Innovation Manager - Scaling (Materials focus)

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Innovation Manager - Scaling

At Fashion for Good we're looking for an Innovation Manager - Scaling (Materials focus) to join our team.

Full-time · Amsterdam

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 Manager who, together with their team, will be responsible for driving the strategy and scaling of innovations, with a focus on material solutions, across the fashion supply chain.

Key Responsibilities: 

Reporting to the Innovation Platform Director - Scaling, the role has several components;

Crafting and driving roadmap to scale for key material innovations

  • Working with selected innovators to create a deep understanding of the innovator’s commercial, technology and impact attractiveness, Identify relevant gaps and drive assessments to ensure in-depth understanding and due diligence.
  • Leading the roadmaps to scale for a selected portfolio of material innovations supported by Fashion for Good via collaborative projects and structures with brands and related stakeholders. These roadmaps outline the areas for support by Fashion for Good, such as unlocking access to capital, providing relevant expertise and linking to market(s) through partnerships with Fashion for Good’s brand, retailing and manufacturing partners. This role orchestrates all of the actions needed to implement the roadmap.
  • Ideating and driving various initiatives that further unlock the innovator's scaling journey and address key challenges such as the green premium and supply chain development. Working closely with Fashion for Good partners where relevant to collaboratively develop projects for scaling support. Engage with relevant financiers to support innovations directly and/or via scaling initiatives set up by Fashion for Good.
  • Curating best-practices and toolbox to further drive implementation (e.g. off-take agreements, innovator deep dives on business models, project financing etc.).

Relationship management across all stakeholders

  • Building and maintaining relationships with Fashion for Good corporate partners (brands, retailers and manufacturers), their strategic supply chain as well as relevant ecosystem partners and experts. In addition, establish and manage relationships with leadership teams of the innovators in your portfolio.
  • Leveraging existing partnerships to develop new offerings and strategic initiatives that drive future organisational growth and attract further partnerships.
Strategic Planning support for the Innovation Platform as a whole.
  • Support in developing and executing the strategic direction for the Scaling team and Innovation Platform as a whole.
  • Maintain data and report on metrics regarding innovator scaling, including demonstration and tracking of KPIs; advancing key impact and progress visualisations (e.g. funnel, metrics dashboard).
  • Support the Innovation Platform Director with cross-functional topics e..: Innovation Committee, Partner Strategy Day, FFG Symposium, Supervisory Board meetings.

Team leadership

  • Manage innovation associates/analysts/interns by supporting them in managing various scaling activities.
  • Be responsible for their personal development and training as well as bi-annual evaluation process.
  • Manage communication and collaborations with the cross-functional teams.

The Innovation Manager plays a bridging function between the innovators, Fashion for Good’s partners (brands, retailers and manufacturers), investors/financiers, and NGOs. 

QUALIFICATIONS


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

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Strategy, or a related field. Advanced degrees (MBA or equivalent) are a plus.
  • Proven track record (5+ years) of relevant work experience, e.g. in management consulting or a function that involves strategic planning, business development, and/or corporate development. Having worked in a start-up, sustainability company or the apparel and footwear industry is preferred
  • Experience within apparel / footwear brands or supply chain, understanding of the business activities such as off-take agreements, buying practices and sourcing relationships is a plus.
  • Structured, strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to handle multiple initiatives simultaneously.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to represent the organisation effectively to external stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated experience managing individuals or a team.
  • Capacity to adapt to different and complex work environments, easily navigating change as well as different cultures and organisational settings.
  • An ability to think strategically and then proactively execute and mobilise large organisations to achieve the goals set out on.
  • A true passion to make a difference and enact change.

Languages

Proficiency in English is a requirement.

YOUR APPLICATION

Please submit your application, consisting of a short motivation letter and your CV.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Apply now