V

Senior Manager, Product Sustainability & Circularity

VF Corporation • Switzerland • Added on Jun 26, 2026
Apply →

This senior leadership position focuses on bridging the gap between global corporate sustainability goals and the technical execution of product circularity across a diverse portfolio of brands. You will be responsible for defining the regional circular design strategy, improving data quality for impact reporting, and ensuring that every product meets the tightening demands of European environmental regulations. Your daily focus centers on practical innovation, from vetting recycled materials to scaling closed-loop systems for apparel and footwear.

The role serves as a critical engine for decarbonization and waste reduction within a global powerhouse. By navigating the complexities of the Circular Economy Action Plan and upcoming digital product passports, you ensure that iconic brands like The North Face and Timberland remain leaders in responsible manufacturing. This is an opportunity to transform how millions of products are conceived, sold, and recovered, directly impacting the industry’s environmental footprint.

This suits someone who possesses a deep technical understanding of textile innovation and EU policy, alongside the gravitas to lead cross-functional teams in a highly matrixed global organization.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to orchestrate the transition toward a circular business model for the European market. You will be responsible for establishing the strategic framework for circular product design, which includes selecting sustainable materials, implementing textile-to-textile recycling methods, and developing closed-loop systems. Beyond technical strategy, you will lead a dedicated team to measure and report on the environmental footprint of products. You will own the roadmap for regulatory readiness, ensuring the company is prepared for specific EU mandates such as ESPR and CSRD.

Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain unparalleled exposure to the integration of AI into sustainability reporting and data analysis. As regulations like the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation roll out, you will be at the forefront of interpreting these laws into industrial processes. Additionally, the role offers deep-dive expertise in advanced textile technology. You will work directly with innovators in chemical recycling and regenerative agriculture, learning how to scale emerging materials within a global supply chain.

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

The ideal candidate brings at least 8 years of experience, ideally specifically within the apparel or footwear sectors. You should have a robust understanding of the product creation cycle, from initial design concepts to retail sales. Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills are essential, as you must influence brand directors and legal teams alike. You should be well-versed in ESG frameworks—including GHG Protocol, SBTi, and CSRD—and possess a systems-thinking mindset.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate your ability to translate EU environmental policy into tangible business operations. Instead of listing knowledge, provide examples of how you have adjusted product design or supply chain processes to align with emerging laws. Focus your application on your ability to work within a matrixed organization. Show how you have successfully navigated diverse internal interests, such as balancing marketing's need for green claims with legal's requirement for risk mitigation and accurate data reporting.

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

This role is central to the company's circularity and waste reintegration goals. You will spend significant time on post-industrial scrap opportunities, figuring out how to reintroduce manufacturing waste back into the production cycle. Another major focus is regulatory transparency. You will be the bridge ensuring that the brands' environmental narratives are supported by rigorous data, directly impacting the company’s efforts to avoid greenwashing and comply with the Green Claims Directive.

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

One of the primary challenges will be data fragmentation across different brands and regions. Standardizing impact measurement processes in a way that satisfies both internal brand identities and external regulators requires resilience. Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape in real-time is a constant task. You must be agile enough to pivot strategies without disrupting existing supply chain commitments while managing internal stakeholders who may have competing commercial priorities.

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

A typical day involves a mix of strategic governance and technical review. You might start by meeting with Government Affairs to discuss policy developments, followed by a session with brand designers to vet new recycled textile samples. Afternoons often involve cross-functional collaboration, such as advising legal teams on sustainability campaigns or refining AI tools for LCA data. You might also represent the company in industry association calls to ensure global alignment with international best practices.

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

Within a conglomerate of this size, growth pathways are extensive. You could eventually move into a Global Director role, or transition into a specialized leadership role focusing on supply chain transparency or government relations. There are also opportunities for lateral moves into brand-specific leadership roles. High visibility on regulatory compliance projects provides a platform to become a recognized industry expert, often leading to executive-level sustainability positions in the retail sector.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with Brand Product and Design teams to influence how items are made. You also work closely with Global Sustainability and Supply Chain leads to ensure regional efforts align with corporate-wide targets. Externally, you will engage with major retailers who are increasingly demanding detailed sustainability data. You will also manage relationships with solution providers, industry associations, and material innovators to drive circular initiatives.

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.