Innovation Analyst - Raw Materials

About the job

Fashion for Good is seeking a Senior Analyst who will be responsible for scouting and evaluating new and existing raw material innovations (with a focus on natural fibres, denim, sportswear and outerwear) and supporting the Innovation Manager in project management and related activities. The Analyst will be part of the Fashion for Good Innovation Platform team.

Key responsibilities of the Analyst include the following:

Intelligence and Scouting

• Responsible for the natural fibre landscapes (cotton, bast, MMCFs, animal fibres, regen agri, protein fibres), including deep technical knowledge of the different materials, production processes, tech providers and a broader understanding of the key levers/challenges to scale within this space

• Be the go to person for partner questions and requests on these topics with support from the Innovation Manager

• Scout, screen and evaluate raw materials start-ups / innovators based on Fashion for Good’s established due diligence framework as part of the evaluation process for the Innovation Programme with a focus on natural fibres, denim, sportswear and outerwear

• Where relevant conduct due diligence assessments (technical, commercial, partnerships, funding, performance, pricing etc.)

Project Management and Innovator Support

• Assist Fashion for Good’s Innovation Manager in the creation of the deliverables outlined in the innovator’s roadmap to scale (i.e. technical feasibility, life cycle assessment, financial analysis: return on investments, impact analysis, project management, etc.)

• Execute collaborative pilots and projects in given focus area (eg: identify project opportunity, scope project, define success criteria, performance requirements budget etc.) with support from Innovation Manager

• Write reports describing findings and recommendations for follow up action

• The Senior Innovation Analyst plays a bridging function between innovators, FFG’s partners (brands, retailers and manufacturers), investors/financiers, and NGOs. They are also responsible for building and maintaining an active innovator alumni network

• Document all associated interactions in relevant tools (ex: airtable, landscape reports, etc)

• Continue to build Fashion for Good’s presence as a thought leader in the area of sustainable innovation in materials amongst other more through publication contributions

• Assist in general Innovation Platform activities (including operations and day to day business activities)

About you

The ideal candidate combines strong interpersonal skills with a self-starting, proactive attitude. The following qualifications are essential:

• Technical knowledge regarding material innovation (ideally in natural fibres)

• Knowledge within the fashion / textile / footwear industry

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and execute projects

• Multi-stakeholder engagement and relationship management

• Ability to act in a networking role towards stakeholders

• Strong analytical and research skills with attention to detail

• Strong g suite (powerpoint) skills

• Capacity to adapt to different settings and to work in a demanding and multicultural environment

• Self-starter with strong organisational and time management skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Creative thinker with the ability for sound judgement and accountability

• A pro-active, enthusiastic, can-do attitude and comfortable dealing with uncertainty

• 2-3 years experience, with experience in the following areas considered a plus: research and development, consulting, sustainability, the textile industry or a relevant entrepreneurial / start-up setting

EDUCATION

Academic degree required within textile engineering, biological sciences, biotechnology, polymer science, material science, chemistry, mechanical engineering or chemical engineering.