Innovation Manager Validation – Footwear

Social Impact Guide; Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Fashion for Good is seeking an Innovation Manager (Validation) focused on Footwear to join our Amsterdam team. This role leads validation activities for the Innovation Platform in footwear and packaging, and will manage 1 direct report while reporting to the Innovation Director - Validation.

You will drive due diligence, innovation intelligence, and cross‑functional project governance with brands, manufacturers, and research partners.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to manage complex projects from scoping to delivery.
• Strong written and verbal communication across diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in sustainable fashion, materials, or supply chain.
• Ability to work across cultures and international partners.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Footwear and Packaging validation activities for the Innovation Platform.
• Lead due diligence, assess impact, capacity, and business models.
• Manage budgets, invoicing, and project milestones.
• Build relationships with brands, manufacturers, and research institutions.
• Develop and implement cross-functional processes and improvements.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor/Master's degree in a relevant field

Job description

At Fashion for Good we're looking for a Innovation Manager (Validation) focused on Footwear to join our team. Full-time · Amsterdam

About the job

Fashion for Good has established itself as the go-to platform for sustainable fashion innovation on a global level. We seek an Innovation Manager who will be responsible for overseeing Fashion for Good’s Innovation Platform validation activities in Footwear (incl. bio and recycled materials, manufacturing, leather processing / alternatives) and Packaging. They will be responsible for managing 1 direct report. The Innovation Manager will be part of the Fashion for Good innovation team reporting into the Innovation Director - Validation.

Innovator Due Diligence and Support

• Manage all scouting and due diligence in Footwear including: assessing impact, capacity, technology, financial history and projections, liquidity / runway, business models, pricing for the respective innovations
• Manage the team to provide relevant technical and strategic support for FFG alumni.

Innovation Intelligence

• Manage all activities related to Innovation Intelligence in given focus areas, including landscape updates, working groups, workshops and deep dives
• Continue to build Fashion for Good’s presence as a thought leader in given areas through events and publication contributions

Project and Stakeholder Management

• Build relationships with brands and manufacturers to identify opportunities for projects and pilots
• Be responsible for scoping the projects/pilots, budgeting, drafting and finalising all agreements, communications etc. with support from analysts / associates
• Be responsible for managing relevant budgets, ensuring all invoicing is properly complete
• Alongside the scaling team identify implementation opportunities for specific innovations
• Identify next steps after projects/pilots are complete and scope potential next stage projects and pilots
• Establish and manage relationships with key technology and research institutions around the world (e.g. academia, multi-stakeholder organisations, governments, incubators) as well as ecosystem contacts to support the work above
• Where relevant, represent Fashion for Good at industry conferences

Current projects include, Closing the Footwear Loop and The Next Stride

Team leadership and milestone management Innovation platform

• Manage direct reports, guide them in their activities, be responsible for their personal development
• Support the Innovation Director with cross functional topics
• Continually identify ways to improve existing cross functional processes and execute these improvements

Strategy

• Set Fashion for Good's strategy regarding Footwear (bio materials, recycled materials, manufacturing, leather procesisng and alternatives etc.)
• Demonstrate ability to think strategically and support key innovations with their roadmap to implementation (eg: identifying and connecting key suppliers, support with business models, impact, support with fundraising (reviewing investment decks, supporting external investors with due diligence etc.) working alongside scaling team
• Demonstrate and track KPIs; advancing key impact and progress visualisations (e.g. funnel, metrics dashboard)
• Build best-practices and toolbox to further drive implementation (e.g. off-take agreements, innovator deep dives on business models, project financing etc.)
• Build Fashion for Good’s presence as a thought leader in the area of sustainable innovation through events and publication contributions
• Support on business development and partner retention through Innovation Platform strategy and new idea generation and execution

The Innovation Manager plays a bridging function between the innovators, Fashion for Good’s partners (brands, retailers and manufacturers), investors/financiers, and NGOs. They are also responsible for building and maintaining an active innovator alumni network alongside the programme associate.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Disciplined and demonstrated project management, documentation, and execution,
• Demonstrated capacity to think multiple steps ahead with regards to project management
• Proactively identify opportunities for partner engagement in specific projects and pilots
• Strong analytical skills and ability to scope detailed projects
• Capacity to adapt to different settings, easily navigating different cultures and organisation settings
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to build strong interpersonal relationships and negotiate where needed
• Creative thinking with the ability for sound judgement and accountability
• Positivity, proactiveness, enthusiasm, can-do attitude, comfort in dealing with uncertainty
• Demonstrated experience managing individuals or a team
• Relevant work experience (4+ years) in e.g. management consulting, sustainability, material science, product development, the apparel or footwear industry – preferably with a supply chain connection, an entrepreneurial / start-up setting.

About you

• Disciplined and demonstrated project management, documentation, and execution,
• Demonstrated capacity to think multiple steps ahead with regards to project management
• Proactively identify opportunities for partner engagement in specific projects and pilots
• Strong analytical and research skills and ability to scope detailed projects
• Capacity to adapt to different settings, easily navigating different cultures and organisation settings
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to build strong interpersonal relationships and negotiate where needed
• Creative thinking with the ability for sound judgement and accountability
• Positivity, proactiveness, enthusiasm, can-do attitude, comfort in dealing with uncertainty
• Demonstrated experience managing individuals or a team
• Relevant work experience (4+ years) in e.g. innovation, management consulting, sustainability, the apparel or footwear industry – preferably with a supply chain connection, an entrepreneurial / start-up setting.

EDUCATION

Academic degree (Bachelor (HBO), MBA or Masters) preferably within material science, chemistry, business, textile engineering or chemical engineering. A Masters is preferred.

LANGUAGES

Proficiency in English is a requirement.