C

Senior Sustainability Manager - Circular Systems and Innovation

CHANEL • Hong Kong • Added on Aug 3, 2026
Apply →

This role centers on transforming circular economy theory into operational reality across the Asia-Pacific region. You will lead the transition from linear resource use to regenerative systems, overseeing market roadmaps and regional governance for waste and material management. Your work will involve establishing the data foundations and technical guidance necessary for teams to implement reuse and recovery pathways effectively.

At a House defined by craftsmanship and longevity, this position is pivotal for aligning luxury standards with environmental limits. By scaling innovative circular solutions, you ensure that high-end creations respect resource boundaries, directly influencing how one of the world’s most prestigious brands manages its physical footprint and reporting readiness. This is a unique chance to embed circular innovation within a complex, high-stakes retail environment.

This suits someone who possesses deep technical expertise in life cycle analysis and materials, yet excels at navigating matrixed corporate structures. You should be a collaborative strategist who can make complex environmental topics both practical and inspiring for diverse business functions.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core of this role involves translating global circularity ambitions into tangible regional priorities and implementation plans. You will be responsible for leading a diverse portfolio of initiatives that range from concept phase to full-scale execution, ensuring that resource-use decisions are backed by solid data and business relevance. Beyond project management, you will act as a technical partner for procurement and operations teams, developing the tools and guidance needed for responsible end-of-life pathways. You will also focus heavily on strengthening circularity data and evidence quality to ensure the region is prepared for evolving global reporting requirements.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Joining this House offers a rare window into the intersection of luxury craftsmanship and sustainable innovation. You will gain significant experience in applying circularity principles within a high-growth, high-standard market environment, specifically learning how to scale complex environmental solutions across diverse geographic regions. There is also a strong emphasis on professional development regarding life cycle analysis and emerging global regulations. You will likely enhance your ability to influence senior leadership in a matrixed organization while developing a deep understanding of how material traceability and waste management function at a global scale.

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

The ideal profile brings at least eight years of experience in sustainability, specifically with a track record in circular economy principles and life cycle analysis. Academic qualifications in a relevant environmental or technical field are essential, while advanced sustainability certifications are highly regarded as they signal deep subject matter expertise. Soft skills are just as critical; you must be an excellent communicator who can bridge the gap between technical data and business strategy. Success in this role requires learning agility and a collaborative mindset to navigate the complexities of a global brand while maintaining a positive, solution-oriented approach.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, move beyond general sustainability concepts and demonstrate your ability to execute circular transformations in complex environments. Highlight specific instances where you have turned data into actionable business roadmaps or where you have successfully managed the end-of-life cycle for physical products. Show an understanding of the specific challenges facing the luxury sector, such as the tension between brand heritage and resource innovation. Tailor your application to reflect Chanel’s values of long-term thinking and collaboration, proving that you can be both a strategic visionary and a hands-on implementer.

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

The role focuses intensely on the circular economy and resource management, moving the needle on how materials are selected, used, and eventually recovered. This involves a heavy emphasis on waste reduction and the transition toward regenerative business models that minimize environmental impact. Additionally, there is a strong focus on reporting readiness and data integrity. As global disclosure requirements become more stringent, this role ensures that circularity metrics are robust, verifiable, and integrated into the broader ESG governance framework of the House.

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

One of the primary hurdles will be driving consistency across diverse markets and cultures within the region, as infrastructure for waste management and circularity varies significantly by location. You will need to find scalable solutions that work across different regulatory and operational landscapes. Furthermore, integrating circular design into a business that prioritizes aesthetic perfection and craftsmanship can be challenging. Balancing these creative requirements with environmental mandates for reuse and recovery will require high levels of diplomacy and creative problem-solving.

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

A typical day might begin with a meeting with the Director of Sustainability to align on regional roadmaps, followed by a working session with procurement teams to evaluate the environmental impact of new materials. You might spend time reviewing circularity data or developing tools to help local markets track their waste management progress. Interactions often involve external partners to assess new recovery technologies or internal workshops aimed at building capability within divisional teams. The day is likely a mix of strategic planning and technical troubleshooting to ensure that circularity remains practical and credible for the business.

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

This position offers a high-visibility platform within the regional leadership structure, providing clear paths toward more senior strategic sustainability roles or specialized leadership in global circularity. The regional scope allows for significant impact, potentially leading to global steering roles within the House. Chanel’s commitment to personal growth means you will have access to unique learning environments and the time to develop your own motivations. By leading high-impact transformation projects, you position yourself as a key architect of the brand's future sustainability strategy.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with the Sustainability Director for NA & SEAA, acting as a strategic partner and subject matter expert. You will also collaborate closely with regional and market-level heads of operations, procurement, and retail to embed circularity into their specific business units. External stakeholders are equally important, including circularity experts, industry bodies, and innovation partners who help identify new solutions. Internally, you will also engage with data and reporting teams to ensure that circularity evidence meets the high standards required for corporate disclosure.

CSR Jobs newsletter

Never miss the next opportunity

Get a curated selection of new CSR, ESG, and sustainability roles in your inbox. No daily noise, just useful opportunities.

Free to join. Unsubscribe anytime.