Department : Textile ESG

Job level :Senior Management

Reports to :Head of ESG textile

Year of experience : 10 years in similar or same position

Location : The role is based in Benin, with oversight and support for operations in other African countries.

Role Overview

The Sustainability Manager is responsible for defining, implementing, and overseeing the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy across the textile factory’s operations.

The role ensures compliance with local regulations, international sustainability standards, and global apparel brands’ requirements while strengthening the company’s positioning as a responsible and sustainable manufacturing partner.

The position combines technical expertise, regulatory compliance, and strategic engagement with international buyers to drive continuous improvement across environmental performance, social responsibility, supply chain transparency, and circular economy initiatives.

The Sustainability Manager also oversees ESIA applications, Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS), sustainability certifications, and ESG reporting frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

ESG Strategy and Implementation

• Develop and implement the factory ESG and sustainability strategy aligned with corporate objectives and international standards.
• Promote circular economy practices, including textile waste reduction, recycling initiatives, and resource efficiency programs.
• Monitor sustainability performance indicators and drive continuous improvement across operations.

ESIA and Environmental & Social Management Systems

• Lead Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) applications and coordinate with environmental authorities and consultants.
• Implement and maintain the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) in line with international standards and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with IFC Performance Standards and international environmental and social safeguards where applicable.

Compliance, Audits and Certifications

• Ensure compliance with local environmental, labor, and health & safety regulations.
• Coordinate and manage brand, client, and third-party audits including social and environmental assessments.
• Oversee sustainability certification programs such as GOTS, OEKO-TEX, ZDHC, Higg FEM, and other buyer standards.
• Ensure effective implementation of corrective action plans following audits.
• Ensure compliance with international chemical management and detox requirements, including ZDHC MRSL, wastewater standards, and responsible chemical handling across production processes.

Brand Communication and Partnerships

• Act as the primary sustainability contact for international fashion brands and buyers.
• Manage ESG reporting and sustainability data required by brands and platforms.
• Develop partnerships with industry organizations, NGOs, and sustainability initiatives to strengthen the textile ecosystem.

Health, Safety and Environmental Performance

• Ensure implementation of HSE management systems aligned with standards such as ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.
• Oversee environmental monitoring programs for water, air emissions, chemical management, and waste.
• Define and monitor ESG and HSE key performance indicators.

Reporting Line

• Reports to the Factory General Manager / Business Unit CEO
• Functional reporting to the Head of ESG

Key Stakeholders

Internal

• Factory management and operations teams
• Corporate ESG / sustainability department
• Supply chain and procurement teams
• Health, safety and compliance teams

External

• International fashion brands and buyers
• Sustainability certification bodies and audit firms
• ESG consultants and industry partners
• Local environmental and labour authorities

Qualities and qualifications:

• Textile engineering background
• Diplomacy and stakeholder engagement skills
• Auditing and compliance expertise
• Perseverance and problem-solving ability
• Analytical and reporting skills
• Influence cross-functional teams
• Communication and negotiation skills