Innovation Associate- Recycling

About the job

Fashion for Good is seeking an Associate who will be responsible for mechanical and chemical recycling in both apparel and footwear, including innovation intelligence, supporting FFG alumni and running projects (with support from the Innovation Manager). The Associate will be part of the Fashion for Good Innovation Platform team.

Key responsibilities of the Associate include the following:

Intelligence and Scouting

• Responsible for the mechanical and chemical recycling landscape, including deep technical knowledge of the different technology types, tech providers and a broader understanding of the key levers/challenges to scale within this space

• Be the go to person for partner questions and requests on this topic with support from the Innovation Manager

• Scout, screen and evaluate technology providers based on Fashion for Good’s established due diligence framework

• Where relevant conduct due diligence assessments (technical, commercial, partnerships, funding, performance, pricing etc.)

Project Management and Innovator Support

• Work closely with the Innovation Manager in the creation of the deliverables outlined in the innovator’s roadmap to scale (i.e. technical feasibility, impact analysis, project management, etc.) 

• Scope and 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 Associate plays a bridging function between innovators, FFG’s partners (brands, retailers and manufacturers), investors/financiers, and NGOs. They are also responsible for being the primary point of contact for FFG alumni in their given area

• 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 recycling 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 chemical engineering, textile chemistry, bioengineering)

• 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

• 1-4 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.