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Manager, Sustainability

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. • United States • Added on Jun 15, 2026
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As the Manager of Sustainability, you will take full ownership of the social responsibility program across a complex global supply chain of home furnishings. You will be responsible for managing factory audits, driving remediation plans, and ensuring that vendors meet high ethical standards. This is a hands-on leadership role where you bridge the gap between corporate policy and on-the-ground factory performance to ensure long-term compliance and operational excellence.

This role is critical because it directly impacts the lives of thousands of workers within the global supply chain of some of the world’s most recognizable home brands. By focusing on factory social responsibility, you ensure that ethical labor practices and safety standards are not just abstract goals but lived realities. Influence at this level helps shift the entire industry toward more humane and transparent manufacturing processes, making a tangible difference in human rights and social equity.

This suits someone who possesses deep expertise in social auditing and a tenacious drive to fix systemic issues within global supply chains while working collaboratively across diverse cultures.

Perguntas frequentes da vaga

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

This role centers on the execution and oversight of a comprehensive social responsibility program within the supply chain. You will manage third-party audit schedules, review complex performance reports, and track cost management for the program. A primary responsibility is providing the technical expertise needed to support factories in developing and maintaining effective remediation plans. Beyond monitoring, you will lead the development of educational training modules for both internal brand teams and external vendors. Your goal is to foster a culture of awareness regard WSI's social protocols. You will also represent the company's interests in high-level discussions with NGOs, government officials, and multi-stakeholder industry groups.

Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain profound insight into international labor laws and ethical sourcing regulations, positioning yourself as a subject matter expert in social compliance. The role offers exposure to the operational intricacies of a multi-brand retail giant, providing a unique perspective on how large-scale sustainability policies are translated into local actions across different geographies. Additionally, you will develop advanced stakeholder management skills by navigating the interests of corporate leadership, factory owners, and external advocacy groups. There is also significant opportunity to learn about industry-leading CSR best practices and how to integrate them into a global business model.

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

The ideal candidate brings at least eight years of experience in social responsibility, specifically from an audit firm or retail background. You should have at least two years of leadership experience and a proven track record of enforcing implementation or managing complex factory programs. A Bachelor’s degree in Business or Social Studies is typically required to provide the necessary analytical foundation. You must demonstrate high personal integrity and cultural sensitivity, as you will be working with diverse groups across different regions. Strong proficiency in data tools like Excel and Access is essential for managing the reporting side of the role, alongside superior verbal and written communication skills.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, emphasize your direct experience with factory remediation rather than just auditing. Detail specific instances where you successfully influenced a vendor to adopt better social practices or where you resolved a crisis situation. Highlight your knowledge of local labor laws in key manufacturing regions, as this role demands expert-level guidance for vendors. Tailor your application to show alignment with Williams-Sonoma's 'People First' value system. Show that you understand how social responsibility impacts brand reputation and customer trust in the specialty retail sector. Demonstrate that you are more than a compliance officer; you are a partner in driving positive social change.

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

The core focus is on the 'Social' pillar of ESG, specifically human rights, fair labor practices, and worker safety within the supply chain. You will be the guardian of the company's social responsibility protocols, ensuring that the production of home goods does not come at a hidden human cost. This role also touches on governance and transparency. By managing third-party audits and reporting on factory performance, you provide the data integrity needed for the company to back up its sustainability claims. Your work ensures that the supply chain is not only efficient but fundamentally ethical and accountable.

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

One of the primary challenges is balancing compliance requirements with production deadlines. You may face resistance from vendors who find remediation costs or protocol changes difficult to implement, requiring persistent negotiation and influence. Maintaining consistency in standards across a global network of disparate factories with varying local regulations is professionally demanding. Furthermore, you must be prepared to manage crisis situations or potential scandals that could arise from non-compliance. Navigating the expectations of diverse external stakeholders, including NGOs who may have critical views of the industry, requires a high level of diplomacy and strategic thinking.

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

A typical day might begin with reviewing audit reports from the previous day to identify high-risk findings that require immediate escalation. You would likely spend time in virtual meetings with brand teams to discuss vendor performance or with factory management to provide guidance on remediation steps. A portion of the day is often dedicated to analyzing data for regular CSR reporting requirements. You might also spend time designing training materials or researching emerging best practices to improve the existing social responsibility framework. Interaction with third-party audit firms to discuss scheduling and performance metrics is also a frequent task. The day is a blend of analytical reporting, strategic planning, and active communication.

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

Within a global enterprise like Williams-Sonoma, there are significant opportunities for internal mobility across different brands like West Elm or Pottery Barn. As you prove the effectiveness of your social programs, you could move into more senior strategic sustainability roles or head up regional sustainability departments. There is also the potential to become a recognized thought leader in social compliance through your work with multi-stakeholder groups and NGOs. High-visibility projects, such as launching new CSR policies or expanding the program into new markets, provide a platform for professional advancement into executive-level ESG management.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with WSI Brand Teams and global vendors, working to align their commercial goals with social responsibility mandates. Within the corporate structure, you will be a key thought partner to the senior management team, providing the insights they need to set effective policy. Externally, your network will include third-party audit firms, NGO representatives, and government officials. These relationships are vital for staying informed about regulatory changes and representing the company's ethical commitments to the wider world. You act as the primary liaison between the factory floor and the corporate boardroom.

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