Sustainability Manager

SUSTAINABILITY MANAGER

Margaret Howell is a contemporary British clothing designer who has worked successfully in men’s and women’s clothing for over five decades. Today, Margaret Howell clothes are sold worldwide with 12 of our own shops in Europe, over 100 outlets in Japan and an established online business.

We are now looking for a Sustainability Manager to lead the development of the Company’s sustainability agenda. Key areas of focus for the Company currently include raw material sourcing and traceability, ethical trade, circular economy, carbon emission reduction and transparency of our supply chain.

FIXED TERM CONTRACT:

This position is a maternity cover, until end of May 2025.

LOCATION:

Welbeck Way/Remote

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Progress the Company’s sustainability strategy, identifying areas for development, and controlling the annual project planner.
2. Drive the adoption of sustainable fibres and materials in line with Company targets, providing support and training to the design and development team, and managing tracking and reporting of preferred fibre uptake.
3. Supervise the Sustainability Assistant, overseeing their workload, development, and training needs, for their continued personal and company advancement.
4. Manage external stakeholder relationships and reporting needs as required. Meet with potential new partners and present papers for budgetary and strategic approval.
5. Responsibility for human rights at work initiatives, monitoring and driving progression on our ethical trade strategy. Determine the ethical trade internal knowledge gap and deliver training to staff.
6. Work to ensure sustainability is embedded as a core value throughout the Company; providing advice and training where relevant Company wide and coordinating between departments to ensure follow through of initiatives and best practice.
7. Drive the development of a holistic company-wide carbon footprint strategy, working on reduction scenarios and engaging with department heads on specific targets.
8. Ensure the delivery of timely and accurate qualitative and quantitative sustainability data collection and analysis across the business, for scopes 1,2 and 3 to meet targets on net zero emissions.
9. Manage the production of external reports, including the Sustainability Report and Human Rights Report.
10. Advise on the development of circular economy programmes (e.g. care & repair, resale, circular product development) capturing relevant data, and incorporating into the wider sustainability strategy.
11. Maintain up to date knowledge, keeping abreast of industry developments, legislation changes and identifying new risks and opportunities, to assist in adapting and furthering the Company’s sustainability programme.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Held a previous sustainability role, ideally within a fashion brand, sustainability consultancy or NGO.
2. Strong numeracy, analytical and research skills, demonstratable understanding of data collection and reporting.
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
4. Ability to prioritise own workload and take a logical and measured approach to problem solving and in addressing complex issues.

HOURS:

Full time – 35 hours, Monday - Friday

REWARDS:

1. 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays, increasing to 6 weeks with service.
2. Significant staff discount on purchases.
3. Clothing Allowance.
4. Life insurance.
5. Contributory pension.
6. Private Medical Insurance.

Applications will be considered as they are received. Candidates will be shortlisted based on how their skills and experience match our requirements as set out above.