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Sector Partnership Lead

  • Hybrid
    • Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
  • RtZ Programme

Job description

About ZDHC

The ZDHC Foundation oversees the implementation of the Roadmap to Zero Programme and is a global industry collaboration within the sports, fashion, luxury and outdoor industry. The ZDHC vision is widespread implementation of sustainable chemistry, driving innovations and best practices in the textile, apparel, leather and footwear industries to protect consumers, workers and the environment. Through collaborative engagement, standard-setting and large-scale implementation ZDHC advances the industry towards zero discharge of hazardous chemicals. ZDHC takes a holistic approach to sustainable chemical management and enables tangible progress in the wider industry through the delivery of guidelines, platforms and solutions, including capacity building and innovation projects. 

For more information about ZDHC see www.roadmaptozero.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Job Purpose

The Sector Partnership Lead drives strategic collaborations in the field of sustainable chemical management with other multi stakeholder initiatives and other stakeholders.

Key Roles and Responsibilities 

  • Maintain and cultivate trusted, high-impact relationships with like-minded organisations, alliances, and platforms (e.g., TE, Aii, GFA, SLCP, WWF, EMF, Fashion Pact, LWG).

  • Act as the primary liaison between ZDHC and external partners, ensuring continuous dialogue, transparency, and trust.

  • Lead alignment efforts across ZDHC and external organisations, identifying synergies in verification, water stewardship, circularity, taxonomy, and impact frameworks.

  • Facilitate shared project ownership, define joint goals, and streamline implementation pathways.

  • Ensure ZDHC values, goals, and tools (e.g., InCheck, Supplier Profile, WWG, MRSL) are reflected in collaborations.

  • Map the landscape of existing and emerging partnerships and assess alignment with ZDHC’s mission.

  • Prioritise collaborations based on impact potential, strategic fit, and internal capacity.

  • Proactively propose new initiatives, pilots, or strategic shifts to enhance ZDHC's position as a thought leader.

  • Translate collaboration strategies into concrete work plans, deliverables, and timelines.

  • Drive cross-functional execution with internal teams (e.g., Competence Centres, Communications, Implementation).

  • Ensure timely and quality delivery of ZDHC commitments in joint projects (e.g., data sharing, research, event planning).

  • Coordinate community and stakeholder feedback loops (e.g., brand/advisory groups, alliance consultations) and integrate insights into strategy.

  • Support the development of guiding documents, webinars, and reports that enable stakeholder understanding and participation.

  • Advise and support the ZDHC Leadership Team with insights, strategic recommendations, and briefings related to collaboration

  • Represent ZDHC at key events, roundtables, etc

  • Report on progress against the project plans.  

Job requirements

Required Skills 

  • At least 10-15 years of experience as a professional with a strong background in the textile and leather industry sustainability

  • Able to demonstrate and combine creativity with strategic thinking. 


  • Practical and pragmatic - exhibit a ‘can do’ attitude and solution-oriented. 


  • Able to work with individuals from a range of different backgrounds – a good team 
player with an international background. 


  • Excellent project management skills including planning, budgeting, monitoring and working with targets and deadlines.

  • Knowledge and experience of working with multinational brands and partnerships.

  • Experience in the textile, apparel or footwear industry, preferably focusing on chemical management or sustainability/CSR.

  • Experience working in the global supply/value chain.

  • A proven ability to manage multiple work activities by establishing clear objectives and targets that deliver results. 

  • Education to a Degree level in environmental management or other relevant scientific degree will be preferred.

  • Fluent in written and verbal English.  Other languages are beneficial. 


Preferred Skills  

  • Able to establish a strong network with ZDHC Signatories, ZDHC team and other stakeholders to strengthen their buy-in and contribution to the programme

  • Able to use interpersonal skills to drive a common implementation strategy

  • Work experience within sustainability, preferably in the textile, leather and finished goods sector  

  • Ensuring that all stakeholders are involved in discussions and have the opportunity to engage in work activities, including consensus building.

  • Proactive and flexible - easily takes responsibility for results. 

  • Accurate and thorough - able to pay attention to detail. 


ZDHC Specific Attributes 

  • Team player with an international background – able to work well and create strong positive relationships with individuals from a range of different cultural backgrounds.

  • Able to manage multiple work activities and deliver results in a timely and efficient manner.

  • Goal orientated, results-driven, whilst also being a confident communicator.

  • Self-driven and motivated.

  • Confidently operate in a fast-paced, frequently changing environment.

  • Able to proactively initiate and take responsibility for results and work activities that may not specifically be identified in this job description.

  • Flexible with a high tolerance for ambiguity.

  • Practical and pragmatic - exhibit a ‘can-do’ attitude that is solution-oriented.

  • Strong analytical ability to interpret information and translate into solutions and/or improvements.

  • Able to establish strong positive relationships with relevant stakeholders. 

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