About us

KnitWell Group, a specialty retail operating company, comprises some of the most iconic brands in America – Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lane Bryant, and Talbots. Individually, our brands are unique and strong. Together, we are powerful.Our common thread is our commitment to create exceptional products, provide memorable experiences, and achieve superior results. Our associates are innovators who thrive through collaboration and are dedicated to excellence. At the heart of it all are the customers we serve. We are dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but also makes our customers feel good.

Associate Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

About the role
The Corporate Social Responsibility 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, Talbots, and Haven Well Within) long range CSR objectives to advance the Company’s brand reputation and purpose-led strategy.

This associate will oversee the day-to-day operations of our factory social compliance program, developing relationships with global suppliers to drive their compliance with KnitWell Group’s Code of Conduct, mitigate risk, and support continuous improvement. This position is also responsible for communicating the Company’s social compliance expectations to a variety of audiences and developing reporting accordingly. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of fair labor practices, build relationships, communicate across audiences and cultures, and have a blend of analytical skills and project management capabilities.

The impact you can have

1. Social Compliance Program Management:

• Manage and administer KnitWell Group’s (KWG) Supplier Social Responsibility program, which includes educating vendors on social compliance program requirements, providing guidance and training, engaging audit service providers, assessing supplier compliance audits, conducting corrective action risk assessments, and implementing remediation.
• Review both new and existing factory audit results diligently.
• Manage and support in the updating and maintenance of the RizePoint audit software system.
• Drive capacity building and vendor ownership through sustainable continuous improvement plans.
• Partner with Better Work in-country representatives to understand and support factory performance. Access Better Work Portal to review and summarize BW reports. Make recommendations on any risks or capacity building opportunities.
• Develop agile processes and systems for the audit program to streamline and align work, increasing efficiency.
• Support the development and execution of the audit strategy.
• Track, analyze, and report trends and risks related to social compliance and labor conditions globally and advise on best practices and programmatic opportunities.

2. Internal and External Communications:

• Communicate the Social Compliance program expectations throughout KnitWell Group’s global supply chain.
• Proactively review and report Social Compliance trends and issues specific to KnitWell Group’s program.
• Develop and conduct training sessions with suppliers, KnitWell Group associates, and other key stakeholders on responsible sourcing, social compliance expectations, and other topics.
• Serve as the point of contact and subject matter expert for internal departments, suppliers, and key stakeholders regarding social compliance and respond to inquiries effectively.

3. Strategic Relationships:

• Develop an in depth understanding of each KWG brand.
• Build strong working relationships with key cross-functional stakeholders, including sourcing, supplier management, international trade, suppliers, and sourcing agents.
• Serve as relationship manager for third-party audit firms, industry associations, and NGOs related to social compliance initiatives.

You’ll bring to the role

• 3-5 years of Supply Chain Social Compliance, Corporate Social Responsibility, or Responsible Sourcing experience a must. Working knowledge of apparel and accessory supply chains preferred.
• Significant experience with factory operations, monitoring, auditing, and remediation.
• Concrete project management experience across complex organizations.
• 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 who takes initiative.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Benefits

• Merchandise discount at our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Ann Taylor, LOFT, & Lane Bryant (in store and online) 
• Support for your individual development plus career mobility within our family of brands
• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities*
• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K)* 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Time off – paid time off & holidays*
• The target salary range for this role is: $75,000 – 85,000

*Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role. 

Applicants to this position must be authorized to work for any employer in the US without sponsorship. We are not providing sponsorship for this position.

This position works in a hybrid model, with three days per week worked in our Times Square Tower (NYC) or New Albany, OH office location and two days per week worked remotely. 

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Location:

Corporate Service Cntr-Ascena-New Albany, OH 43054

Position Type:

Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is committed to hiring and developing the most qualified people at all levels. It is our policy in all personnel actions to ensure that all associates and potential associates are evaluated on the basis of qualifications and ability without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability that can reasonably be accommodated without undue hardship, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected classification under federal, state, or local law. We do not discriminate in any of our employment policies and practices. All associates are expected to follow these principles in all relationships with other associates, applicants, or others with whom we do business.