Analytical | Organised | Logical | Environmentally Conscious
Sustainability Coordinator roles are newer positions among many fashion and textiles businesses and have recently become an increasingly important part of an organisation’s team. The nature of a sustainability role will vary from business to business, but the overall goal is to ensure the organisation is working as efficiently as possible, while ensuring the smallest environmental impact is made.
What would you do?
Within a textiles manufacturer, sustainability roles work on collecting data across things like energy use and carbon footprint – you would develop strategies to reduce these. You may also be responsible for obtaining sustainability related certificates such as Global Organic Textile Standard.
Within a fashion or retail business, sustainability roles focus more on supply chain analysis across all environmental, social and economic areas. They often are also responsible for creating sustainability resources for staff and customers.
Day to day tasks
- Data analysis
- Life Cycle Assessments
- Administrative tasks like updating documents
- Research of green claims
- Managing sustainability related certificates
Did you know?
This role is sometimes grouped in with Compliance jobs, where you may also focus on regulation, ethical standards and product safety.
Where would you work?
Sustainability jobs are common across all aspects of fashion & textiles – from material manufacturing to fashion brands.
If a Sustainability Coordinator joins a large, established brand that has been in business for several years, it may be that their job is to implement changes and restructure some of the operations to become more sustainable or ethical.
In newer businesses, they may be part of the team who is setting up the processes from the outset and can guide the company to make the best choices from the beginning.
What would you be paid?
Typical working week
Average pay
Salaries can vary depending on where you are based. Most manufacturers are based outside of large cities across the UK, whereas fashion brands usually have their head offices in urban areas.
Will you need qualifications or training?
Due to differing role requirements, and the fast-changing landscape of the work, it is not always necessary to have a qualification specifically related to sustainability. Knowledge of how a fashion business works or the manufacturing process would be beneficial to help with research and development.
If working in a manufacturing environment, it can be useful to have strong maths and chemistry skills.
Having a passion for sustainable practices and an understanding of certifications, standards and sustainable fibres is most important.
What are the career prospects?
With experience, a Sustainability Coordinator could progress into higher level roles like Sustainability Specialist, Ethical Sourcing Manager or Supply Chain Manager. Many fashion, textile and retail businesses also have Director level roles covering sustainability & ethics. You could also work with brands or non-profits as a Sustainability Consultant.
Why work in Sustainability?
Working in sustainability offers a chance to make an impact in the sector by driving change toward fairer and more environmentally friendly processes and practices. This is an emerging sub-sector which requires an openness to learn and a passion for ethical and sustainable practices.
Delivered in partnership with UKFT Education Partner University of Leeds, PACE delivers courses rooted in sustainability online and on-campus and offers Advanced Cohort courses for graduates, professionals and life-long learners.
Imagery thanks to Camira Fabrics and Scottish Leather Group.
Wage information correct at date of editing, October 2025.