Innovation Manager Validation - Footwear

At Fashion for Good we're looking for a Innovation Manager (Validation) focused on Footwear to join our team.

About the job 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 Footwear (incl. bio and recycled materials, manufacturing, leather processing / alternatives) and Packaging. They will be responsible for managing 1 direct report. 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 Footwear including: assessing impact, capacity, technology, financial history and projections, liquidity / runway, business models, pricing for the respective innovations

Manage the team to provide relevant technical and strategic support for FFG alumni. 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 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 innovations

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

Current projects include, Closing the Footwear Loop and The Next Stride 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

Set Fashion for Good's strategy regarding Footwear (bio materials, recycled materials, manufacturing, leather procesisng and alternatives etc.)

Demonstrate ability to think strategically and support key innovations 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.

About you

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 (7+ years) in e.g. footwear manufacturing, footwear development, materials science, supply chain

Specific experience in the Footwear space is required

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

Proficiency in English is a requirement.