6 questions to ask before accepting a job as a sustainability manager
In this guest post, Abbie Morris of Compare Ethics shares her top interview questions to help you ensure a company is committed to real impact.
Taking on the role of a sustainability manager can be incredibly rewarding, offering the chance to drive meaningful change within an organisation. However, it’s important to ensure that the company you’re considering is genuinely committed to sustainability, rather than simply paying lip service to it, explains Abbie Morris, co-founder and CEO of Compare Ethics.
This week, she joins me here to share her thoughts on the sorts of questions anyone interviewing for a job as a sustainability manager in the fashion industry should be considering to help them make an informed decision.
Compare Ethics is an AI-powered sustainability compliance platform that helps retail brands simplify, streamline, and scale the way they make green claims, reducing compliance costs by up to 80%. Abbie is also a specialist in sustainability policy and communications, and has over 13 years’ experience working with governments, NGOs, and both public and private businesses.
1. Can I speak to someone who has led a major sustainability project here?
Before you commit to a role, it’s helpful to understand the company’s track record with sustainability projects. Asking to speak with someone who has hands-on experience with a significant initiative can provide invaluable insights. You might want to ask about the specific challenges they faced, how much support they received from other departments, and what the outcomes were.
This conversation can give you a sense of how seriously the company takes sustainability and whether they provide the resources and backing necessary to see projects through to completion.
2. What are the company’s long-term sustainability goals?
This question may seem like a basic one, but the answer can reveal a lot about the company’s priorities. If the goals are clearly defined and ambitious, it’s a good sign that the organisation is committed to integrating sustainability into its long-term strategy. On the other hand, if the response is vague or non-specific, it might suggest that sustainability is more of a checkbox exercise than a core value.
Understanding the company’s long-term vision will help you determine whether this is a place where you can make a real impact or if you’ll be fighting an uphill battle.
3. Have any sustainability managers left recently? Could I speak to one?
High turnover in sustainability roles can be a red flag, indicating potential challenges within the organisation. If possible, try to speak with someone who has recently left the position. They can offer candid feedback about their experience, the company’s culture, and any obstacles they encountered.
This conversation can help you uncover any issues that might not be immediately visible during the interview process, such as a lack of support from senior management or unrealistic expectations.
4. How do senior leaders view sustainability?
The attitude of senior leadership towards sustainability is crucial in determining how effective you can be in the role. If sustainability is valued at the top, it’s more likely that your initiatives will be supported and that you’ll have the authority to implement meaningful changes. Ask how sustainability fits into the company’s broader goals and whether it’s considered in key decision-making processes.
If senior leaders see sustainability as a core part of the business, rather than just a reputational requirement, you’ll likely find a more supportive environment for your work.
5. Is director performance linked to sustainability outcomes?
One of the most telling signs of a company’s commitment to sustainability is whether they hold their directors accountable for it. If director performance reviews include sustainability outcomes, it indicates that the company integrates sustainability into its operational and strategic frameworks.
This alignment can make your job much easier, as it means that achieving sustainability targets is a priority across the leadership team. Conversely, if there’s no link between director performance and sustainability, it might suggest that these efforts aren’t taken as seriously as they should be.
6. Could you share a recent business case for sustainability that was approved? What convinced the business to support it?
Understanding how sustainability projects are evaluated and approved can give you a clear sense of the company’s priorities. By asking for a recent example, you can learn about the criteria the business uses to justify these initiatives and how much weight sustainability considerations carry in decision-making.
This will also give you insight into whether the company is willing to invest in sustainability and how they balance these goals against other business objectives. A strong business case for sustainability that has received full backing is a positive sign that the company is committed to making a real impact.
Take the time to find the right fit
These questions can help you gain a deeper understanding of both the role and the organisation’s true commitment to sustainability. An employer who is serious about sustainability should be open to discussing these topics and providing clear answers. If they aren’t, that might be a sign that the organisation’s commitment isn’t as strong as it appears.
Ultimately, the role of a sustainability manager can be challenging but also deeply rewarding, especially in a company that shares your passion for making a positive impact. By asking the right questions, you can ensure that the organisation you choose is the right fit for you and your values.
You can follow Abbie on LinkedIn here.