Innovation Analyst - Raw Materials

About the job

Fashion for Good is seeking an Analyst who will be responsible for scouting and evaluating new and existing raw material innovations (with a focus on biopolymers, footwear material innovation and leather alternatives) and supporting the Innovation Manager in project management and related activities. The Analyst will be part of the Fashion for Good Innovation Platform team.

Key responsibilities of the Analyst include the following:

Scouting and evaluating start-ups

• Scout, screen and evaluate raw materials start-ups / innovators based on Fashion for Good’s established due diligence framework as part of the evaluation process for the Innovation Programme with a focus on biopolymers, footwear material innovations and leather alternatives

• Conduct due diligence assessments (technical, commercial, partnerships, funding, performance, pricing etc.)

• Map and update the landscape of innovators (start-ups), to further strengthen our scouting database in materials focus area

Project Management and Innovator Support

• Assist Fashion for Good’s Innovation Manager in the creation of the deliverables outlined in the innovator’s roadmap to scale (i.e. technical feasibility, life cycle assessment, financial analysis: return on investments, impact analysis, project management, etc.) 

• Execute collaborative pilots and projects in given focus area (eg: identify project opportunity, scope project, define success criteria, performance requirements budget etc.) with support from Innovation Manager

• Write reports describing findings and recommendations for follow up action

• The Innovation Analyst plays a bridging function between innovators, FFG’s partners (brands, retailers and manufacturers), investors/financiers, and NGOs. They are also responsible for building and maintaining an active innovator alumni network

• Document all associated interactions in relevant tools (ex: airtable, landscape reports, etc)

• Continue to build Fashion for Good’s presence as a thought leader in the area of sustainable innovation in materials amongst other more through publication contributions.

• Assist in general Innovation Platform activities (including operations and day to day business activities)

About you

The ideal candidate combines strong interpersonal skills with a self-starting, proactive attitude. The following qualifications are essential:

• Technical knowledge regarding material innovation (ideally in polymer science)

• Knowledge within the fashion / textile / footwear industry a plus

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and execute projects

• Multi stakeholder engagement and relationship management

• Ability to act in a networking role towards stakeholders

• Strong analytical and research skills with attention to detail

• Strong g suite (powerpoint) skills

• Capacity to adapt to different settings and to work in a demanding and multicultural environment

• Self-starter with strong organisational and time management skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Creative thinker with the ability for sound judgement and accountability

• A pro-active, enthusiastic, can-do attitude and comfortable dealing with uncertainty

• 0-2 years experince, with experience in the following areas a plus: research and development, consulting, sustainability, the apparel industry or a relevant entrepreneurial / start-up setting.

EDUCATION

Academic degree required within polymer science, material science, chemistry, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, textile engineering or biotechnology.