About Us
Textile Exchange is a global non-profit driving a positive impact on climate change across the fashion and textile industry. It guides a growing community of brands, manufacturers, and farmers towards more purposeful production from the very start of the supply chain.
By 2030, its goal is to guide the industry to achieve a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions within fiber and raw material production. Its focus is holistic and interconnected, accelerating the adoption of practices that improve the state of our water, soil health, and biodiversity too.
For real change to happen, everyone needs a clear path to positive impact. That’s why Textile Exchange believes that approachable, step-by-step instruction paired with collective action can change the system to make preferred materials and fibers an accessible default, mobilizing leaders through attainable strategies, proven solutions, and a driven community.
At Textile Exchange, materials matter. To learn more, visit TextileExchange.org.
Working at Textile Exchange
We work remotely with a team located in 20+ countries. We are a diverse group committed to harnessing the strengths of the global textile industry to accelerate change toward climate and other key environmental goals.
We work collaboratively on important environmental issues around the world by working and interacting with farming groups, processors, brands, retailers, and environmental experts in the textile and fashion industries around the world. We offer an opportunity to join a cutting-edge global environmental nonprofit and to help strengthen the impact of our organization.
Each Textile Exchange employee is offered a competitive compensation package with paid time off, yearly bonus, opportunities for continuing education, and more.
Job Summary
The Standards Expert (EU Legislation) is part of the Standards System department and reports to the Standards Supply Chain Traceability Director.
Textile Exchange is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Standards Expert with a strong understanding of European policy and regulations that impact the textile industry and textile sustainability. This role will support Textile Exchange in navigating the fast-changing EU regulatory and policy landscape to facilitate alignment as part of the transition to a unified standards system (the “Materials Matter” standard).
In this role, you will be instrumental in supporting the development, implementation, and maintenance of government policy-related considerations within our Materials Matter standards system. Using your knowledge of EU Policy, and working closely with our Public Affairs Strategist, you will ensure that our standards system aligns with the latest regulatory requirements coming from the European Union, such as the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) - specifically, the requirements that shall be laid down in the Digital Product Passport (DPP) for apparel products, the Green Claims Directive (GCD), and the Textile Labeling Regulation (TLR). As part of the Standards System department, you will support the standards team’s comprehensive understanding of global regulatory landscapes to assess applicability for enhancing our standards system.
Duties and Responsibilities
In close collaboration with the Textile Exchange Public Affairs Strategist, this role will:
- Monitor and analyze European regulatory changes, providing insights and recommendations to ensure our standards remain relevant and effective.
- Contribute to the development and revision of Textile Exchange’s standards system, with the primary focus of ensuring alignment with European regulations and policies.
- “Connect the dots” between technical standards criteria and assurance mechanisms and EU policy requirements, whether emerging or codified. Key policy files include but are not limited to ESPR, Green Claims, the revision of the Textile Labelling Regulation, CSDDD, CSRD, ESRS and EUDR.
- Participate in relevant initiatives, such as ISEAL discussion groups, that are working towards opportunities of alignment of standards and certification with policy requirements.
- Identify potential adjustments that the Standards System can make to certification requirements, assurance mechanisms, and/or supporting documents, to ensure that policy requirements are being directly addressed wherever applicable.
- Conduct research on emerging trends in European textile regulation and sustainability, identifying opportunities for Textile Exchange to lead in the connectivity of standard-setting and policy requirements.
- Collaborate across teams such as Data & Tech, Claims & Labeling, and Assurance to ensure a comprehensive view is taken on alignment of standards systems with policy requirements.
- Serve as lead point of contact across departments and externally for technical questions related to the intersection of standards and policy requirements.
- Prepare detailed mapping, reports, and presentations on the alignment of Textile Exchange standards with European and other regulations for internal and external audiences.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of all relevant European/other policies and their implications for our standards.
- Provide input on global regulatory frameworks to support the standards team in identifying how emerging international policies can influence and enhance Textile Exchange’s standards system.
- Assist in the preparation of public-facing documents, such as standard revisions and policy position papers, as well as resources to support standards users.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and minimum 3 years of experience in sustainability/ standards/ policy-making. Ideally proven experience at the intersection of all listed areas.
- Critical thinking and systematic approach to analyze complex topics to develop clearly articulated points.
- Attention to detail; well-organized and able to manage multiple priorities and varying pressures to meet deadlines as needed.
- Proven ability to develop strong collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to work in a very dynamic work environment with a positive mindset, and to quickly adapt to changes, embracing challenging tasks as learning opportunities.
- Able to work independently in a virtual workplace. Self-motivated and strong work ethic.
- Proficient computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Office Suite, including strong skills in Microsoft Excel and the ability to quickly learn new systems.
- Willing to travel domestically and internationally for meetings and events when required.
- Ability to work across different time zones (within reason.)
Preferred Requirements
- Minimum of 5 years of work experience in standards development, regulatory compliance, or sustainability within the textile industry.
- The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of raw material standards and certification schemes; textile supply chains, terms, definitions, classification, and taxonomies; and textile-related legislation at the European level.
- Proven experience working with European textile regulations and policies, including ESPR, Green Claims Directive, and TLR.
- Experience with sustainability standards and certifications and stakeholders in the textile industry, such as ISEAL, GOTS, or OEKO-TEX, is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of Textile Exchange’s existing standards system is a plus.
Employment Package
- Reports to: Standards and Assurance Senior Director
- Full Time Position, 40 Hours a Week
- Annual Salary Range: 60,000 – 90,000 USD
- To be filled as soon as possible (start date to be agreed between both parties).
- Our offers for salary and benefits are dependent on the region of the final candidate. We post most positions based on a US-based Team member, but final offers are made in alignment with the final candidate's permanent residence and in line with Textile Exchange's regional employment package.
How to Apply
Please apply here with your resume and a cover letter.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis as they are submitted. Early application submission is strongly encouraged.
Textile Exchange is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Compensation60,000 – 90,000 USD
