Applicants must have the right to work in the UK
Closing date : 2 December 2026
Location: London/hybrid
Department: Sustainability & Innovation
Salary: Competitive and will be shared with candidates before their interview.
To apply, please send your CV and covering letter outlining your experience and what you think you can bring to the role to sustainability@ukft.org
Please include 'Sustainability Manager - [your name] in the subject line and include your location when applying for the role. (Applicants must be based in the UK and have the right to work in the UK).
About UKFT
UKFT is the largest network for fashion and textiles in the UK. As the industry’s leading trade association and Sector Skills Body, we are committed to delivering sustainable growth for the entire UK fashion and textile supply chain.
We bring together brands, designers, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, recyclers, educators and innovators to promote their businesses and our industry, both in the UK and throughout the world. We offer practical advice and technical support to help member companies grow and trade internationally.
UKFT plays a central role in driving action, research and collaboration across the UK fashion and textile sector to meet sustainability and innovation goals.
Through member-focused initiatives, research, practical guidance, connections with government, as well as UK and global collaboration, we help companies anticipate and meet sustainability goals while preparing for sustainability requirements in the UK and internationally.
Our President is HRH The Princess Royal.
The role
The Sustainability Manager leads the delivery of programmes that support UKFT’s sustainability strategy.
The role translates complex and evolving sustainability issues into clear information, practical guidance and resources that help members address business challenges and opportunities. It also responds to member enquiries and identifies where further support is needed.
Working across UKFT, the Sustainability Manager helps shape the strategy and embed sustainability across the organisation’s work to benefit members and the wider industry. The role requires strong operational and programme management skills to co-ordinate work across teams.
The portfolio of topics we advise members on is extensive and is constantly growing. Currently our focus is on helping members navigate the following topics -
- Responsible raw materials, fibres and sourcing.
- Ethical trade, human rights, modern slavery and supply chain due diligence.
- Green claims.
- Certification and auditing.
- Climate change, carbon emissions and decarbonisation.
- Water stewardship, wastewater and pollution.
- Nature, biodiversity, deforestation, forestry and land use.
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), environmental footprinting and impact measurement.
- Sustainable manufacturing, production processes and resource efficiency.
Role Responsibilities
Sustainability Strategy and Programme Development
- Help shape and deliver UKFT’s sustainability strategy by identifying emerging topics, issues, industry priorities and opportunities for new initiatives and partnerships.
- Lead the planning and delivery of the sustainability programme, setting clear objectives, deliverables, budgets, timelines and measures of success.
Membership Support and Sustainable Business Advice
- Key point of contact for UKFT members on sustainability matters, responding to ad hoc enquiries and providing practical information, guidance and signposting.
- Maintain a broad understanding of sustainable business practices and the environmental, social, regulatory and commercial issues affecting fashion and textile businesses, translating complex sustainability developments and requirements into accessible and relevant advice.
Sustainability Knowledge, Resources and Communications
- Develop and maintain practical sustainability content and resources, including guidance documents, toolkits, templates, case studies, webinars and educational materials, ensuring information remains accurate, relevant and up to date.
Research and Industry Intelligence
- Lead and contribute to sustainability research, surveys and industry insight projects, analysing member feedback, industry data and external research to identify trends, challenges and emerging priorities.
- Work with colleagues across UKFT to inform policy development, consultations and industry representation on sustainability-related matters.
Industry Engagement, Working Groups and Partnerships
- Establish, co-ordinate and facilitate sustainability working groups, member networks and collaborative initiatives, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and sharing best practice.
- Develop and maintain relationships with industry partners, academic institutions, research organisations, government bodies, NGOs, technical experts and other relevant organisations.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Broad knowledge of sustainable business practices and the evolving sustainability landscape, including environmental, social, regulatory and commercial issues affecting the fashion and textile industry, both in the UK and internationally.
- Ability to research, interpret and communicate complex sustainability topics, legislation and technical information in a clear, accessible and practical way.
- Strong project and programme management skills, including planning, budgeting, coordination, reporting and evaluation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build relationships, understand member needs and provide appropriate guidance and support.
- Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify trends, interpret information and develop practical recommendations.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
- Ability to work independently, confidently and proactively, taking ownership of responsibilities while working collaboratively across teams.
- Excellent attention to detail, accuracy and adaptability, with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
Personal Attributes
- Enthusiastic about advancing sustainability across the fashion and textile industry.
- Approachable and responsive, with a strong commitment to supporting UKFT members.
- Confident engaging with a diverse range of businesses, industry experts and senior stakeholders.
- Able to balance strategic thinking with practical, hands-on delivery.
- Sensitive to and respectful of the diversity of the UKFT workforce and wider industry.
Desirable
- Demonstrable industry experience in a similar role or field and/or a degree or equivalent qualification in a sustainability-related discipline, preferably with a focus on fashion and textiles.
- Experience of organising and delivering events, webinars, workshops and other engagement activities.
To apply, please send your CV and covering letter outlining your experience and what you think you can bring to the role to sustainability@ukft.org
Please include 'Sustainability Manager - [your name] in the subject line and include your location when applying for the role. (Applicants must be based in the UK and have the right to work in the UK).
