Q: What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary focus involves coordinating and monitoring Climate and Circularity initiatives across the brand portfolio. This includes driving the collection and validation of environmental data for Greenhouse Gas inventories and Product Carbon Footprints, ensuring the company remains audit-ready for upcoming regulatory disclosures. You will also be responsible for launching circularity programs , which requires managing internal and external logistics to meet resource-efficiency objectives. Additionally, the role involves developing standard operating procedures and guidelines for suppliers to ensure that sustainability policies are integrated into the broader business operations.

Q: Key learning opportunities for this job

This position offers deep exposure to cutting-edge sustainability frameworks and certification schemes such as ISCC, C2C, and FSC. You will gain hands-on experience in navigating complex regulatory environments like CSRD and EPR, which are currently reshaping the global retail landscape. Furthermore, you will have the chance to engage with industry-wide sustainability collectives, such as The Footwear Collective . This provides a unique vantage point to learn how competitive brands collaborate on pre-competitive environmental solutions and innovative material sourcing.

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

The role is heavily weighted toward environmental impact and circular economy . You will likely spend significant time on decarbonization strategies, focusing on Scope 3 emissions reductions through better material choices and manufacturing efficiencies. Another key focus is circularity and waste reduction . This includes managing programs for product take-back or sustainable packaging, ensuring that the brand's 'Clog' and 'HEYDUDE' products align with a future defined by resource efficiency and responsible end-of-life management.

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

One of the primary challenges is data fragmentation across a global supply chain. Gathering accurate, high-quality data for carbon footprinting from diverse international partners requires persistence and the development of robust reporting tools. You may also face the challenge of balancing sustainability goals with cost efficiency . Aligning cross-functional teams, such as finance and product development, on the long-term value of sustainable investments requires strategic negotiation and a clear business case for each initiative.

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

A typical day might begin with reviewing KPI dashboards to track the progress of ongoing emissions reduction projects. You could then transition into a meeting with the product development team to discuss the integration of bio-based materials into next season's footwear line. Afternoons might be spent refining Internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or coordinating with logistics partners on circularity pilots. You will likely spend time translating complex data into a presentation for internal global teams to keep everyone aligned on the broader sustainability roadmap.

Q: The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will report to the Manager of Sustainability Reporting & Climate and work closely with the broader Sustainability & Compliance team. Your work will require daily interaction with cross-functional partners in Supply Chain, Product Development, and Marketing . External stakeholders include third-party auditors, certification bodies , and supplier vendors. You will also represent the company in industry working groups, collaborating with peers from other footwear and apparel brands to drive collective progress.

Question 1

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Accepted Answer

The primary focus involves coordinating and monitoring Climate and Circularity initiatives across the brand portfolio. This includes driving the collection and validation of environmental data for Greenhouse Gas inventories and Product Carbon Footprints, ensuring the company remains audit-ready for upcoming regulatory disclosures. You will also be responsible for launching circularity programs, which requires managing internal and external logistics to meet resource-efficiency objectives. Additionally, the role involves developing standard operating procedures and guidelines for suppliers to ensure that sustainability policies are integrated into the broader business operations.

Question 2

Key learning opportunities for this job

Accepted Answer

This position offers deep exposure to cutting-edge sustainability frameworks and certification schemes such as ISCC, C2C, and FSC. You will gain hands-on experience in navigating complex regulatory environments like CSRD and EPR, which are currently reshaping the global retail landscape. Furthermore, you will have the chance to engage with industry-wide sustainability collectives, such as The Footwear Collective. This provides a unique vantage point to learn how competitive brands collaborate on pre-competitive environmental solutions and innovative material sourcing.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The ideal candidate brings at least 5 years of experience in corporate sustainability or supply chain, specifically within the consumer goods sector. They must have technical proficiency in GHG Protocol and life cycle assessments, paired with strong project management skills to handle global stakeholder groups. Soft skills are equally vital; the role requires a clear communicator who can translate technical environmental data into actionable insights for non-technical executives. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field like environmental science or engineering is required to manage the quantitative aspects of the programs.

Question 4

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Accepted Answer

To stand out, emphasize any experience you have in moving a project from the strategy phase to operational reality. Candidates who can demonstrate how they successfully navigated supply chain hurdles to implement recycled or bio-based materials will be highly regarded. Given the brand's focus on 'breaking the mold,' showcase your ability to be a self-starter. Prepare to discuss how you stay updated on evolving ESG regulations and how you apply that knowledge to maintain data integrity and audit readiness in a fast-paced retail environment.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The role is heavily weighted toward environmental impact and circular economy. You will likely spend significant time on decarbonization strategies, focusing on Scope 3 emissions reductions through better material choices and manufacturing efficiencies. Another key focus is circularity and waste reduction. This includes managing programs for product take-back or sustainable packaging, ensuring that the brand's 'Clog' and 'HEYDUDE' products align with a future defined by resource efficiency and responsible end-of-life management.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

One of the primary challenges is data fragmentation across a global supply chain. Gathering accurate, high-quality data for carbon footprinting from diverse international partners requires persistence and the development of robust reporting tools. You may also face the challenge of balancing sustainability goals with cost efficiency. Aligning cross-functional teams, such as finance and product development, on the long-term value of sustainable investments requires strategic negotiation and a clear business case for each initiative.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A typical day might begin with reviewing KPI dashboards to track the progress of ongoing emissions reduction projects. You could then transition into a meeting with the product development team to discuss the integration of bio-based materials into next season's footwear line. Afternoons might be spent refining Internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or coordinating with logistics partners on circularity pilots. You will likely spend time translating complex data into a presentation for internal global teams to keep everyone aligned on the broader sustainability roadmap.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Growth in this role is substantial, as it sits at the intersection of compliance and innovation. Success here can lead to more senior management roles within the Global Sustainability team or specialized leadership in climate strategy. As the company scales its sustainability efforts, there are opportunities to lead high-visibility global projects and influence the brand's long-term environmental identity. Exposure to senior leadership through reporting and stakeholder engagement provides a clear path for professional advancement.

Question 9

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Accepted Answer

You will report to the Manager of Sustainability Reporting & Climate and work closely with the broader Sustainability & Compliance team. Your work will require daily interaction with cross-functional partners in Supply Chain, Product Development, and Marketing. External stakeholders include third-party auditors, certification bodies, and supplier vendors. You will also represent the company in industry working groups, collaborating with peers from other footwear and apparel brands to drive collective progress.

Sr. Specialist, Sustainability Programs

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