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Sector Lead - Suppliers

  • Hybrid
    • Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
  • Roadmap to Zero Implementation

Job description

About ZDHC

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 by delivering 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.

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

The Sector Lead – Suppliers is responsible for leading and managing relationships with Signatory Suppliers, driving the implementation of the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme. This role ensures effective engagement, adoption of sustainable chemical management practices, and continuous improvement of ZDHC tools and programmes. The Sector Lead steers the development and scale-up of key supplier initiatives, such as Supplier to Zero and the Supplier Leader Programme, while actively contributing to strategic planning, communication, and cross-sector collaboration to drive systemic transformation across the global supply chain.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

  • In this role, you will lead and foster relationships with signatory suppliers, guiding them through implementing the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme while continuously gathering feedback to enhance the programme and its tools. 

  • You’ll manage the development, launch, and expansion of the ZDHC Supplier to Zero and Supplier Leader Programme, supporting our largest sector community and driving impactful change across regions. 

  • Additionally, you will oversee key conferences, webinars, and strategic engagements, ensuring clear communication, progress reporting, and scaling the programme to new heights.

  • You will collaborate closely with the other sector leads and the Management team.

Required Skills 

  • A minimum of 3 years of experience working for suppliers. 

  • 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 suppliers, speak their language, understand their needs, represent their thoughts and identify as one of them.

  • Able to demonstrate and combine creativity with strategic thinking. 

  • 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. 


  • 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.

  • Work experience with a suppliers association.

  • 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 detail. 

Job requirements

ZDHC Specific Attributes 

  • Team player with an international background – able to work well and create strong positive relationships with individuals from various 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 be specifically 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. 

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 Programme 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 motivation letter including salary expectations.

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