Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)—Traceability

Department Overview:

The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) department is responsible for defining and driving the corporate strategy related to matters including but not limited to social compliance and human rights, supply chain transparency and environmental sustainability. It also serves as a driver for new programs and initiatives that support our brands’ (Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lane Bryant and Cacique) long range CSR objectives to advance the Company’s brand reputation and purpose-led strategy.

Position Overview:

This associate will act as the lead program manager for all initiatives and projects related to supply chain transparency, product traceability and Tier 2 engagement. This associate will be responsible for building relationships and closely collaborating with key internal and external stakeholders to build processes and systems to identify, vet, verify and mitigate supply chain risk. This position is also responsible for communicating the Company’s transparency expectations to a variety of audiences and developing reporting accordingly.

Primary Responsibilities:

Supply Chain Transparency Program Management:

• Manage and oversee everyday operations of ascena’s Supply Chain Transparency initiatives and support in the development and execution of the cross-functional traceability strategy
• Oversee supplier mapping project, including launch timeline, communications and regularly tracking and reporting on progress
• Develop agile processes and systems for identifying, vetting, escalating and mitigating supply chain risk
• Learn and maintain all external supply chain transparency software platforms, including training other internal users as necessary
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners including sourcing and raw materials to develop a Tier 2 engagement strategy

Reporting & Analysis:

• Use external software platforms and internal tools to regularly assess and identify risks in the supply chain. Provide analysis and make appropriate recommendations, working proactively with cross-functional partners to mitigate risk.
• Develop regular reporting on supply chain mapping and risks and share out to key stakeholders
• Analyze and identify industry trends and advise leadership on supply chain risks and emerging regulations

Strategic Relationships:

• Build relationships with key cross-functional stakeholders, including sourcing, raw materials, supplier management, international trade and sourcing agents
• Serve as relationship manager for transparency software providers, industry associations and NGOs related to CSR initiatives

Internal & External Communication:

• Communicate the Supply Chain Transparency expectations throughout ascena’s global supply chain
• Develop and conduct training sessions with suppliers and ascena associates on supply chain transparency, human rights, risks and expectations
• Serve as point of contact for internal departments regarding supply chain transparency and respond to inquires effectively.

Requirements

• 5+ years of Corporate Social Responsibility, Traceability, or Supply Chain/Sourcing/Material Development experience a must
• Working knowledge of apparel and accessory supply chains. Experience with chain-of-custody documentation, certification standards or other sustainability or traceability industry practices a plus
• Concrete project management experience across complex organizations, including implementing new software and/or systems
• A clear communicator with a proven track record in relationship building among internal and external stakeholders, translating complex information to a variety of audiences, and communicating effectively across cultures
• Process oriented, with high attention to detail
• Strong analytical skills and advanced MS Excel skills
• Creative problem solver
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred

To Apply

Please visit the careers website.