Ethical Sourcing Officer
Overview
Introduction
Ethical sourcing officers work for companies in the public and private sectors and also for supply chain operators, ensuring that products and services are obtained in responsible and sustainable ways. They make sure that the workers involved in the manufacturing of these products are treated fairly, and that there are no negative environmental and social impacts. They share some similar tasks with those of purchasing managers. According to the Department of Labor, there are more than 605,400 purchasing managers, buyers, and purchas...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Sourcing specialists employed in the U.S. in December 2024 earned an average salary of $70,070, according to ZipRecruiter.com. Salaries ranged from $31,000 to $119,500. The Department of Labor reported that purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents earned median salaries of $71,950 in May 2023. Salaries ranged from $43,680 or less to $121,680 or higher. Buyers and agents who worked in ...
Work Environment
Ethical sourcing officers generally work full-time hours in offices. They often work more than 40 hours per week, particularly when project deadlines need to be met. The job also requires travel to meet with suppliers. They sometimes will work outdoors, inspecting goods in warehouses and other locations. Ethical sourcing officers may also work evenings and weekends when needed. The job is somet...
Outlook
An increasing number of companies have adopted ethical sourcing practices into their code of conduct for their suppliers. Awareness of the significance of ethical sourcing of goods, products, and services is expected to continue growing in the future. A 2023 study by NielsenIQ found that 78 percent of U.S. consumers "say that a sustainable lifestyle is important to them." From 2018 to 2022, mor...