepare high-quality ESG reports for clients, disclosures, and communications that enhance transparency and credibility.

Client Engagement:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for client interactions related to sustainable procurement initiatives.

• Conduct thorough assessments of clients' sustainable procurement needs, goals, and challenges.

• Provide strategic advice and recommendations tailored to each client's sector and context.

• Create long-term relationships by delivering exceptional service and value.

Project Management:

• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of sustainable procurement projects within agreed timelines and budgets.

• Monitor project progress, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies as needed.

• Maintain high-quality standards in deliverables, ensuring accuracy and adherence to best practices.

Business Development:

• Identify opportunities for expanding the Sustainable Business and ESG service offerings and growing the client base.

• Develop and contribute to compelling proposals and pitches tailored to prospective clients' needs and objectives.

• Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams to promote Sustainable Business & ESG Services and initiatives effectively.

• Stay informed about industry trends, market developments, and emerging sustainable procurement regulations to capitalise on business opportunities.

Experience and Attributes required for the role:

• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, Business Management, or a related field. Relevant certifications (e.g., CIPS, SMETA Auditor Certification, or GHG Accounting Certification) are an advantage

• Recent career experience in procurement, sustainability, or ethical trade roles, ideally with consulting experience.

• Proven impact and experience in sustainability/ESG consulting and/or business advisory, sustainability management, or related fields, with a focus on client-facing roles.

• Strong understanding of UK regulations and frameworks, including the UK Public Services (Social Value) Act, Modern Slavery Act, and NHS Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment.

• Familiarity with sustainability standards and sustainability assessment tools, such as ISO 20400, SMETA, or EcoVadis.

• Proven knowledge of Scope 3 emissions frameworks (e.g., GHG Protocol), decarbonisation strategies, and carbon accounting tools

• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and persuasively.

• Demonstrated proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and presentation skills.

• Experience in business development, including proposal writing, pitches and client presentations.

Personal Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop innovative, client-specific solutions.

• Analytical and detail-oriented, with expertise in addressing complex supply chain and sustainability challenges.

• Passionate about advancing social and environmental goals through procurement and supply chain improvements.

• A strong appetite for continual learning and seeking career development opportunities.

• A team player, willing to share experience, learn from others and contribute to the shared success of AAB's Sustainable Business & ESG Services.

THE BENEFITS

Over the years, AAB has been recognised for its excellent working practices by some of the most prestigious award bodies in the UK. We pride ourselves in the fact that our approach across the AAB Group has gained an excellent reputation and is loved by our employees.

Some of our benefits are

• Hybrid, agile and family friendly working practices to enable you to manage your work life alongside your home life
• Ongoing personalised coaching and mentoring programmes to maximize your potential
• Full payment of private healthcare and dental care
• Workplace pension
• Regular updates from our Health & Wellbeing team and access to all Headspace resources
• We're energetic people who like nothing more than having a bit of fun; with our Social Club organising frequent staff events and initiatives
• Volunteering leave through the AABIE Charitable Initiative
• Working at a recognised Best Company and Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For
• Regular communication from our leadership team regarding AAB Group activities and initiatives