Innovation Associate - Scaling

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.

Responsibilities

• Topic Focus: Textile Circularity & Waste, Materials

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., green premiums); 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.

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.

• 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/conducting with key suppliers, business model support, impact, fundraising 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.

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.

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 regarding 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 the ability to build strong interpersonal relationships and negotiate where needed.

• Creative thinking with the ability for sound judgment and accountability.

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

• Demonstrated experience managing individuals or a team.

Preferred Experience

• Expertise in textile circularity, specifically in the textile waste ecosystem (i.e., understanding of textile waste players, understanding of 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 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.