Sector Lead - Solutions Providers

The ZDHC Foundation develops and implements the Roadmap to Zero Programme with a focus on reducing the chemical footprint of the fashion industry. We are the leading sustainability organisation driving sustainable chemistry, innovations and best practices in textile, apparel, leather and footwear manufacturing to protect consumers, workers and the environment. Through collaborative engagement, alignment and large-scale implementation, we take a holistic approach to sustainable chemical management and enable 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,  and Facebook.

Vision & Mission

The ZDHC Vision is a World in which better chemistry leads to the protection of life, land, air and water.
The ZDHC Mission is to lead our global value chain to achieve the highest standard for sustainable chemical management, driving resource efficiency and circularity.

Job Purpose

This role drives strategic partnerships with ZDHC Approved Solution Providers, shaping and scaling ZDHC’s tools and solutions globally. By leading engagement, managing deployment, and influencing policies, it ensures our initiatives deliver real impact. Through expert insights and collaboration, the role advances the Roadmap to Zero Programme, strengthens our business models, and amplifies ZDHC’s leadership in Sustainable Chemical Management.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• In this role, you’ll lead the strategic partnerships with Solution Providers, shaping innovative solutions that align with our Vision, Mssion and objectives. 

• You will oversee the development and execution of key initiatives, ensuring seamless engagement, collaboration, and partnership while driving the success of our solutions sectors.

• By managing relationships, coordinating efforts, and providing insights, you will empower our teams and partners to deliver transformative results and elevate the impact of our solutions globally.

• Manage the deployment efforts (marketing and delivery) of ZDHC products and solutions and monitor the performance of the Solution Providers. 

• Support shaping the business models of the Roadmap to Zero Programme tools, products, and services applicable to and impacting Solution Providers.

• Manage and support conferences, meetings and webinars with the Roadmap to Zero Programme community or the users of the Roadmap to Zero tools. 


• Report on progress against the project plans and provide regular status updates and progress reports for key stakeholders.

• Liaise with policymakers, regulators and institutions to influence and advance the ZDHC Vision and Mission.

  • Provide expert knowledge and data to policymakers lacking direct experience or insight into SCM.

  • Update the organisation on the main legislative developments impacting the ZDHC scope of work.

  • Build partnerships to amplify ZDHC’s impact through joint programs, grants, or public initiatives.

  • Collaborate and maintain a constructive dialogue to ensure that regulations are inclusive, evidence-based, and considerate of the ZDHC work.

Required Skills 

• A track record of 15+ years working for a Solution Provider, knowledge of the language and of the mindset.

• Demonstrable experience of engagement in international industry sustainability initiatives and translating knowledge from the engagement into strategies and progress of the own organisation.

• Excellent interpersonal skills: inspire and build trust with Solution Providers, speak their language, understand their needs, represent their thoughts and identify as one of them while driving the mission of ZDHC.

• Able to demonstrate and combine creativity with strategic thinking. Strong analytical ability to interpret information and translate it into tangible improvements. 


• Excellent project management skills in planning, budgeting and monitoring and experience of working with targets and deadlines

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

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


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


• Fluency in English, written and spoken (CEFR Level C2 or comparable). Other languages are beneficial. 

Preferred Skills 

• Able to establish a strong network of stakeholders from various backgrounds in the apparel, textile, footwear and leather industries.

• Knowledge and experience in stakeholder management or in facilitating an enabling environment.

• Experience in business development in the area of sustainability.

• Educational background or experience, both in textile and leather manufacturing

• Accurate and thorough - able to pay attention to details

• Possess an entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive and keen business sense

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-oriented, 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 identified in this job description.

• Flexible with a high tolerance for ambiguity.

• Able to establish strong positive relationships with relevant stakeholders. 

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to join a small team and growing organisation at a critical time and to be a part of evolving Roadmap to Zero delivery to make a genuine impact on the global textile and footwear sector.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Candidates must have the right to live and work in the EU.  If this applies to you, please specify in your covering letter your current work permit situation. Finally, please note that this hiring process is not supported by a relocation package. To apply: Please forward your CV in Word format and a motivation letter including salary expectations.