Business Execution & Sustainability Manager

Are you passionate about working side-by-side with a CEO to drive sustainable change across global supply chains?

Acre is proudly working with an innovative enterprise with a social purpose, to find their next Business Execution & Sustainability Manager. This organisation works with retailers and brands to make the world's cotton supply chains more sustainable. It partners with some of the world's leading brands and retailers to transform cotton production and manufacturing stages, delivering ethical, effective, and efficient supply chains. With a commitment to improving the lives of farming communities, the organisation aims to enhance the livelihoods of more than a million people in cotton-growing regions.

The Role

The Business Execution and Sustainability Manager serves as a trusted partner and strategic enabler to the CEO, ensuring smooth coordination across leadership priorities, governance, business development, and organisational communication. This senior role requires exceptional judgment, discretion, and business acumen to support the CEO in driving the organisation's mission, governance, and strategic objectives.

Key Thematic Areas & Responsibilities

Strategic & Executive Support

• Act as the right hand to the CEO, providing proactive, high-quality support on business-critical matters and strategic initiatives.
• Serve as a key liaison between the CEO, internal teams, and external consultants to ensure seamless communication, clarity, and follow-through on decisions.
• Lead preparation for CEO engagements - including strategic briefs, talking points, presentations, and key data insights.
• Support in long-term planning, business reviews, and monitoring progress against organisational strategy and priorities.
• Anticipate the CEO's needs and ensure they are well-prepared for meetings, travel, conferences, and external engagements.
• Manage sensitive information with the highest degree of confidentiality and professionalism.

Governance & Board Management

• Ensure smooth execution of all Board, Committee, and Shareholder meetings.
• Manage communication, agenda, and documentation for Board and Finance Committee meetings; coordinate logistics, circulate papers, and record minutes and action items.
• Maintain a governance calendar ensuring all deliverables are tracked and completed on time.
• Build strong relationships with Board members and act as a key contact for their communication with the CEO and leadership team.

Business & Financial Coordination

• Track budgets, contracts, and approve expenditure linked to the CEO Office and New Business.
• Review and approve invoices within delegated authority.
• Support the CEO and Business Development team in preparing proposals, decks, and partnership presentations.
• Maintain an overview of key projects, funding opportunities, and potential client relationships.
• Represent the organisation at select conferences, roundtables, or partner meetings as required.

Conferences, Events & External Engagements

• Oversee the organisation's participation in key global and regional conferences - securing sponsorships, speaking slots, and ensuring impactful presence.
• Ensure impactful presence by effective presentations and their delivery.
• Support the CEO in her speaking engagements by ensuring briefs, speaker notes, and all relevant documentation are prepared.
• Maintain a forward-looking annual calendar of strategic events and ensure timely preparation.

Team Management

• Manage the reporting of a team member and ensure that the team member performs against defined goals.
• Manage all administrative activities of the UK and CEO Office.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including partners, clients, and influencers.
• Mentor and coach colleagues to build capability and ensure "achieving through others."
• Support the onboarding of new senior team members and drive integration with leadership processes.

Key Requirements

• Postgraduate degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in executive support, strategy, or corporate governance - ideally within international NGOs, sustainability, or consulting sectors.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, priorities, and stakeholders with precision and professionalism.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with demonstrated experience in creating impactful decks and reports.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance, financial coordination, and organisational strategy.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Thinking and Business Acumen
• Executive Communication and Influence
• Planning and Prioritisation
• High degree of discretion, integrity, and resilience
• Relationship Building and Stakeholder Management

If this role resonates with you, please apply directly or contact Aysen Naylor at aysen.naylor@acre.com for more information.