AddressAs part of Vans Brand and VF’s Global Sustainability team in the Senior Manager, Sustainability position, you will have the opportunity of setting the strategic direction and roadmap to reduce environmental impacts related to Vans products and operations, in line with VF’s science based targets. In this role, you will focus on improving the environmental impact of product materials, packaging, retail operations (e.g., consumer bags, polybags, shoe recycling programs), HQ operations and policies (e.g., recycling and composting), employee engagement and volunteer initiatives, and collaborate with marketing externally facing sustainability marketing claims and material certifications. You will exercise your passion and entrepreneurial spirit working in cooperation with Vans and VF materials innovation, product safety, and energy management teams while driving employee engagement at the Vans headquarters to motivate and inspire more sustainable behaviors.
Join the Vans Family
Vans ® is the original action sports footwear company, rooted in authenticity and creativity. Founded in 1966, we have thrived on a legacy of impacting our greater community through four pillars: action sports, music, art and street culture. We are constantly inspired by the creative voyagers within our company and community. For them, creativity is about the journey, not just the output. Our mission is to empower everyone to use creativity to discover themselves. Our vision is to create a world where anyone can be their unique self.
At Vans, our culture sets us apart and influences everything we do. We are driven by our five values: We have HEART – also referred to as the “Van Doren Spirit”. We are relentlessly CURIOUS about our consumers and the world around us. We are UNAPOLOGETICALLY AUTHENTIC and whole heartedly believe the most “Off the Wall” thing you can do is be yourself. We are driven by a spirit of INGENUITY . And we are passionate about local COMMUNITIES . And most of all, we are a family that has fun together.
At Vans we empower creative exploration and inspire youth culture through a commitment to inclusivity. We welcome anyone and everyone into our global family and proudly celebrate and environment where individuality is embraced, equal opportunities thrive, and everyone is empowered to reach their greatest potential.
By joining our family, you will be immersed in an environment of incredibly supportive and collaborative people. We work hard across a multitude of initiatives to bring the Van Doren Spirit to life. We live for what we do.
How You Will Make a Difference
What you will do:
Partner with cross-functional teams, the broader VF Sustainability team, other relevant VF functions, and Vans leadership to meet sustainability goals and track key performance indicators
Weave product lines and other sustainability initiatives into a single, unified brand that consumers recognize
Partner across the Vans and VF organization to lead the cross-functional task force and ensure key stakeholders are included in decision making and are aligned to achieve outlined program goals and recently announced sustainability targets (regenerative agriculture, circularity, nature, etc.)
Lead the Vans Steering Committee and the Vans Green Working Group
Serve on VF’s Sustainability Council and liaise with other VF brands to drive sustainability at Vans and throughout the organization.
Track progress, metrics, and measures to show results and present them to the executive leadership team or in all employee meetings
Establish a measureable strategy for Circular Products and Programs
Collaborate with the VF team to establish Nature based targets and how they apply specifically to Vans
Develop, continue and activate packaging strategies that result in environmental benefits and waste reduction
How you will do it:
Work collaboratively with product teams to establish strategic long-term direction for reducing the environmental impacts & establishing sustainable product roadmaps for all product categories based on LCA data, industry benchmarking, and best practices.
Work closely with corporate communications and marketing teams to effectively communicate progress internally and externally by educating and inspiring stakeholders about the sustainability impact of the business
Stay up to date on new legislation and policy to work with product and wholesale teams & stay ahead of compliance
Work with HQ facilties and HR team to implement best practices in everyday workspaces and keep sustainability top of mind.
Engage with our consumer while acting as subject matter expertise through ongoing industry research and efforts to understand trends, work with thought leaders and attend conferences
Partner and collaborate with external suppliers and industry non-profits
Partially manage a sustainability analyst, guiding them to assist with claims, certifications, and product/material tracking
Work closely with VF data analysitcs team to indentify impact reducing strategies and track progress toward Vans externally facing goals
What success looks like:
- You will make sustainability accessible and easy to understand, ultimately improving employee engagement and executive buy in. You will run industry leading and collaborative projects that willcreate real change throughout Vans brand and VF Corporation for generations to come.
Free To Be,Inclusion & Diversity
As a mission-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.
Skills for Success
Years of Related Professional Experience: 10+ years
Educational Position Requirements:
A formal education and subsequent undergraduate/graduate degrees are nice to have, but we are most interested in your total experience and professional achievements.
What we expect you already know:
Deep knowledge of sustainability industry leading best practices and innovations.
Experience driving intitatives focused on carbon reduction, land restoration and waste elimination.
Understanding of retail business practices
A demonstrated passion for sustainability and innovating actionable solutions for sustained change
What we will teach you:
How to lead environmentally focused activations/employee events (e.g., Earth Day volunteer opportunities) at Vans
How to better understand VF’s stance and work professionally with flexibility in handling multiple priorities
Special Physical and/or Mental Requirements:
International and Domestic travel required (30%)
Willing and able to work additional hours when needed
Bend, lift, open and move product and related office items varying in weight from 1 to 50lbs, depending on need
VF Guiding Principles: Live with Integrity, Act Courageously, Be Curious, Act with Empathy, and Perservere.
What’s in it For You
We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package. Go to MyVFBenefits.com and click on “Looking to Join VF?” to learn more.
Our Parent Company, VF Corporation
VF is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish through our family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands. At the heart of our journey lies our company-wide purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It’s the reason we come to work every day. It’s a commitment shared by our global associates across all brands. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling. Learn more at vfc.com
We just have one question. Are you in?
Hiring Range:
$114,048.00 USD - $142,560.00 USD annually
Incentive Potential : This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.
Benefits at VF Corporation : You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.
Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.
At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us atpeopleservices@vfc.com. VF will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.
Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
VF Diversity Vision Statement VF is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our associates, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business. The continued success and growth of VF is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity throughout VF around the world.VF is an equal employment opportunity/ affirmative action employer of minorities, females, protected veterans and the disabled. VF is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, and treating our VF associates and VF applicants without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, HIV/AIDS status, or any other legally protected factor.
