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 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 sustainable fashion while gaining hands-on experience with industry experts.
- Qualifications: Recent graduate in sustainability or related field; data skills and enthusiasm are key.
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 employer: White Stuff
At White Stuff, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that values creativity and collaboration. As a Sustainability & Responsible Materials Intern, you'll gain invaluable hands-on experience in sustainable fashion within a supportive and dynamic environment, where entrepreneurial ideas are encouraged and employee growth is fostered through training and exposure to industry-leading practices. With benefits like hybrid working, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for community volunteering, we ensure our team members feel valued and empowered to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainability & Responsible Materials Intern
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research White Stuff's sustainability initiatives and values. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the internship. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interviews by practising common questions related to sustainability and responsible sourcing. Think about how your skills and experiences align with the role, and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows that you're proactive and serious about joining the team at White Stuff.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability & Responsible Materials Intern
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sustainability:When you're 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, especially with Excel, and any experience you have in apparel or fabric work. 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:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at White Stuff
✨Know Your Sustainability Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in sustainability and responsible materials. Familiarise yourself with concepts like circularity, material innovation, and repair schemes. 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 might know. Bring examples of how you've used data in past projects or studies, especially if they relate to sustainability metrics or reporting.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about White Stuff's sustainability initiatives and how they integrate these practices into their product development. This shows you're genuinely interested in the company and its goals, plus it gives you a chance to demonstrate your knowledge of the industry.
✨Be Yourself and Be Enthusiastic
White Stuff values a sociable and dynamic work environment, so let your personality shine through! Show your enthusiasm for the role and the company, and don’t hesitate to share your ideas on sustainable fashion. They’re looking for someone who’s eager to learn and contribute.
