Sustainabilty Manager

Sustainability Manager

Location: London, WC1/Home/Hybrid

Hours: 9.30 – 5.30 Monday – Friday plus limited evenings and weekends

25 days holiday (plus statutory)

Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 depending on experience

Fixed term 2 year contract

About UKFT

The UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) is the largest network for fashion and textile companies in the UK. We are in a unique position representing the entire UK fashion and textile supply chain, from spinning, weaving and knitting, right through to the catwalk. We bring together designers, manufacturers, suppliers and retailers to promote their businesses and our industry in the UK and around the world. We champion the industry, curate opportunities and provide impactful knowledge to develop their businesses. 

The Team

We are a dedicated team of hardworking doers. We are creative, professional and love our sector.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with UKFT to represent the UK fashion and textile industry during a period of real change, as the industry transforms itself to meet the opportunities and challenges of environmental sustainability and advances in innovation and creativity.

The position

This role is ideal for someone who is ready to work on creating industry-wide impact by addressing pervasive problem statements and challenges in the Uk fashion and textile industry.

UKFT is looking for a dynamic, ambitious individual who enjoys a collaborative work environment, is meticulous in their work, and is proactive in taking the lead to meet the objectives of the team.

You will play a vital role helping to develop and deliver sustainability and circularity in the UK fashion and textile sector. You are driven, show initiative and are a team player. You also have an eye for accuracy and attention to detail. You have experience in sustainability & circularity in the fashion and textiles, project management and communication with complex stakeholder groups.

The Sustainability Manager will ensure delivery of programs and initiatives that support both UKFT’s key circularity projects and strategic plan. With the support of the Director of Sustainability you will operationalise sustainability initiatives into the business which are critical to achieving our ambitions of being a leader in sustainability.

You will also assist the team in managing conversations with external parties, partners, governmental and regulatory bodies and experts, and are expected to be able to grasp and clearly communicate sustainability subject matter and information. You will have in-depth knowledge of and be able to engage effectively with the constantly evolving landscape of sustainability in the fashion and textile industry, both regionally and globally.

With many interdependencies and the cross-functional nature of UKFT’s sustainability work the role requires excellence in operations and program management which will be critical in ensuring that internal and external goals, targets, and KPIs are met.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement processes and programs to meet UKFT’s long-term sustainability goals in partnership with cross-functional teams and key industry stakeholders

• Drive the execution of multiple project plans by supporting the Director in identifying stakeholder and operational needs; developing and communicating activities against priorities; removing barriers and obstacles that impact performance; providing supportive resources; measuring progress; developing contingency plans; and demonstrating adaptability and supporting continuous learning
• Create & prepare reports, internal and external, that measure sustainability projects against targets and manage associated costs
• Building sustainable materials and resources to support UKFT members advance and accelerate their sustainability whilst remaining compliant
• Support the Director of Sustainability and Innovation and other members of UKFT
• Liaise with key partners, stakeholders and organisations.
• Assist in educating and engaging employees and stakeholders to upskill in sustainability

Person specification

The ideal candidate would…

• Have in-depth knowledge of and be able to engage effectively with the constantly evolving landscape of sustainability in the fashion and textile industry, both regionally and globally.
• Have excellent project management, organisational & time management skills and able to multitask
• Work independently, confidently and professionally, using your initiative to work autonomously
• Be a team player with a proactive approach to problem-solving
• Have an ability to produce accurate work to a high standard and pay meticulous attention to detail
• Have good communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills

The closing date for applications is 11 April 2023. To apply, please send email your CV along with a covering letter explaining why you are interested in the position and would be suited to the role to Jaki.Love@ukft.org