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Analyst, Sustainability - Social Compliance

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. • Hong Kong • Added on Jul 21, 2026
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This role involves direct oversight of factory partners across the Asia-Pacific region to ensure high ethical standards are maintained throughout the supply chain. You will manage complex social audit programs, conduct on-site inspections for new factory on-boarding, and work closely with vendors to solve compliance gaps through structured corrective action plans. By acting as a key link between global sustainability goals and local factory operations, you help maintain the integrity of a large-scale manufacturing network.

The work is critical for human rights protection and operational transparency in the global apparel industry. Instead of just checking boxes, you will be driving tangible improvements in working conditions and labor rights across diverse geographies. This position bridges the gap between high-level ESG strategy and the practical realities of factory floors, ensuring that brand promises regarding social responsibility are upheld daily.

This suits someone who possesses a mix of deep social auditing expertise and the interpersonal skills to build trust with diverse international partners. You should be comfortable with frequent travel and ready to thrive in a fast-paced retail environment.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary focus is the day-to-day management of social compliance within the manufacturing supply chain. You will be responsible for identifying high-risk regions and products, ensuring that all partners align with A&F requirements through rigorous factory assessments and investigations. Beyond monitoring, you will lead the on-boarding processes for new APAC sites and manage global social audit frameworks like SMETA and BSCI. A significant portion of the role involves developing and verifying Corrective Action Plans to ensure non-compliances are resolved sustainably and on time.

Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain deep expertise in global social audit standards and their practical application across different legal and cultural contexts in Asia. This includes hands-on experience with emerging industry tools like SLCP and deep-dives into SA8000 requirements. As the role reports into the Director of Sustainability, there is a strong mentorship element regarding how supply chain ethics integrate into broader corporate ESG reporting. You will also sharpen your project management and cross-functional negotiation skills within a major multinational corporation.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate has at least five years of professional experience specifically in social auditing across APAC countries. You likely hold a degree in Sustainability or Business and have a proven track record of managing complex vendor relationships under pressure. Technical proficiency in CSR metrics and audit frameworks is essential, but soft skills are equally vital. You must be able to establish rapport and credibility quickly with both factory owners and internal corporate teams.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Focus your application on specific examples where your audits led to measurable improvements in factory social performance. Demonstrating a commitment to 'sustainable correction' rather than just identifying errors will show you understand the company’s long-term goals. Given the requirement for APAC-wide communication, highlight your ability to navigate cultural nuances during inspections. Mentioning your familiarity with specific regional labor laws beyond standard audit checklists will set your expertise apart from entry-level candidates.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role is almost entirely focused on the 'Social' pillar of ESG, specifically labor rights and ethical manufacturing. You will be the safeguard against modern slavery, child labor, and unsafe working conditions within the supplier network. By ensuring supply chain transparency, this position supports the company's public-facing sustainability reporting and risk mitigation efforts. It’s about building a resilient, ethical foundation for global apparel production.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

A primary challenge will be balancing business speed with compliance integrity. In a fast-paced retail environment, there can be pressure to onboard vendors quickly, requiring you to remain firm on sustainability requirements without stalling sourcing operations. Managing diverse geography and high travel demands can also be taxing. You will need to maintain consistent standards across different countries where local practices and legal enforcement vary significantly.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might involve reviewing third-party audit reports in the morning and coordinating with a vendor in Vietnam over a Corrective Action Plan in the afternoon. You might spend several hours preparing for an upcoming site visit in a high-risk region. Communication is a constant theme; you will likely spend time in meetings with QA and Sourcing teams to discuss factory performance. The role is highly dynamic, shifting between analytical desktop reviews and active on-site factory inspections.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

There is significant room for growth into global sustainability leadership roles, given the exposure to high-level strategy and international supply chain oversight. Success in this role could lead to Director-level positions focusing on global human rights or ESG governance. You may also have opportunities to lead industry-wide working groups or pilot new transparency technologies, placing you at the forefront of innovation in manufacturing ethics.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Your central interactions will be with factory managers and vendors throughout the APAC region, where you act as both a monitor and a consultant. Internally, you will report to the Director of Sustainability and partner closely with the Sourcing and QA departments. Externally, you will interface with third-party audit firms and industry bodies to ensure the company remains aligned with global best practices and evolving social compliance standards.

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