General Summary
The Director of Supply Chain Sustainability & Compliance is responsible for overseeing the portfolio of high-impact programs and projects, leading cross-functional teams, and representing the company in key industry and stakeholder engagements. This position supports the Wholesale and Retail business. The responsibilities described below are considered essential functions of the role. This position is based in our LIC office and requires working on-site five days per week.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and evolve the company’s supply chain sustainability roadmap, aligning with corporate ESG goals and emerging global standards
- Champion initiatives that enhance supply chain transparency, ethical sourcing, and environmental performance
- Serve as a senior advisor to executive leadership on sustainability risks, opportunities, and regulatory trends
- Oversee core compliance and sustainability programs including Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence, GRS Chain of Custody and Brand Certification, CDP Climate Change Reporting, GHG Accounting, and EPR Reporting
- Ensure successful execution of recurring audits, certifications, and training programs.
- Oversee a portfolio of active and pipeline projects to enhance our supply chain visibility and sustainability infrastructure
- Oversee sustainability data systems and reporting tools
- Ensure compliance with global reporting frameworks and regulatory requirements
- Lead internal governance processes for sustainability-related decision-making and risk management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal departments (Legal, HR, Production, Logistics, Finance) and external partners
- Ensure alignment with business objectives, timelines, and budgets
- Represent the company in industry associations and sustainability forums
- Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines with support and resources as needed
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned
Specific Job Skills:
Essential duties include
- Align supply chain initiatives with corporate ESG strategy
- Develop and refine sustainability goals and KPIs
- Oversee a team to ensure timely and effective execution of recurring programs and new projects
- Track progress, resolve blockers, and ensure stakeholder alignment
- Oversee annual certifications and audits (e.g., GRS Brand Certification)
- Monitor regulatory developments and industry trends
- Coordinate with internal teams for data collection, compliance, and reporting
- Liaise with external partners and service providers
- Facilitate supplier onboarding and training initiatives
- Review and approve invoices and contracts
- Ensure compliance with internal SOPs and escalation protocols
- Support internal teams (e.g. Legal, HR) with policy implementation
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability, Supply Chain, Environmental Science, or related field
- Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in sustainability, supply chain compliance, or ESG leadership roles
- Deep knowledge of global sustainability standards, certifications, and regulatory frameworks
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects
- Strong analytical, communication, and executive presentation skills
- Experience in fashion, retail, or consumer goods industries is a plus
The expected base salary for this position ranges from $120,000 - $130,00. Ranges are based on various factors such as relevant skillset, training, years of experience related to the current job description, education, and our organizational structure. In addition to the base salary, Steve Madden offers a competitive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, 401K, paid holidays, a generous paid time-off policy, and career opportunities within a dynamic team.
Top Skills
What We Do
Steven Madden, Ltd. is globally recognized as a leading company in the fashion industry. What began as a modest $1100 investment in 1990 has developed into one of the most iconic brands in footwear. From a factory in Queens, NY, Steve Madden has revolutionized the shoe industry, merging years of experience with unique and creative designs. Inspired by rock and roll and his NY roots, Steve’s vision to provide on-trend women and men with an outlet to express their individuality is innovative, daring, and inspiring. Steve’s innate understanding of trends and unparalleled willpower have resulted in millions of customers worldwide and propelled his designs to the forefront of fashion.
In addition to marketing products under its own brands including Steve Madden®, Kurt Geiger London®, Dolce Vita®, Betsey Johnson®, Carvela®, Blondo® and ATM®, Steve Madden licenses footwear, handbags and other accessory categories for the Anne Klein® brand. In addition, Steve Madden designs and sources products under private label brand names for various retailers. Steve Madden’s wholesale distribution includes department stores, mass merchants, off-price retailers, shoe chains, online retailers, national chains, specialty retailers and independent stores. Steve Madden also directly operates brick-and-mortar retail stores and e-commerce websites. In addition, Steve Madden licenses certain of its brands to third parties for the marketing and sale of certain products in the apparel, accessory, and home categories.
With an emphasis on retail, wholesale, licensing and international business, there's a constant need for new ideas and versatility. Our environment is extremely fast paced and requires associates to maintain a balance of energy and professionalism. Steve Madden is about fashion-forward product and great people. Our employees are energized, intelligent and passionate about our business and committed to providing excellent customer service.
