At a Glance
- Tasks: Support sustainability initiatives and gain hands-on experience in sustainable fashion.
- Company: Join White Stuff, a vibrant brand known for its unique designs and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday, discounts, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent training and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the world of sustainable fashion while learning from industry experts.
- Qualifications: Recent graduate in sustainability or related field with a passion for apparel and data.
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
- Hybrid working
- 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
Equal Employment Opportunity
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 (12 Months) employer: White Stuff
At White Stuff, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that values creativity and collaboration. Our inclusive work culture fosters entrepreneurial spirit and accountability, allowing you to thrive in your role as a Sustainability & Responsible Materials Intern. With hands-on experience in sustainable fashion, generous benefits like hybrid working, volunteer days, and a supportive environment for personal growth, you'll find meaningful opportunities to contribute to our sustainability goals while developing your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainability & Responsible Materials Intern (12 Months)
✨Dive into Sustainability Events!
Check out local sustainability and environmental management events or workshops. They’re a great way to meet industry professionals, pick up insights, and even get the inside scoop on internship opportunities that might not be advertised yet!
✨Get Involved in Green Initiatives!
Volunteer for local environmental groups or sustainability initiatives. Not only will this bolster your CV, but it also gives you a chance to connect with like-minded folks who can help you find internships, including valuable leads for roles at companies like White Stuff!
✨Showcase Your Passion Online!
Create a blog or social media profile dedicated to sustainability topics. This not only showcases your passion but also displays your knowledge and commitment to potential employers. It can make you stand out to companies like White Stuff when they're looking for interns!
✨Use University Resources Wisely!
Don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have connections with companies offering internships in environmental management. Get in touch with them to discover potential opportunities that they might be linked with, including those at White Stuff!
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability & Responsible Materials Intern (12 Months)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability:When applying for the internship at White Stuff, it's essential to showcase your genuine interest in sustainability and environmental management. Use your cover letter to share any related projects or volunteer experiences, perhaps mentioning specific initiatives or organisations that inspired you. This will help us see your commitment to the cause!
Showcase Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV emphasises skills relevant to sustainability, like knowledge of environmental laws, data analysis, and project management. If you've taken any environmental science courses or certifications, include those too! We love to see how your academic background applies to our field.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:Don't just send off a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application specifically to the internship at White Stuff. Use keywords from the job description to ensure we're on the same page and can see how you fit into our team. This attention to detail can really make you stand out.
Be Open About Your Learning Goals:As this is an internship, we’re looking for candidates who are eager to learn. In your cover letter, share what you hope to gain from this experience at White Stuff. Highlight how this internship aligns with your career aspirations in sustainability. This will show us that you’re not just in it for the job, but for growth!
How to prepare for a job interview at White Stuff
✨Know Your Sustainability Jargon
Brush up on key terms and concepts in sustainability and environmental management—think carbon footprints, circular economy, and sustainability reporting. This could come in handy during the interview, particularly if you're asked to discuss recent trends or to explain how you would approach a specific environmental challenge.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
If you've done any relevant coursework, personal projects, or volunteer work focusing on sustainability, be ready to showcase them. Having specific examples to discuss not only shows your passion but also gives you a chance to illustrate your hands-on experience. Think about what you've learned and how it relates to the internship at White Stuff.
✨Understand the Role's Impact
Dive deep into how the role of a sustainability intern fits into the bigger picture at White Stuff. It’s a great idea to understand what projects you might be involved in and how your contributions could make a difference in their sustainability goals. Make it clear that you’re not just in it for the experience, but that you genuinely want to add value.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Motivation
As this is an internship, it's all about potential. Be prepared to articulate why you're interested in sustainability and what drives you to be part of the environmental management sector. They want to hear your enthusiasm and what you've done to build your knowledge, whether through academic courses, clubs, or other connections in the field.
