'47

The main sustainability and ESG challenges for '47 could center on its apparel supply chain and materials footprint: sourcing of cotton, polyester and other textiles (including virgin plastics), dyeing and finishing processes, and the carbon and water intensity of manufacturing primarily in Asia. Scope 3 emissions from raw materials, contract manufacturing, inbound shipping and wholesale distribution could be the largest portion of its footprint and difficult to measure and reduce. Stakeholder challenges could include managing supplier labor and health & safety standards, meeting licensors' and retailers' expectations for traceability and branded sustainability commitments, and responding to vocal consumer demand for recycled content, transparency and circular options. Regulatory and reporting pressures (e.g., evolving US and international disclosure rules, chemical restrictions, packaging and extended producer responsibility) and investor interest in credible metrics (SBTi, CDP, Higg, ESG ratings) could create additional compliance and data-collection burdens.

You might consider joining '47's sustainability team because the company sits at the intersection of sports, fashion and licensing — offering the chance to influence product design, supplier practices and high-visibility collaborations that shape consumer perception. In a ~290-person company the sustainability function could have broad cross-functional reach (product, merchandising, licensing, operations), meaning relatively rapid ownership of major programs and visible impact on emissions, materials and worker conditions. It could also be a good opportunity to pilot circular initiatives (take-back, repair, recycled caps), partner with major leagues and streetwear collaborators on sustainable capsule collections, and to build a measurable ESG program from the ground up with leadership exposure and storytelling opportunities.

Interesting sustainability jobs at '47 could include: Sustainability Director/Manager (overall strategy, reporting and SBTi), Supply Chain Sustainability Specialist (supplier audits, traceability, remediation), Product Sustainability or Materials Manager (material substitution, certifications, LCA), Circularity Program Manager (take-back, repair, resale), and Social Compliance Manager (factory labour programs and audits). Additional roles could be ESG Data & Reporting Analyst (GHG inventory, disclosures), Partnerships & Licensing Sustainability Lead (working with leagues and collaborators), and Retail & Store Operations Sustainability Coordinator (packaging, energy, waste reduction in stores and DCs).

To stand out as a candidate you could demonstrate hands-on apparel or headwear supply chain experience — knowledge of cut-and-sew, cap construction, trims and dye processes — plus proven delivery of supplier engagement programs (audits, corrective action, traceability). Concrete skills in GHG accounting (Scope 1–3), LCA, SBTi/CDP reporting, and familiarity with industry tools (Higg, OEKOTEX, GOTS) could be differentiators. Show examples of cross-functional project management (working with design, licensing and wholesale partners), strong data skills (Excel, basic SQL or analytics), and the ability to translate sustainability into product and marketing stories that resonate with sports fans. Willingness to travel, build supplier relationships in manufacturing countries, and a passion for sports culture could also help you fit the role.

A career in sustainability at '47 could teach you deep, practical knowledge of apparel value chains — from raw-material sourcing to factory processes, logistics and retail — and how those choices affect emissions, water and waste. You might gain technical skills in LCA, GHG inventories, certification management, supplier remediation and ESG reporting frameworks, plus experience designing material substitutions and circular product programs. You could also develop soft skills in stakeholder engagement (leagues, licensors, retailers, consumers), cross-functional influence within a mid-size company, program management and sustainability storytelling tied to brand and collaborations — all valuable for broader sustainability leadership roles in fashion and consumer goods.