Job Overview
Recognition Lead, Standards Systems (Remote – USA/UK/EU Time Zones)
Are you a Recognition Lead, Standards Systems professional passionate about driving climate action in the fashion and textile industry? Textile Exchange, a leading global non-profit, seeks this key role. This remote, home-based position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable materials. This standards systems leadership position is critical for global impact.
Working with a diverse team across 20+ countries, this is an ideal role for a standards expert capable of navigating complex sustainability initiatives. You’ll primarily work from home, accommodating USA, UK, and EU time zones.
About Textile Exchange: Driving Sustainable Impact with Robust Standards Systems
Textile Exchange is a global non-profit mitigating climate change across the fashion and textile industry. They guide a growing community of brands, manufacturers, and farmers towards more purposeful production.
By 2030, Textile Exchange aims for a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from fiber and raw material production. Their holistic focus accelerates practices improving water quality, soil health, and biodiversity. They believe clear guidance and collective action can transform the system, making preferred materials and fibers the accessible default. Learn more at TextileExchange.org. Your expertise as a Recognition Lead, Standards Systems is vital here.
Remote Recognition Lead, Standards Systems
The Role: Leading the Recognition of Global Standards Systems
The marketplace often presents duplicative standard systems challenges. As Textile Exchange publishes the Materials Matter Standard (MMS) and implements a new certification system, they aim to reduce user costs and complexity. They will incorporate a mechanism to recognize existing standard systems within the MMS (partially or fully) aligning with their principles. Additionally, Textile Exchange fosters partnerships with other standards systems for shared sustainability goals.
As the Recognition Lead, you’ll oversee the development and operationalization of the Materials Matter Recognition Framework. This framework establishes criteria and implementation guidelines for partnerships with other standards systems and sustainability initiatives. These cover materials not yet in the Textile Exchange system (e.g., cellulosic fibers, biomaterials, cotton) or specialty areas adding value and integrity to certification (e.g., social welfare, environmental practices). Moreover, this role involves streamlining audit processes, sharing assurance data, and defining claims and labeling. Your expertise as a sustainable standards expert is invaluable as you lead these standards systems efforts.
You’ll join the Standards System department, reporting to the Standards Director and collaborating closely with Assurance, Traceability, Claims, and Impact Tools teams. Your primary role is to build and implement the framework structure, criteria, and operational policies. You’ll also collaborate with various Textile Exchange departments and external stakeholders to ensure cross-organizational alignment of the Recognition Framework with the overall strategy. Your work as a standards expert is vital for these standards systems.
Expectations and Responsibilities: Advancing Global Standards Systems
- Contribute to the strategic plan for recognition and serve as the technical lead in developing the Recognition Framework. This includes:
- Developing the Framework structure and criteria, partnered with the Impact Tools team.
- Designing and implementing policies, procedures, guidelines, and training content for recognition partnerships and materials within the Materials Matter System, coordinated with the Standard System department teams. This expertise is core to a Recognition Lead, Standards Systems position.
- Liaise across Textile Exchange departments on workstreams overlapping with recognition:
- Engagement and Partnerships: Build relationships with other sustainability system owners for system recognition, strengthening their global standards specialist network.
- EU Legislation and Standards Expert: Ensure alignment with public policy requirements and accreditations.
- Impact Tools team: Refine Fiber and Materials Matrix tool for recognition, ensuring scientific rigor and alignment with voluntary reporting.
- Claims and Trademark Management: Determine acceptable claims for certified products where the framework applies.
- Traceability and Supply Chain Data: Determine how data from partner programs is collected, integrated, and reported.
- Operational Integrity and Governance: Ensure Framework aligns with ISEAL, best practices, and legal requirements.
- Assess and manage risks for the recognition model, incorporating mitigation strategies into system design and implementation. This is crucial for a textile certification manager working within standards systems.
Experience and Qualifications for This Standards Systems Role
- Proven leader: identify needs, create, and direct solutions.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with the Textile Exchange team and external stakeholders.
- Strong management abilities: project planning, oversight, problem-solving, and leadership in a team-oriented environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Exceptionally strong interpersonal skills; international experience is a plus.
- Flexible work hours to accommodate multiple time zones.
- Ability to travel occasionally for conferences, meetings, and industry events.
- Proficiency in MS Office (Required), SharePoint, and Microsoft 365 Suite.
- Project Management experience and certification a plus.
- Minimum B.A. or B.S. degree or equivalent.
- At least 5 years experience in standards and certification, preferably with ISEAL-compliant members. This experience is directly relevant to a Recognition Lead, Standards Systems.
- At least 7 combined years experience working in sustainability.
- Experience managing complex stakeholder engagement processes.
- Experience in conducting benchmark assessments.
- Experience working in a rapidly changing environment.
Terms of Consultancy: Contract Details
- Year-long contract with potential for extension or permanent position.
- Location: Virtual/Remote (Home-based)
- Payment terms: Monthly
- Stipend for equipment and other expenses.
How to Apply for Standards Systems Leadership
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Early submission is strongly encouraged. For pressing questions after applying (and if you meet qualifications), contact recruitment@textileexchange.org.
Textile Exchange commits to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants receive employment consideration regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Apply here: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1752789106749
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary focus of the Recognition Lead role at Textile Exchange? A1: The Recognition Lead, Standards Systems will develop and operationalize the Materials Matter Recognition Framework. This framework aims to integrate existing sustainable standard systems into the new Materials Matter Standard, reducing complexity and fostering partnerships within the industry.
Q2: Is this position location-specific or remote-friendly? A2: This is a fully remote, home-based position. Candidates must be available to work across USA, UK, and EU time zones. This is truly a home-based standards role.
Q3: What experience is crucial for this Standards Systems role? A3: Key experience includes a minimum of 5 years in standards and certification (preferably with ISEAL-compliant members) and at least 7 combined years in sustainability. Proven leadership in developing and implementing solutions is also essential for this sustainable standards expert position.
Q4: What is the Materials Matter Standard? A4: The Materials Matter Standard is Textile Exchange’s upcoming certification system designed to simplify and streamline sustainability initiatives for materials, aligning with principles of preferred production.
Q5: What kind of organization is Textile Exchange? A5: Textile Exchange is a global non-profit dedicated to driving beneficial impact on climate change across the fashion and textile industry, guiding towards more purposeful and sustainable production practices.
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