Sustainability Manager - Products & Materials (Mat Cover)

A bit about the role

What you’ll be doing

This is your chance to become part of the Selfridges sustainability team, pioneers in sustainability. Reporting into our Senior Responsible Sourcing Manager, the Sustainability Manager: Sustainable Products & Materials will be an expert in better materials sourcing, with oversight of risk and opportunities in three key areas: Materials Edit, Prohibited Materials and Green Claims.

More sustainable products and materials:

Manage the efficacy and compliance of the ‘more sustainable’ product pathway.

Increase the identification and capture of ‘more sustainable’ products.

Manage the continued expansion of the 'more sustainable’ product criteria to additional departments

Oversee the tracking and analysis of materials into Selfridges.

Further advance Selfridges’ own-brand product materials (GFR and GNFR).

Act as a source of knowledge and support for various internal stakeholder groups on ‘green claims’.

Uphold Selfridges long-held commitment not to sell products that contain any of its designated ‘prohibited materials’.

Stakeholder engagement:

Work closely with key stakeholders - internal buying and retail teams, as well as Selfridges Group.

Support buying teams and brands (where required) with informed views on product risks and opportunities.

Build and maintain strong relationships with our brands to keep them informed of and aligned with our sustainable edit criteria.

Be the experienced point of contact for queries relating to sustainable products and materials, including prohibited materials flags within the business.

Liaise with key membership institutions to support the delivery of our materials agenda, attending conferences or events where required.

Support internal systems, processes and reporting:

Help build and improve systems and processes to support the delivery of key initiatives.

Own internal communication, data tracking and return-to-vendor process.

Support the development and implementation of the team strategy.

Support with data compilation, monthly reporting and brand outreach.

Own the development and logistics of internal learning modules.

Research a range of sustainability topics to support the delivery of key projects.

Line management and support of a sustainability coordinator.

A bit about you

Preferred

Undergraduate degree in Sustainability, Fashion, Supply Chain Management, Environmental Science, or related field.

Experience in sustainability and material sourcing.

Advanced knowledge of MS Excel and other MS Office applications.

Experience working in product development, buying, or sustainability, ideally within fashion or luxury retail.

Desirable

Experience of reporting and project management.

Experience in sustainability certifications and standards relating to apparel and textiles.

A strong grasp of the legislative landscape, specifically relating to green claims.

Experience of line management.

Personal Attributes

Highly motivated with a passion for product and materials within apparel and textiles.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

A collaborative mindset with the ability to build strong working relationships.

Influencing skills to champion the work carried out by the sustainability team.

Communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.

Curiosity around the sustainability agenda, as well as technological developments and best practice in the industry.