At Debenhams Group, we're transforming one of Britain's most iconic retail names into a leading digital department store, with ambitions that extend far beyond the UK. Our vision is to become the number one destination for fashion, beauty and home, bringing together our own brands and an ever-growing Marketplace of incredible brand partners.
And we’re just getting started…..
Role Purpose:
The Ethical Auditor will play a critical role in ensuring that our global supply chain, including suppliers and factories across China in Guangzhou, travel would be required outside of both regions in particular for the Guangzhou to Ganzhou / Yudu. Operating in accordance with the Group’s ethical standards, sustainability principles and regulatory requirements.
The role will be responsible for monitoring, assessing and driving continuous improvement in ethical compliance across the China supply base, ensuring alignment with the Group’s Code of Conduct, applicable local legislation and relevant international standards. Through regular supplier and factory audits, corrective action plan (CAP) management, supplier engagement and ongoing risk monitoring, the Ethical Auditor will work collaboratively with suppliers to identify areas of non-compliance, understand root causes and support the implementation of sustainable improvements.
Working closely with the Global Ethical Compliance & Trade team and local suppliers, the role will also support supplier onboarding, supply chain tier mapping (Tiers 1–3), compliance reporting and the maintenance of accurate audit and supplier records. Ultimately, the role will help strengthen supplier relationships, promote transparency and accountability, and embed responsible sourcing and strong ethical practices throughout the regional supply chain.
The successful candidate must be based within a 40km radius of the Guangzhou in which the role is being recruited, to support regular supplier visits and local engagement.
Please note that this position is being recruited in partnership with a third-party employment partner, who will act as the direct employer for the successful candidate.
Key responsibilities:
- Carry out regular visits and ethical audits across our supplier base in China to help ensure factories meet the Group’s ethical standards and Code of Conduct.
- Work closely with suppliers to review audit findings, agree improvement plans and support them in addressing any areas of concern.
- Monitor progress against agreed actions, providing guidance and following up to ensure improvements are made within appropriate timescales.
- Build positive relationships with suppliers, acting as a key point of contact for ethical compliance queries and offering support on audit requirements and expectations.
- Support new supplier onboarding by reviewing audit information and visiting factories where required.
- Help maintain accurate supplier and audit records, ensuring information is kept up to date within our internal systems, including Segura.
- Support the mapping of our supply chain across Tiers 1–3, helping to improve visibility and transparency across our supplier network.
- Monitor supplier performance and audit results, highlighting any trends, risks or opportunities for improvement to the wider team.
- Share best practice, guidance and training resources with suppliers to help strengthen their understanding of ethical standards and responsible working practices.
- Work alongside the Global Ethical Compliance & Trade team on supplier development, training sessions, workshops and wider ethical trade initiatives in China.
- Keep up to date with relevant changes in local legislation and ethical trade requirements, sharing any important updates with the wider team.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of our ethical compliance standards, helping to promote responsible sourcing and continuous improvement throughout our supply chain.
Your Skills, Knowledge and Experience:
Experience in ethical auditing, compliance or working within a supplier/factory environment.
Good understanding of ethical trade standards, supplier compliance and responsible sourcing.
Knowledge of local labour legislation and international ethical standards would be advantageous.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with suppliers and internal teams.
Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accurate records.
Confident reviewing information, identifying issues and supporting practical solutions.
A proactive approach, with a genuine interest in driving improvements and promoting good working practices.
Good attention to detail and confidence using Microsoft Office and relevant systems.
Fluent in Mandarin and English, with the ability to communicate effectively with local suppliers and international colleagues.
WORKING WITH US:
At Debenhams Group we thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers—people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact.