At a Glance
- Tasks: Support sustainability initiatives and research material innovation in the fashion industry.
- Company: Join White Stuff, a vibrant brand known for its unique designs and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holiday, discounts, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Gain hands-on experience and learn from industry experts in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Dive into sustainable fashion and make a real impact on responsible sourcing.
- Qualifications: Recent graduate in sustainability or related field with a passion for data and fabrics.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Who we are
White Stuff was established in 1985 through a simple idea. This idea grew and now we have shops and concessions in the UK and internationally, selling women’s and men’s clothing as well as beautiful accessories and homeware. Our original prints (all designed in house), intricate details and considered design touches reflect our personality and make us subtly distinctive. Our people are at the heart of our brand, constantly moving and driving us forward. We’re sociable, talented and like minded and we’re not hierarchical or political in how we do business. We encourage entrepreneurial ideas and accountability at all levels.
Primary objective of the job
As a Sustainability & Responsible Materials Intern, you will work closely with our sustainability and product development teams to support various initiatives related to circularity, material innovation, and responsible sourcing. You will have the opportunity to gain hands‑on experience with key sustainability projects and industry‑leading practices, including shadowing meetings, conducting research, and attending audits and training. This internship offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of sustainable fashion and material innovation.
What you’ll be doing
- Material Research, Data & Systems
- Conduct research into material innovation, with a focus on sustainability, circularity, repair schemes, and new sourcing opportunities to support product development and responsible sourcing strategies.
- Support the collection, analysis, and reporting of data relating to sustainability metrics, ESG performance, carbon tracking, material certifications, packaging, and environmental impact.
- Maintain and organise the materials library, including sorting, recycling, processing post, and keeping fabric development and live tracking records up to date.
- Support the management of tracking systems and PLM data, including materials library inputs, supplier information, and onboarding activity within the supplier portal.
- Sustainability Compliance, Traceability & Reporting
- Take part in training on sustainability legislation and certified materials to build knowledge of the regulatory landscape and recognised industry standards.
- Collect and review certifications within traceability platforms, support digital product passport implementation, and help ensure accurate reporting for certified products, including Fairtrade mass balance figures.
- Support the collation and tracking of packaging data for audit purposes and help ensure mandatory supplier onboarding documentation is completed.
- Collaboration & Strategic Exposure
- Attend meetings linked to ESG initiatives and product strategy to build understanding of the company’s sustainability goals, reporting priorities, and how sustainability is embedded in product development and commercial decision-making.
- Contribute to discussions and share ideas that support sustainable product innovation and strategy.
What you’ll need
- Graduate from a sustainability course or adjacent field.
- Interest or prior experience working in apparel or with fabrics.
- Good with data. Proficiency with Excel is crucial and additional skills like Power BI or data manipulation tools are a bonus.
- Enthusiastic, fast learner who wants to work in a dynamic environment.
- Sustainability is a broad field and we are looking for someone to get involved across teams and projects.
What we will offer you
- Quarterly/Annual bonus opportunity
- Up to 25 days holiday per annum, plus bank holidays
- 2 extra (paid) days off per year to volunteer in the local community
- 50% discount
- Subsidised BUPA Dental Insurance
- Healthcare cash plan and Life Assurance
- Interest free season ticket loan
- Pension Contribution
- Hands‑on experience working with sustainability projects in the fashion industry
- Opportunity to shadow and learn from experts in ESG, product strategy, and material innovation
- Training and exposure to industry‑leading certifications and sustainability practices
- A collaborative and dynamic work environment
We are committed to creating an environment where we can all be proud to work and be ourselves. Part of this commitment is being an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, and age.
Sustainability & Responsible Materials Intern employer: FashionUnited Group
White Stuff is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and dynamic work environment, where creativity and sustainability are at the forefront of our mission. As a Sustainability & Responsible Materials Intern, you will gain invaluable hands-on experience in the fashion industry while being supported by a team of passionate professionals dedicated to innovation and responsible sourcing. With benefits like generous holiday allowances, volunteer days, and opportunities for personal growth, we ensure our employees thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainability & Responsible Materials Intern
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sustainability and fashion sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty with practical experience! Volunteer for local sustainability projects or internships, even if they’re unpaid. This shows your commitment and gives you real-world skills that will make you stand out when applying through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s sustainability initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals. We love candidates who are genuinely interested in what we do, so show us you’ve done your homework!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in the interviewer’s mind. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Sustainability & Responsible Materials Intern role.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability & Responsible Materials Intern
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sustainability:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to responsible materials and circularity. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in the fashion industry.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your skills in data analysis, material research, and any experience with sustainability initiatives. We want to see how your background aligns with our goals at White Stuff, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively, so show us you can do just that!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do and our values at White Stuff.
How to prepare for a job interview at FashionUnited Group
✨Know Your Sustainability Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in sustainability and responsible materials. Familiarise yourself with concepts like circularity, ESG metrics, and material certifications. This will not only show your passion but also help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Show Off Your Data Skills
Since the role requires good data handling, be prepared to discuss your experience with Excel and any other data tools you’ve used. Bring examples of how you've analysed data or contributed to projects that involved data collection and reporting. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the tasks ahead.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the company’s sustainability initiatives and future goals. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in their mission and want to contribute to their success. Plus, it gives you a chance to learn more about how you can fit into their team.
✨Be Yourself and Be Enthusiastic
White Stuff values a sociable and entrepreneurial spirit, so let your personality shine through! Share your enthusiasm for sustainable fashion and how you see yourself contributing to their projects. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
