Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the fashion industry, and with that, the need for in-house experts to lead these initiatives is growing. In recent months, there has been a significant increase in job openings dedicated to sustainability within this sector. If you’re looking for a job in this field, it’s important to know what questions to ask before accepting a position as a Sustainability Manager at a fashion company.

As a sustainability professional, you’ve probably noticed the growing number of job postings for roles like “Head of Sustainability,” “Sustainability Manager,” or “Head of Innovation” at fashion brands. These opportunities are tempting, especially since sustainability is gaining major traction in the industry, given the significant environmental and social impact of textiles. However, not everything is as ideal as it seems. Behind these attractive offers, you might encounter unrealistic goals, a lack of internal support, or a superficial commitment from brands only looking to meet minimum standards.

To avoid regrets after accepting an offer, we recommend having a few key questions ready for your next job interview. Make sure to ask about certain details to ensure the role aligns with your values and the goals you want to achieve in your work.

Here are the ten key questions every sustainability leader should ask before joining a fashion company:

1. What is the company’s commitment to sustainability, and how is it integrated into the business strategy?

It’s essential to understand the depth of the company’s sustainability commitment. This will help you assess whether sustainability is merely a marketing strategy or if it’s truly embedded in the fashion brand’s culture and objectives.

2. What is the company’s long-term vision for sustainability?

Understanding the long-term vision will give you insight into the company’s aspirations and how it plans to integrate sustainability into its future. This is important to define whether there is genuine responsibility and if your role will have a meaningful impact over time.

3. What specific sustainability goals does the team currently have, and how are they measured?

Learning about the specific initiatives and targets will help you evaluate whether the company is taking a proactive approach in this area. Additionally, understanding how these goals are measured will give you insight into the company’s approach to sustainability and whether there is proper tracking of progress.

4. What tools and systems are used to monitor and measure progress in sustainability?

Having effective monitoring tools is essential for tracking performance and results. This question will reveal how the company manages its sustainability goals and whether there are data-driven strategies in place to support decision-making.

5. What is the current status of the company’s journey towards sustainability, and what milestones have been achieved?

Understanding where the company stands in its sustainability efforts helps assess the level of ambition and the foundation already established. This information is crucial for defining the potential impact of your role.

6. Is the sustainability department integrated across all functions of the company, or does it operate independently?

A cross-functional approach ensures that sustainability is embedded in the culture and practices of the business. Understanding this will help you evaluate whether there will be opportunities for collaboration or if you will face challenges in driving change independently.

7. What resources are available to the sustainability department, such as budget and staff?

Knowing whether you will have a team and a budget is essential for assessing your ability to implement sustainability initiatives effectively. A well-funded department with the right staff is more likely to succeed in its goals.

8. What role does sustainability play in the company’s strategic decision-making?

This question will help you understand whether sustainability is considered a key factor in business decisions. If sustainability is integrated into the overall strategy, it will be easier to drive positive change, and you will have greater support for your initiatives.

9. How does the company engage with suppliers on sustainability issues?

It’s important to know how the company collaborates with its supply chain. This not only reflects the company’s commitment to a comprehensive approach but can also provide insight into the organization’s ethics and social responsibility.

10. How is progress on sustainability communicated internally and externally?

Transparency in communication is key to fostering an environment of accountability and collaboration. Understanding how achievements in sustainability are shared with employees, suppliers, and consumers will give you insight into the organizational culture and whether there is a genuine commitment to these issues.

Whether you need to build a sustainability department from the ground up or you’re joining a fashion company that has already made progress in this area, BCome is the perfect partner to expand your business’s sustainability efforts beyond the existing team. We have a network of experts who will guide you every step of the way and help you overcome any challenges that arise in this new professional adventure.

We have collaborated with hundreds of professionals in the fashion industry to help them better understand the impact of their products and develop more responsible and efficient supply chains. Rely on our solutions!