Q: Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain deep technical knowledge regarding corporate biodiversity frameworks and sustainable sourcing standards in the luxury sector. You will develop expertise in environmental reporting and the practical application of SBTN commitments, which are highly sought-after skills in the current ESG landscape. Exposure to large-scale international projects like the Water Resilience Labs offers unique insights into global supply chain challenges . You will also improve your ability to navigate corporate structures and learn how a major multinational implements systemic sustainability changes across diverse business units.

Q: Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate a clear understanding of the Kering Standards for raw materials and biodiversity. Tailoring your application to show how your specific technical background, such as agronomical knowledge or data analysis skills, can solve sourcing challenges will be highly valued. Highlight any previous experience where you managed multi-stakeholder projects or translated scientific data into business initiatives. Since this is an assistant role within a corporate team, emphasizing your organizational skills and proactive nature in a fast-paced environment is key.

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

The role is heavily focused on the environmental pillar of sustainability, specifically targeting biodiversity, water stewardship, and regenerative agriculture. You will help the Group move beyond simple risk mitigation toward creating a positive impact on the ecosystems from which luxury materials are sourced. Another significant focus is supply chain traceability and compliance with rigorous environmental standards. By supporting individual brands with their sourcing queries, you ensure that high-level sustainability commitments are translated into purchasing decisions for leather, textiles, and other prestige materials.

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

One of the primary challenges is the complexity of luxury supply chains , which involve numerous intermediaries and geographic locations. Navigating these to find accurate data on animal welfare or water usage requires persistence and high attention to detail. Furthermore, balancing the high aesthetic and quality requirements of luxury fashion with strict sustainability mandates can be difficult. You will need to provide data-backed solutions that satisfy both the creative vision of the Houses and the Group's environmental objectives.

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

A typical day might begin with a progress meeting for the Water Resilience Labs , coordinating with teams in Italy or South Africa to align on launch timelines. Mid-day would likely involve deep-diving into Excel to update sustainability dashboards or responding to a specific sourcing query from a brand like Balenciaga or Gucci. Afternoons might be spent researching new environmental certifications or drafting internal briefing notes on the upcoming Regenerative Agriculture guidelines. The workflow is highly collaborative, involving constant interaction with environmental experts and project managers at the corporate level.

Q: The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with the Kering Corporate Sustainability team, working alongside environmental experts and program managers. You will also serve as a points of contact for the sustainability and sourcing leads at the various Houses within the portfolio. External interactions may include suppliers and certification bodies during research phases, as well as institutional partners involved in the Water Resilience Labs. Strong interpersonal skills are required to maintain these relationships and drive collective progress toward the Group's nature goals.

Question 1

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Accepted Answer

The primary focus of this role involves aiding the global sustainability team in operationalizing nature-positive strategies. You will be responsible for tracking project metrics, assisting in the launch of international water conservation labs, and managing internal communications to ensure strategic alignment across multiple luxury brands. Additionally, you will support the technical side of sourcing by researching supplier certifications and helping to refine reporting methodologies for Science Based Targets (SBTN and SBTi-FLAG). This includes gathering data to facilitate the adoption of regenerative agriculture and animal welfare standards within the Houses' supply chains.

Question 2

Key learning opportunities for this job

Accepted Answer

Candidates will gain deep technical knowledge regarding corporate biodiversity frameworks and sustainable sourcing standards in the luxury sector. You will develop expertise in environmental reporting and the practical application of SBTN commitments, which are highly sought-after skills in the current ESG landscape. Exposure to large-scale international projects like the Water Resilience Labs offers unique insights into global supply chain challenges. You will also improve your ability to navigate corporate structures and learn how a major multinational implements systemic sustainability changes across diverse business units.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The ideal candidate is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in environmental science, agronomy, or sustainable business. A strong analytical mindset is essential, as the role requires handling complex data sets and metrics using advanced Excel techniques to monitor project progress effectively. Fluency in both English and French is mandatory for daily communications, while knowledge of Italian is a significant asset given the company's production footprint. Previous experience in sourcing or sustainability internships will make a profile stand out particularly well.

Question 4

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Accepted Answer

To stand out, demonstrate a clear understanding of the Kering Standards for raw materials and biodiversity. Tailoring your application to show how your specific technical background, such as agronomical knowledge or data analysis skills, can solve sourcing challenges will be highly valued. Highlight any previous experience where you managed multi-stakeholder projects or translated scientific data into business initiatives. Since this is an assistant role within a corporate team, emphasizing your organizational skills and proactive nature in a fast-paced environment is key.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The role is heavily focused on the environmental pillar of sustainability, specifically targeting biodiversity, water stewardship, and regenerative agriculture. You will help the Group move beyond simple risk mitigation toward creating a positive impact on the ecosystems from which luxury materials are sourced. Another significant focus is supply chain traceability and compliance with rigorous environmental standards. By supporting individual brands with their sourcing queries, you ensure that high-level sustainability commitments are translated into purchasing decisions for leather, textiles, and other prestige materials.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

One of the primary challenges is the complexity of luxury supply chains, which involve numerous intermediaries and geographic locations. Navigating these to find accurate data on animal welfare or water usage requires persistence and high attention to detail. Furthermore, balancing the high aesthetic and quality requirements of luxury fashion with strict sustainability mandates can be difficult. You will need to provide data-backed solutions that satisfy both the creative vision of the Houses and the Group's environmental objectives.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A typical day might begin with a progress meeting for the Water Resilience Labs, coordinating with teams in Italy or South Africa to align on launch timelines. Mid-day would likely involve deep-diving into Excel to update sustainability dashboards or responding to a specific sourcing query from a brand like Balenciaga or Gucci. Afternoons might be spent researching new environmental certifications or drafting internal briefing notes on the upcoming Regenerative Agriculture guidelines. The workflow is highly collaborative, involving constant interaction with environmental experts and project managers at the corporate level.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

This position offers a high-visibility entry point into one of the world's most sophisticated sustainability departments. Successful completion of this role can lead to permanent specialist positions within Kering’s corporate team or within the sustainability units of its individual luxury Houses. The skills developed in SBTN reporting and sustainable procurement are in high demand across the fashion, beauty, and retail industries, providing a strong foundation for a career as a Sustainability Manager or Supply Chain Consultant.

Question 9

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Accepted Answer

You will interact daily with the Kering Corporate Sustainability team, working alongside environmental experts and program managers. You will also serve as a points of contact for the sustainability and sourcing leads at the various Houses within the portfolio. External interactions may include suppliers and certification bodies during research phases, as well as institutional partners involved in the Water Resilience Labs. Strong interpersonal skills are required to maintain these relationships and drive collective progress toward the Group's nature goals.

KERING Sustainable Sourcing Assistant

Job FAQs

Never miss the next opportunity

Want more relevant opportunities?

You are all set!