What Does A Sustainability And Ethical Sourcing Coordinator Do?

“I’m Delilah and I’ve worked at THE ICONIC for just over four years now. My role is the Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing Coordinator.”

...and what does that really mean?
“I manage many of our sustainability initiatives such as our Considered Edit and Preferred Materials Program. I also work closely with our own-brand suppliers and factories.” 

THE ICONIC has six Considered values – which do you work within most, day-to-day?
“A lot of what I work on is related to Sustainable Materials, both in our Considered Edit and Preferred Material Program, however much of my day to day surrounds Fair Production through the management of our Own Brand factories and working closely with suppliers to ensure we have traceability.” 

How did you get into your role?
“Being at THE ICONIC for the past few years, I have learnt so much through my work in operations and collaboration with different teams in the company. My passion for sustainability led me to support the team with some projects while I was managing our Customer Service team at the time, which then eventuated to a permanent role. Although my background wasn’t in the Sustainability/Ethical Sourcing realm, if you’re determined enough to do something and it comes from a genuine place of interest I really believe you can do it – and I know how corny that sounds!”

Tell us what you mostly work on…
“As this space is constantly evolving, recently we have been researching new materials and products that could have lower environmental impacts. Although nothing is ever as simple as it seems, so we have to be quite thorough with our analysis. Hopefully some of these innovative brands will be highlighted in our Considered Edit soon!”

Why is it important that THE ICONIC has a Sustainability team?
“It’s important for all companies to have a Sustainability team, or if that's not feasible, at least have an understanding of the business’s impacts and the responsibility they hold to manage those impacts responsibly, especially in the world of fashion. 

“As THE ICONIC has grown, we are also in a position to influence change in the industry and support brands with their own sustainability journey. We need to be acknowledging the position we’re in, as both a contributor and as a platform for positive change.”

What’s been your career high?
“My absolute career high has to be moving into this Sustainability Team! Apart from that, there have been many moments I’m really proud to be a part of, including working on our Annual Progress Report and the launch of our Reconciliation Action Plan.”

What are you excited about in the future of TI’s Sustainability journey?
“I’m really looking forward to seeing more First Nations and Indigenous brands coming onboard in the future and being able to put the spotlight on these talented artists and designers.”

Delilah's Top 3 Considered Buys