Job Overview & Organization Mission

Champion human rights in global garment manufacturing, lead factory audits, and expand sustainable raw materials (BCI cotton, recycled fibres) at Cotton On Group.

Cotton On Group’s Global Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing team is seeking an inspiring Global Ethical Sourcing & Sustainability Manager based at our world-class headquarters in Geelong, Victoria. You will oversee social compliance auditing across international supplier factories in Asia, lead living wage initiatives, ensure traceability from cotton farm to retail shelf, and publish our annual Modern Slavery statement.

As a key member of the team at Cotton On Group in Geelong, VIC, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Oversee the: Oversee the global 14-point Ethical Sourcing Program across hundreds of Tier-1 and Tier-2 garment manufacturing partners.
• Review SMETA,: Review SMETA, BSCI, and independent factory social compliance audits to remediate corrective action plans (CAPs).
• Drive raw: Drive raw material sustainability targets including 100% Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), recycled polyester, and organic cotton.
• Author comprehensive: Author comprehensive Modern Slavery statements in accordance with Australian Commonwealth legislation.
• Liaise with: Liaise with international non-profit organizations, fair work foundations, and worker welfare advocates.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at Cotton On Group, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: Degree in Sustainable Development, Human Rights, Law, Supply Chain or Environmental Science.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 6+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• 6+ years of experience in ethical sourcing, social compliance, human rights, or supply chain sustainability in apparel/retail.
• Deep understanding of international labor standards (ILO conventions), factory auditing methodologies, and traceability systems.
• Degree in Human Rights, Law, Sustainability, or International Development.
• Exceptional cross-cultural communication, negotiation, and stakeholder influence skills.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At Cotton On Group, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$135,000 – AU$165,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Salary $135,000 – $165,000 + company bonus + superannuation.
• Award-winning Geelong Global Headquarters with onsite childcare, wellness centre, gym, and subsidised dining.
• Generous 50% team member discount across Cotton On, Cotton On Body, Rubi, and Typo.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: Cotton On Group

Cotton On Group is an Australian retail powerhouse operating 1,500 stores across 22 countries with a passionate commitment to ethics and sustainability.

Cotton On Group is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official Cotton On Group careers gateway.