Haglöfs AB

Sustainability Manager

A century ago, 1914, in Torsang, Sweden, a forester’s son named Wiktor Haglöf designed and assembled a backpack for local workers. From that humble start in a farmhand’s cabin, the company he founded has become one of the largest suppliers of outdoor clothing, hardware and footwear in the Nordic region, Europe and Asia, and a member of the ASICS® family since 2010. We believe in our products. At the very heart of Haglöfs are our designers, outdoor enthusiasts and former professionals themselves, who develop concepts based on the needs of real users today and tomorrow. Every seam and zipper, every strap and material receives careful consideration. The result is a strong product, built on technology and experience, ready to face a host of challenges. Haglöfs’ products reflect our core business concept, to be a responsible brand, meeting modern demands for users who invest in an active outdoor lifestyle. We believe that quality is something to be developed, and we strive to reach new heights, offering products with a high degree of functionality, good design and value. Our vision is to be a leader in the world markets, not only in the technical outdoor area, but also in sustainability. Our values are – Curios – Reliable – Proud!

As Sustainability Manager at Haglöfs you will be responsible to set up and implement Haglöfs’ strategic sustainability goals and initiatives for the whole company (People, Planet, Profit). This is a crucial role within Haglöfs and a key stakeholder in positioning Haglöfs as market leader within the area of sustainability. The position is based at Haglöfs HQ in Kallhäll and will report directly to the Product Director.

Responsibilities:

Strategic

  • Develop a Sustainability Strategy that aligns to Haglöfs overall brand and corporate strategy and that includes scope of;
  • Environment & Chemical use
  • Social and work conditions
  • Health and safety
  • Resource consumption and carbon footprint
  • Circularity and charity projects
  • Develop and update sustainability policies
  • Ensure compliance to sustainability regulations
  • Increase awareness of Haglöfs’ sustainability commitment and agenda (internally and externally)
  • Make an annual sustainability report to inform about Haglöfs’ sustainability performance and fulfilling the sustainability reporting demands laid out in the annual reporting act (ÅRL)
  • Support the long-term strengthening of the Haglöfs brand by driving the sustainability agenda
  • Provide transition plans for materials and all sustainability practices

Internal

  • Translate the strategy into departmental goals, processes and work responsibilities
  • Implement the strategy by initiating and leading sustainability projects across all business areas and departments
  • Follow up on and analyze outcomes of set sustainability goals
  • Provide support and technical expertise in operational sustainability decisions
  • Provide processes that ensure we comply with sustainable goals e.g. sourcing guidelines, restricted chemicals list
  • Educate and support the Marketing/Sales & Retail teams to enable successful external sustainability communication
  • Provide marketing information for websites, advertising, claims. Advise for product labelling and, marketing and provide logo guidelines
  • Handle consumer questions of sustainability character
  • Organize and/or train the internal teams in Sustainability; including annual presentations on RDS, FWF, bluesign®
  • Undertake climate reporting & energy reporting
  • FWF audit/WEP planning, follow up of Corrective Action Plans (CAP) and improvement of conditions
  • Handle complaints from workers via FWF in a collaborative manner
  • Prepare for and lead the annual Brand Performance Check (FWF) and frequent brand assessment (bluesign®)

External

  • Monitoring and adopting/implementing new sustainability initiatives, trends and regulations
  • Build and maintain strong external relationships/partnerships with sustainability stakeholders, e.g. ASICS global teams (including global CSR team), peers and relevant external associations as well as media
  • Represent Haglöfs within the Industry on Sustainability, and on sustainability initiatives.
  • Represent Haglöfs in sustainability matters externally;
  • Media and PR presence
  • Customer and consumer relations
  • Various external stakeholder interactions/meetings
  • Educate selected external partners around Haglöfs sustainability efforts
  • Maintain standards for audits and implement plans eg Responsible Down auditing, Wool standards, bluesign®, Higg index etc

Experience:

  • Interest and knowledge of the global sustainability world
  • Expertise knowledge within the textile industry
  • Expertise in chemicals management and testing procedures
  • Deep understanding and knowledge of various product development and retail operations
  • Extensive experience from implementing strategic sustainability goals
  • Experience from driving operational sustainability projects
  • Experience in communication and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders; large and small teams
  • Experience from working with media and PR
  • Experience from working in a global setting with strong internal and external stakeholders.
  • Fluency in the Swedish and English languages.

Personality:

  • Strong drive, result orientated and commercial thinking with a hands on approach Have a strong ability to shift between visionary/strategic and executional areas of work
  • Strong communication: confidence in conveying a message and fact-based arguments to management and other key internal and external stakeholders
  • A relationship oriented peoples person with a keen interest in creating strong internal and external relations
  • Open for change – Ability to foresee possible future scenarios/risks and navigate around obstacles
  • High level of integrity without being rigid in way of working
  • Reliable and engaging
  • Down to earth personality with an prestigeless approach to work