Aesop’s Sustainability Programme Manager will help turn the brand’s sustainability strategy into coordinated, measurable work. The role centres on B Corp recertification and brings together project governance, performance tracking and initiatives spanning product, packaging, retail, supply chain and operations. It also supports the annual impact report and sustainability engagement activity.
The work connects certification and reporting requirements with practical changes to how a beauty business operates. Packaging and refill projects give the programme a tangible product and retail dimension, while B Corp recertification requires credible evidence and cooperation across teams. The post also helps Aesop communicate its progress to internal and external audiences, with care for the accuracy of claims.
This suits someone who can manage complex timelines, work confidently with sustainability data and bring varied teams together. Experience with ESG frameworks, assurance or certification would be especially relevant, and familiarity with B Corp standards would help the candidate contribute quickly.
Job FAQs
What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?
The role would coordinate Aesop’s B Corp recertification, including plans, evidence, stakeholder input, risks and responses to changes in B Lab standards. It also supports sustainability projects across product, packaging, retail, store design, supply chain and operations, including circularity and refill work.
A further focus is performance tracking and reporting, with responsibility for gathering and analysing information for the annual impact report. The role also helps organise engagement around sustainability events and milestones.
Key learning opportunities for this job
The role could build practical knowledge of B Corp certification and assurance, including how standards are interpreted, evidence is assembled and recertification is managed. It also offers exposure to sustainability reporting and data quality through performance tracking and the annual impact report.
Working across product, packaging, retail, supply chain and operations may deepen understanding of how sustainability goals are delivered in a beauty business. The posting does not specify formal training or certifications, so development would likely come through programme delivery and collaboration with the Head of Sustainability and other teams.
How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?
A strong candidate would bring experience in sustainability, ESG or responsible business programmes, alongside project management skills and confidence coordinating work across functions. Familiarity with reporting standards, sustainability frameworks and emerging regulation would help, while B Corp, certification or assurance experience is especially relevant.
The posting also points to analytical ability, strong Excel and data management skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing deadlines. Clear communication and the judgment to adapt messages for different internal and external audiences would support the engagement work.
Advice to stand out and make a successful application
In the application, show a specific example of coordinating a certification, assurance or reporting programme from planning through evidence collection and review. Explain your role, how you kept contributors on schedule, and how you handled gaps, data quality or delivery risks.
For Aesop, connect that experience to B Corp recertification and cross-functional work on packaging, refill, retail or supply chain initiatives. Include concrete evidence of stakeholder engagement and accurate sustainability communication, rather than broad claims about commitment. The posting does not name a required qualification, so make relevant experience and analytical capability easy to identify.
What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?
The role is likely to focus on B Corp recertification and the governance, evidence and performance data needed to demonstrate progress. Reporting work includes collecting and analysing information for Aesop’s annual impact report, alongside tracking delivery against sustainability commitments.
Environmental themes include circularity, refill and packaging initiatives, with projects spanning product, retail, store design, supply chain and operations. Stakeholder engagement and sustainability events also form part of the remit, supporting communication about the programme and its progress.
What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?
A likely challenge is coordinating timely, consistent evidence from many teams while maintaining data quality for recertification and reporting. B Lab standards may change, so the programme needs to assess new requirements and translate them into practical work across the business.
The role also spans teams with different priorities, from packaging and product to retail and operations. Balancing several workstreams, identifying delivery risks early and communicating sustainability progress accurately could require careful judgment and persistent follow-up.
How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?
A day could begin with reviewing project timelines, performance data and outstanding evidence for B Corp recertification or the impact report. The role might then meet colleagues from packaging, retail, supply chain or operations to check progress on a sustainability initiative and resolve a delivery issue.
Other time could go to analysing data in Excel, updating governance or reporting materials, assessing a standards development, or planning an engagement event with communications colleagues. The mix would likely vary with reporting deadlines, recertification milestones and the timing of projects.
What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?
The position could deepen expertise in certification, ESG reporting and sustainability programme governance, while building experience in cross-functional delivery at a large beauty group. Work on packaging, refill and operational initiatives may also broaden understanding of how environmental commitments are carried into business activity.
The role works closely with the Head of Sustainability and multiple functions, which could provide useful exposure for future sustainability programme or reporting roles. The posting does not state a promotion path or formal development plan, so progression would depend on experience gained and future opportunities.
The main stakeholders you might be interacting with
The Head of Sustainability is the key internal partner, with the role supporting delivery of Aesop’s strategy and reporting. Regular collaborators are likely to include colleagues in product, packaging, retail, store design, supply chain, operations and communications.
B Corp recertification and assurance work may also involve certification-related contacts and internal evidence owners. Engagement events would bring the role into contact with internal and external audiences, although the posting does not specify particular external partner organisations.
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.
You are subscribed
Want more relevant opportunities?
Share your LinkedIn profile so we can better understand the roles that may fit you. This step is optional.
You are all set!
Thanks for joining the CSR Jobs newsletter. Keep an eye on your inbox for sustainability opportunities.
Something went wrong. Please try again.
Cookies
CSR Jobs uses analytics and marketing cookies. You can decline without affecting your browsing.