Location Amsterdam
Job-type Permanent
Salary €Competitive
Reference 14773

Acre has partnered with Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute in search of an exceptional individual to join their highly dedicated and talented team to lead and advance the Institute's activities and positive impact in fashion, apparel, textiles and footwear on a global scale.

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The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute is dedicated to powering innovation for the circular economy through products that have a positive impact on people and planet. Through the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Products Program, the Institute sets the global standard for products that are safe, circular and responsibly made. The Institute works closely with leading organisations and stakeholders worldwide to guide and validate their efforts to apply the principles of material health, circular economy, climate protection, water and soil stewardship, and social fairness to product design and manufacturing. The Institute also powers the global shift to a circular economy through partnerships and collaborative initiatives that equip businesses, governments and other stakeholders with knowledge and tools to transform the way products are designed and made.

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In this role, you will play a leading part in driving the systems change required to accelerate the circular transition in the apparel, textile and footwear industries. You will work closely with leading companies and sector stakeholders to increase awareness of the Cradle to Cradle principles, recognition for the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard, as well as adoption and scaling of the Cradle to Cradle certification.

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The Institute is seeking a highly motivated, resourceful professional with market transformation and relevant industry experience to lead efforts to increase sustainability and circularity in apparel and footwear products globally. Ideally, you will bring a strong knowledge of relevant sectors and supply chains, a proven record of effective relationship management and a genuine passion for advancing the Cradle to Cradle principles and driving industry transformation.

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Your key responsibilities will be to:

  • Develop and implement an effective market development strategy for the sectors of apparel, textiles and footwear.

  • Serve as relationship manager for the Cradle to Cradle certification holder community across these sectors and act as primary liaison for strategic, technical and marketing/communication matters.

  • Drive market adoption of Cradle to Cradle Certified to meet or exceed annual sector growth targets.

  • Define market needs and priorities, and assist with the development of tools and resources that facilitate use and increase value of the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Program.

  • Lead alignment and recognition efforts with relevant sector partners, industry programs and governmental initiatives.

  • Identify, develop and foster strategic partnerships and engagement formats for key stakeholders along the respective value chains, including brands, retailers, manufacturers and raw material suppliers.

  • Organise and conduct market development workshops, roundtables and educational programming for industry and policy stakeholders.

  • Represent the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute at key sector meetings and conferences.

  • Contribute to securing sponsorships and/or grants necessary to deliver sector-specific resources, tools, or events.

  • Prepare market briefs, reports, and other sector-specific background materials to meet internal and external research and reporting requirements.

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What qualifications will you need?

  • Master's Degree in relevant field of study, with technical/environmental degree preferred

  • 8+ years related work experience, preferably with consulting background

  • Strong knowledge/expertise across the apparel/textile sector, with proven supply chain work and established sector relationships

  • Demonstrable knowledge of key sustainability and circularity topics and challenges within product design and manufacturing

  • Technical understanding and practical experience with Cradle to Cradle principles preferred

  • Proven ability to influence and partner with industry leaders and government representatives

  • Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English, with fluency in at least one additional language required

  • Strong sense of personal responsibility and accountability for delivering high quality and original work within set timelines

  • Self-starter, able to initiate projects and work independently

  • Proven teamwork skills, both as a leader and cross-functional team member

  • Eligibility to work in the European Union is required for this position.

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Why work with the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute?

  • Be part of a renowned organisation at the leading edge of standard-setting and innovation for the circular economy.

  • Thrive in an organisational culture that values collaboration, inclusion, excellence, integrity and innovation.

  • Take part in impactful work designed to connect the dots between the vision of a global prosperous circular economy and practical, real-world application.

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If you've realised this is the opportunity for you in 2022 and would like to know more, please apply directly. If you have further enquiries, please contact Thaddeus Tan to thaddeus.tan@acre.com discuss further.