About the job

Within a short time frame of less than 6 years, Fashion for Good has established itself as the go-to platform for sustainable fashion innovation on a global level. We seek an Innovation Manager who will be responsible for overseeing Fashion for Good’s Innovation Platform validation activities in the areas that include Materials (incl. recycled fibres, leather alternatives, biosynthetics, cotton etc), Packaging, Performance Materials and Denim. They will be responsible for managing 4 direct reports. The Innovation Manager will be part of the Fashion for Good innovation team reporting into the Innovation Director - Validation.

As part of this, the innovation manager is responsible for the following areas:

Innovator Due Diligence and Support

Manage all scouting and due diligence in the areas of the supply chain that include Materials, Packaging, Performance Materials and Denim including: assessing impact, capacity, technology, financial history and projections, liquidity / runway, business models, pricing for the respective innovators
Manage the team to provide relevant technical and strategic support for FFG innovators

Innovation Intelligence

Manage all activities related to Innovation Intelligence in given focus areas, including landscape updates, working groups, workshops and deep dives
Continue to build Fashion for Good’s presence as a thought leader in given areas through events and publication contributions

Project and Stakeholder Management

Build relationships with FFG brands and manufacturers to identify opportunities for projects and pilots
Be responsible for scoping the projects/pilots, budgeting, drafting and finalising all agreements, communications etc. with support from analysts / associates
Be responsible for managing relevant budgets, ensuring all invoicing is properly complete
Alongside the scaling team identify implementation opportunities for specific innovators
Identify next steps after projects/pilots are complete and scope potential next stage projects and pilots
Establish and manage relationships with key technology and research institutions around the world (e.g. academia, multi-stakeholder organisations, governments, incubators) as well as ecosystem contacts to support the work above
Where relevant, represent Fashion for Good at industry conferences

Team leadership and milestone management Innovation platform

Manage direct reports, guide them in their activities, be responsible for their personal development
Support the Innovation Director with cross functional topics
Continually identify ways to improve existing cross functional processes and execute these improvements

Strategy

Demonstrate ability to think strategically and support key innovators with their roadmap to implementation (eg: identifying and connecting key suppliers, support with business models, impact, support with fundraising (reviewing investment decks, supporting external investors with due diligence etc.) working alongside scaling team
Demonstrate and track KPIs; advancing key impact and progress visualisations (e.g. funnel, metrics dashboard)
Build best-practices and toolbox to further drive implementation (e.g. off-take agreements, innovator deep dives on business models, project financing etc.)
Build Fashion for Good’s presence as a thought leader in the area of sustainable innovation through events and publication contributions
Support on business development and partner retention through Innovation Platform strategy and new idea generation and execution

The Innovation Manager plays a bridging function between the innovators, Fashion for Good’s partners (brands, retailers and manufacturers), investors/financiers, and NGOs. They are also responsible for building and maintaining an active innovator alumni network alongside the programme associate.

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:

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 and pilots
Strong analytical 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
Relevant work experience (4+ years) in e.g. management consulting, sustainability, the apparel or footwear industry – preferably with a supply chain connection, an entrepreneurial / start-up setting.

About you

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:
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 and pilots
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
Relevant work experience (4+ years) in e.g. innovation, management consulting, sustainability, the apparel or footwear industry – preferably with a supply chain connection, an entrepreneurial / start-up setting.

EDUCATION

Academic degree (Bachelor (HBO), MBA or Masters) preferably within material science, chemistry, business, textile engineering or chemical engineering. A Masters is preferred.

LANGUAGES

Proficiency in English is a requirement.

YOUR APPLICATION

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

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. We would be looking for someone to start as soon as they are available.

Apply for the job

Do you want to join our team as our new Innovation Manager? Then we'd love to hear about you!

Fashion for Good

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Innovation Manager (Validation)