Location: China (Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Guangzhou)
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
Aii identifies, funds and measures proven quality solutions to accelerate positive impact in the apparel and footwear industry. Aii programs focus on areas that result in positive environmental impact from the production of apparel and footwear products to improve the industry. Our current strategic focus in climate action is helping the industry reach their Science Based Targets commitment.
To date, Aii’s flagship Clean By Design programs have removed over 1 million tonnes of carbon emissions from the supply chain and unlocked over $70M in sustainable finance for factory improvements, (e.g. water stewardship, chemical management and energy efficiency). Our work has been recognized in Vogue, Business of Fashion, Forbes and many other globally recognized publications. We are a fast-paced, entrepreneurial organization in growth-mode.
To learn more about Aii, visit https://apparelimpact.org and http://fashionclimatefund.org
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Regional Program Lead (China) will be responsible for Apparel brand engagement and managing and executing Aii’s recruitment and ongoing partnership activities with global retail or apparel brands, manufacturers and service providers in the Chinese market. They support development and maintenance of a portfolio of projects, strategies and tools for industry partners working towards environmental impact goals. The position will align Aii’s impact to develop best practices and market insights for the China market and the entire luxury apparel sector. They will work closely with the Industry Engagement Team and Programs Teams to deliver the intended outcomes for partnership engagement, program development, and fundraising.
Future work streams include:
- Supporting a Roadmap to Net Zero for solutions for the chinese apparel sector supply chain, including researching the total investment opportunity to decarbonize the luxury apparel sector.
- Building engagement with local stakeholders, suppliers, solution providers, fashion brands and other strategic collaborators.
- Creating ongoing media and storytelling opportunities to illuminate leadership and drive greater industry and consumer engagement.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy Development:
- Create a strategy for the Chinese market
- Manage a portfolio of relationships, projects, and annual plans with apparel brands and Chinese based manufacturers
Program Development:
- Identify and develop solutions/ programs which are impactful for Chinese manufacturers
- Build and lead a local implementation partnership approach, convening local players for potential collaboration
- Align to the Aii Program team's work in the facilities, while creating regional customization for the Chinese market
- Oversee project management of all program implementation
Industry Engagement:
- Create and maintain recruitment tools and material for new and existing program partners
- Partner with the Industry Engagement team to manage the intake and on-boarding process for new brand, manufacturer and implementing partners
- Manage all the local Italy related meetings and events undertaken as part of this strategy and partnerships
- Represent Aii in conferences, panels, and presentations in support of industry engagement strategies specific to the Chinese brands
- Work with the Industry Engagement Manager on the brand strategy alongside existing funders and potential expansion of scope in brand support
- Execute agreement & contract process along with corresponding payment and invoicing activities
- Additional tasks as needed for project implementation and stakeholder engagement
QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to thrive in remote, global working environment
- Demonstrated self-motivation, responsibility, and problem-solving capabilities
- Strong communication, relationship building and listening skills
- Bachelor's / Master’s Degree, ideally in environmental sciences or a related field
- Minimum 7 years industry experience preferred
- Fluent English and Chinese - oral and written skills
- Ability to schedule calls to accommodate global time zones
- Moderate travel for meetings
- Prior experience in the apparel brand market is strongly preferred
- Prior experience working with Chinese based manufacturers is strongly preferred
- Based in China
Salary will be commensurate with level of experience. Aii offers a competitive employee benefits program that includes vacation, sick and holiday leave; health, dental and vision insurance; contributions to retirement plans; competitive salary; and a host of additional benefits.
At Apparel Impact Institute, we believe that people are the path to delivering data-driven solutions and impact. As a global organization, our team is made up of diverse backgrounds, concepts, and solution sets, building a framework together that is strengthened by the unique perspectives that each individual brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law. The greatest impact comes when we all work together.