Social Performance Specialist

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization:

At C&A we are committed to creating a responsible and transparent supply chain that makes a positive contribution to socio-economic and environmental development in our sourcing markets. Key challenge for the coming years will be the successful integration of the Social, Labor and Convergence Program (SLCP) into the Sustainable Supply Chain (SSC) overall activities and the execution of impactful capability building programs.

The Social Performance Specialist is responsible for leading the SSC process at a supplier/ Production Unit (PU), including assessments, remediation, training and project/ program management for continuous improvement. The role involves regular factory visits and close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Auditing & Assessments

• Engages with suppliers/ PUs to support the SLCP process, including but not limited to joint assessments, review of SLCP results, SLCP verifications (only for SLCP-approved verifiers) and onboarding visits for SLCP PUs.
• Regularly visits factories and meets with suppliers/ PUs to follow up on corrective actions, verify remediation progress and support effective, sustainable solutions.
• Independently conducts factory assessments and investigations to identify and evaluate non-compliances with applicable labour standards and C&A’s Code of Conduct.
• Conducts social audits in accordance with C&A’s Code of Conduct and applicable laws across the EMEA/ Türkiye regions, when required.
• Independently produces high-quality reports in English on assessment findings and recommendations for improvement.
• Engages with sourcing team to address supplier risks and improve social compliance across the supply chain.

Capability building

• Trains suppliers/ PUs (including but not limited to onboarding, refreshment, SLCP).
• Facilitates supplier round tables on specific topics.
• Drives projects and programs at specified suppliers, including but not limited to Workplace Dialogue Program, Supplier Ownership Program, Capability Building at suppliers with high SSC risk.
• Drives the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) process with suppliers/ PUs, including sharing CAPs, reviewing corrective actions and following up on progress until closure.

General

• Works collaboratively within the team to drive measurable improvements in process efficiency and effectiveness.
• Demonstrates high awareness of social compliance risks and potential violations of workers’ rights, particularly in factory environments.
• Demonstrates initiative and takes ownership of assigned responsibilities, ensuring timely follow-up and completion in coordination with the team.
• Keeps up to date with relevant legislation and industry trends, contributing to the SSC team’s knowledge, expertise and industry leadership.
• Contributes to the development and continuous improvement of SSC Standard Operating Procedures.
• Frequent domestic and international travel is required to conduct site assessments, follow-up visits and supplier training.

Key Relationships:

• Suppliers/ Production Units (PUs)
• External stakeholders, such as third party verifiers, SLCP, various local stakeholders
• Environmental Stewardship team members
• Quality team members
• Sourcing team members

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Good knowledge of applicable labour, health and safety and environmental legislation, including freedom of association and collective bargaining, and social compliance management systems
• Strong observation skills and attention to detail, with the ability to identify social compliance risks
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Strong communication and training skills, with the ability to clearly explain requirements and guide suppliers/ PUs on corrective actions
• Effective time and project management skills, including prioritization, timely follow-up and ownership of tasks through to completion
• Strong assessment and report-writing skills in English and the relevant local language(s)
• Strong analytical skills and professional judgement to evaluate findings, identify root causes and determine appropriate next steps

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field
• 2 years + relevant experience in auditing
• Experience in manufacturing or merchandising is a plus
• Experience in partnering with suppliers/ PUs to facilitate improvements and implement project/ programs