Location Amsterdam
Job-type Permanent
Salary €Competetive
Reference BBBH13626_1625563800

The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute is looking for an exceptional individual to join their highly dedicated and talented team to accelerate adoption and maximise the positive impact of the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Products Program worldwide.

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. As the standard-setting organisation and certification body for the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard, the Institute works closely with leading organisations worldwide to guide and validate their efforts to apply the principles of material health, product circularity, clean air and climate protection, water and soil stewardship, and social fairness to product design and manufacturing.

The Technical Director will lead and oversee day-to-day certification program technical operations and also be the Product Circularity technical leader for the Institute. The position will be responsible for the technical development and maintenance of the Cradle to Cradle Certified standards and ensuring that all products seeking certification have been assessed in accordance with program policies and are in compliance with Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard requirements. Working closely with the Institute's Certification Team and global assessor network, the Director will deliver efficient, high quality certification services to companies in the Cradle to Cradle Certified community.

As the Product Circularity technical leader, the Director will also lead the planning and execution of all Product Circularity related activities for the Cradle to Cradle Certified Products Program. The position will set strategic direction for the evolution of the standard's Product Circularity requirements and carry out operational activities to support their successful implementation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Conduct the Cradle to Cradle certification process in alignment with ISO 17065 and implement best practice quality assurance and third party verification procedures

  • Train and manage a team of auditors to perform in-depth technical reviews of product assessments conducted by independent assessor organisations to verify compliance with Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard requirements

  • Make certification decisions and perform technical reviews of product assessments as needed

  • Regularly analyse, create, and implement tools, resources, and procedures to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and scalability of the assessment, audit, and verification processes

  • Provide technical support, conduct on-site audits, and lead the resolution of assessment issues to ensure the Institute's assessment bodies assess products consistently and in accordance with the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard

  • Develop and implement an effective training program for Cradle to Cradle Certified assessors in collaboration with the Institute's technical team

  • Provide technical support to C2CPII staff, certification applicants, and program stakeholders regarding the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard requirements and certification process

  • Lead on-going implementation and maintenance of the Product Circularity requirements in the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard through the development of clarifications, interpretations, and modified compliance paths, as well as updates to the standard reference materials

  • Lead the process for development of the next version of the Product Circularity requirements in the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard through a periodic evaluation and revision process, including development of change proposals in collaboration with the Institute's Standards Steering Committee, Product Circularity Expert Advisors, and technical team

  • Develop and maintain guidance documents, forms/templates, and other tools to assist certification program applicants with implementation of the standard's Product Circularity requirements and optimisation of their products in circular systems

  • Recruit and manage Product Circularity Expert Advisors to support maintenance and revision of the standard's Product Circularity requirements

  • Effectively communicate the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard requirement framework and Product Circularity objectives at stakeholder meetings and conferences and through development of technical reports and publications

  • Serve on external technical committees and working groups to provide technical support and increase adoption of Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master's degree or higher in a relevant scientific/technical discipline

  • Minimum of eight years of related experience or equivalent combination of related education/training and experience

  • Experience working with environmental standards and/or certification, ideally for products

  • Technical experience and/or working knowledge in chemical hazard and exposure assessment; circularity concepts (biodegradation, composting, recycled content, recycling processes); energy accounting, renewable energy credits, and greenhouse gas emissions, accounting, and offsets; water stewardship concepts; social compliance

  • Knowledge of and practical experience with product circularity principles, standards/programs, tools, and trends

  • An understanding of product manufacturing practices preferred

  • Experience collecting, reconciling, and analysing data and reports

  • Strong commitment and thorough attention to detail

  • Exceptional technical writing, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills in English, additional languages preferred

  • Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to manage projects and balance multiple priorities

  • Hands-on self-starter, able to initiate projects and work independently

  • Strong sense of personal responsibility and accountability for delivering high-quality work within a set timeline

  • Strong aptitude for proactive problem-solving and embracing change, and a genuine passion for advancing the Cradle to Cradle principles

  • Proficiency in standard office software (MS Office suite, Adobe Acrobat, Google apps)

WHY WORK WITH US

  • 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, diversity & 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.

  • Engage with global leaders to address systemic challenges to responsible production and consumption at the product, business and industry level.

  • Interact with leading businesses, governments, industry associations, NGOs and academia within the sustainability and circularity movement.

  • Work with talented, highly motivated, mission-driven colleagues in an international setting.

  • Be challenged to think beyond traditional approaches and apply holistic pathways to sustainability and industry transformation.

  • Flexible work arrangements and competitive benefits.

  • Shape a positive future for product design and manufacturing, and make an impact for society at large.

If you would like more information on the role, please apply or contact Nancy Schurig via nancy.schurig@acre.com.