Sustainability Manager

We’re looking for a Sustainability Manager to join us and lead the development and implementation of our environmental and sustainability strategy. They will ensure compliance with environmental legislation, improve resource efficiency and support the transition of sustainable production methods across the entire lifecycle of materials and products. This role plays a key part in reducing environmental impact, enhancing brand reputation, and supporting customers’ and suppliers’ sustainability goals.

Responsibilities.

Strategy & Policy

• Development and deliver the company’s sustainability strategy and action plans

• Provide expert advice and guidance to internal stakeholders on environmental and social sustainability practices

• Monitor emerging legislation, regulations, and trends in ESG, translating these into practical implications and opportunities for the business

• Work alongside procurement and product teams to promote responsible sourcing, including lower-impact materials and ethical suppliers

• Establish and review environmental and sustainability policies in line with UK and EU standards

• Identify risks and opportunities related to sustainable sourcing, water use, energy consumption, and chemical management

• Collaborate on internal and supply chain projects to support sustainable product development and design-for-circularity principles

• Collaborate with external partners including Planet Mark to advance the organisation’s Net Zero strategy and reporting

• Engage with the Royal Warrant Association to align sustainability practices with recognised standards and shared environmental goals

Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead and liaise with suppliers, partners, and other external stakeholders to promote sustainability within the supply chain

• Support compliance teams with ESG risk mapping and supplier assessments by gathering data and coordinating with sourcing teams

• Help track supplier certifications (e.g. GOTS, BSCI, ISO 14001) and follow up on audit findings and improvement actions

• Encourage supplier awareness and capability-building on sustainability expectations

• Represent the organisation at external events, working groups, or industry forums to build knowledge and influence

• Engage employees through internal campaigns to embed sustainable manufacturing practices

Project and Programme Delivery & Engagement

• Lead and support sustainability projects across departments (e.g. carbon reduction, waste management, responsible sourcing, community engagement)

• Lead awareness campaigns and employee engagement initiatives to foster a culture of sustainability

• Assist with setting and tracking sustainability KPIs and targets aligned to broader business goals

• Partner with Technical Teams to explore biodegradable, recycled, and circular design materials

Internal Education & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to training and awareness sessions on sustainability standards, compliance themes, and evolving regulations

• Stay abreast of global developments in sustainable manufacturing and regulation to inform internal policies and approaches

• Assist with sustainability input into RFPs, tender evaluations, and vendor selection criteria

• Support behavioural and operational change to reduce waste, energy use, and water usage in facilities

Data, Reporting & Compliance

• Collect, analyse, and report on sustainability data to support internal and external reporting requirements (e.g. carbon footprint, energy use, waste metrics and chemical usage)

• Ensure compliance with relevant environmental and sustainability legislation and industry standards. (e.g. ISO 14001, REACH, ZDHC, SECR)

• Provide data, analysis, and insights to compliance and ESG reporting teams to support accurate disclosures and due diligence processes

• Assist in compiling sustainability data for annual reports, customer disclosures, and voluntary reporting frameworks (e.g. CDP, GRI, SECR)

• Liaise with external auditors and verification bodies as needed to ensure sustainability claims are substantiated and traceable

• Act as a sustainability subject matter expert, supporting compliance team in interpreting and applying environmental and social regulations relevant to the industry

• Assist in maintaining alignment between sustainability objectives and legal/compliance obligations

• Support cross-functional reviews of policies, supplier codes of conduct, and risk management frameworks from a sustainability perspective

Connecting with others.

Internal

• Quality & Technical Teams

• Operations and Manufacturing

• Procurement & Sourcing

• Product Development & Design Teams

• Compliance and Legal Teams

• HR and Training

External

• Suppliers and Manufacturers

• Auditors and Verification Bodies

• Industry Forums and Working Groups

• Customers and Partners

• Planet Mark and other Sustainability Certification Bodies

• Royal Warrant Association and Affiliated Networks

Skills & Experience.

• Proven experience in a sustainability or ESG advisory role within manufacturing or textiles

• Good understanding of key sustainability challenges and frameworks (e.g. Net Zero, UN SDGs, ESG reporting)

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and produce meaningful insights

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deliver results in a fast-paced environment

• Familiarity with environmental legislation and ethical compliance standards relevant to the industry

• Experience supporting supplier engagement, risk assessments, or audit programmes

• Strong project management and data analysis

• Degree or equivalent in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Compliance, or Textiles Technology