POSITION SUMMARY & KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Within a short time frame of 6 years, Fashion for Good has established itself as the go-to platform for sustainable fashion innovation on a global level. As we are entering our next phase of growth, we seek a Scaling Associate who will be leading part of Fashion for Good’s new 5 year strategy, focusing on how we can drive a shift from piloting to implementation. As Innovation Associate, you will support the growth of sustainable innovations in the textile supply chain by managing initiatives designed to enable scaling of key technologies. You will also assess technological innovations, their business models, and support innovators via bespoke programs. You will be responsible for building relationships with innovators, brands, manufacturers, and other circularity stakeholders in order to drive implementation. The Scaling Associate will be part of the Fashion for Good innovation team reporting to the Innovation Manager - Scaling (Materials). Given this role will focus on driving circularity & materials work, candidates with expertise in textile circularity (i.e., the textile waste ecosystem), as well as materials expertise, are preferred. 

As part of this, the role will be responsible for the following areas: 

Topic Focus: Textile Circularity & Waste, Materials

• Primary focus on circularity topics in the Global North, owning project execution focused on implementation of key technologies with the goal to scale circular textiles and enable positive business models for key waste ecosystem players. Expertise in circularity and waste ecosystems in the Global North preferred, as well as technical background

• Additional materials-related topics (e.g., material mix strategy). Expertise in (sustainable) materials preferred

Implementation of Scaling Initiatives

• Support the design of, and drive implementation of FFG scaling initiatives, with focus on circularity (waste), materials, and other topics aimed at resolving key roadblocks for scaling material innovations (e.g., demand pooling); further details on initiatives can be shared during interview process

• Act as project manager and key point of contact for implementation of selected initiatives, to be implemented in partnership with brands, manufacturers, innovators, the waste ecosystem, and other stakeholders

• Act as knowledge partner to steer the development of scaling initiatives

Roadmap to Scale for Key Innovators and Relationship Management 

• Work with FFG selected innovators to identify key areas of support / roadmaps to scale their innovations e.g.: go-to-market strategy, fundraising, media & comms, technology validation, strategic supplier engagement

• Work closely with relevant FFG team members, brands, manufacturers and other stakeholders to orchestrate the actions needed to implement the roadmap 

• Establish and manage relationships with key advisors, technology and research institutions (e.g. academia, multi-stakeholder organisations, governments, incubators) to support the work above

• Demonstrate ability to think strategically, support selected innovators with their roadmap to implementation (e.g., identifying / connecting with key suppliers, business model support, impact, fundraising (reviewing investment decks, supporting external investors with due diligence etc.))

Research and Knowledge

• Work closely with subject matter experts across the Innovation Platform to deepen knowledge and understanding of key focus areas. Develop a deep understanding of the implementation challenges faced by the more mature innovators in each of these areas

• Build networks with brand and manufacturing partners, including their relevant supply chain partners to be able to best understand the challenges they face implementing innovations into their supply chain

• Where relevant, act as Fashion for Good’s topic expert and maintain the dialogue with the relevant experts in Fashion for Good’s brand, retailing and manufacturing partners

• Best-practices and toolbox to further drive implementation (e.g. off-take agreements, innovator deep dives on business models, project financing etc.)

• Support the Innovation Platform Director with cross functional topics eg: Innovation Committee, Partner Strategy Day, FFG Symposium, Investment Committee

Due Diligence and Reporting

• Follow Fashion for Good’s due diligence framework to assess key FFG innovators in your portfolio, evaluating: technology readiness, market traction, impact, capacity, financial history and projections, liquidity / runway, business models and pricing with the goal to establish which innovators are on route to industrial implementation

• Where relevant, work with respective innovation leads to conduct due diligence

• Maintain data and report on innovator scaling metrics, incl. demonstration and tracking of KPIs; advancing key impact and progress visualisations (e.g. funnel, metrics dashboard)

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate has a relevant track record and combines strong interpersonal skills with a self-starting, proactive attitude. The following traits are essential:

• Disciplined and demonstrated project management, documentation, and execution 

• Demonstrated capacity to think multiple steps ahead with regards to project management

• Proactively identify opportunities for partner engagement in specific projects

• Strong analytical and research skills and ability to scope detailed projects

• Capacity to adapt to different settings, easily navigating different cultures and organisation settings 

• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to build strong interpersonal relationships and negotiate where needed 

• Creative thinking with the ability for sound judgement and accountability 

• Positivity, proactiveness, enthusiasm, can-do attitude, comfort in dealing with uncertainty 

• Demonstrated experience managing individuals or a team

In terms of prior experience, the following is preferred: 

• Expertise in textile circularity, specifically in the textile waste ecosystem (i.e., understanding of T2T recycling landscape, textile waste value chain, business case challenges, impact of upcoming regulations, etc.); own network within the ecosystem is a big plus

• Expertise in textile materials and sustainability 

• Relevant work experience (3+ years) in e.g. textile circularity, textile sustainability, management consulting (with experience in relevant topics), the apparel or footwear industry – preferably with a supply chain connection, or coming from an entrepreneurial / start-up setting. 

EDUCATION

Academic degree (Bachelor (HBO), MBA or Masters) preferably within business, economics, material science, chemistry or textile engineering. 

LANGUAGES 

Proficiency in English is a requirement. 

YOUR APPLICATION 

Please submit your application, consisting of a motivation letter and your CV, via the application link. 

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.