General Manager - Social & Environmental Compliance

General Manager - Compliance & Sustainability is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and operational execution of compliance and sustainability programs within the company. This role will lead initiatives to enhance ethical, social, and environmental practices across the supply chain, fostering sustainable growth and stakeholder trust.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a compliance and sustainability strategy aligned with organizational and industry standards.

• Monitor KPIs to drive continuous improvement in compliance and sustainability programs.

Team Management

• Supervise the Compliance & Sustainability Manager and team, providing mentorship and fostering a high-performance culture.

• Oversee training and resource allocation to meet organizational goals.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with senior leadership to integrate compliance and sustainability into business strategies.

• Communicate progress and recommendations to executives, customers, and stakeholders.

Vendor and Supply Chain Oversight

• Ensure vendors and factories adhere to social, environmental, and ethical standards.

• Lead compliance projects to optimize service quality and sustainability outcomes.

Capacity Building and Training

• Drive capacity-building programs to enhance vendor and factory performance.

• Lead training on compliance and sustainability standards, particularly for the hardgoods sector.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Address escalated compliance and sustainability issues, providing expert guidance.

• Represent the organization in industry forums to advocate for ethical practices.

Additional Responsibilities

• Stay informed of regulatory changes and industry trends.

• Perform other strategic duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Sustainability, Environmental Science, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Master’s degree or MBA preferred.

• Experience: Minimum of 12-15 years of experience in compliance, sustainability, or related roles, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position, preferably within global retail or supply chain industries.

• Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of social compliance standards (e.g., amfori BSCI) and environmental sustainability practices, particularly in the hardgoods sector.

• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, with a track record of driving strategic initiatives and achieving measurable outcomes.

• Strategic Thinking: Strong analytical skills to assess data, identify trends, and develop actionable strategies for compliance and sustainability improvements.

• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders, including executives, customers, and global teams.

• Technical Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint) and the ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and systems.

• Global Perspective: Experience working with global teams across multiple time zones, with flexibility for off-hours engagements and international travel.

• Language Skills: Fluency in English required; proficiency in Cantonese and Mandarin strongly preferred.

• Ethical Standards: Demonstrated commitment to integrity, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability.

• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, balancing independent decision-making with collaborative leadership.