Regional Lead, China & Greater China Region at Apparel Impact Institute

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Apparel Impact Institute (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.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Regional Lead for China and Greater China is responsible for brand engagement, as well as managing Aii’s recruitment and ongoing partnership activities. This includes working with global retail brands, manufacturers, and service providers throughout the region. They will support the development and maintenance of a portfolio of projects, strategies, and tools designed to help industry partners reach their environmental impact goals.

Furthermore, the position will align Aii’s impact to develop best practices and market insights for the entire sector. To deliver intended outcomes for partnership engagement, program development, and fundraising, the Lead will work in close collaboration with both the Industry Engagement and Programs teams.

This role will ensure strong alignment between Aii’s China-based team and global operations by addressing both operational consistency and cultural integration. The successful candidate will provide strategic and operational support for the regional team; specifically, they will implement processes to improve daily operations and increase staff capacity. Finally, they will serve as a thought partner for special projects and act as a cultural liaison to foster a more inclusive global organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy Development:

• Develop, support and maintain the engagement strategy for the Chinese apparel, footwear and textiles sectors, including researching the total investment opportunity to decarbonise the sector
• Support strategic stakeholder engagement in China by representing Aii within Chinese industry groups, fostering connections with local partners, manufacturers, and NGOs
• Work with our communications team to manage Aii’s local communications strategy in China, continuously adapting and communicating Aii’s mission and initiatives in a way that resonates with Chinese stakeholders, ensuring alignment with local values and perspectives
• Create ongoing media and storytelling opportunities to illuminate leadership and drive greater industry and consumer engagement
• Create a programs engagement and enrollment strategy for the Chinese market
• Manage a portfolio of relationships, projects, and annual plans with brands and China based manufacturers
• Bridge China team with our larger global operations, facilitating cross-collaboration across the organization through regular communication and initiatives

Program Development and Deployment

• 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 in China
• Consult with regional QA lead to support facilities and Experts to ensure consistency and accuracy of program deliverables

Industry Engagement:

• Create and maintain recruitment tools and material for new and existing program partners
• Partner with the Industry Engagement and Programs Operations teams to manage the intake and on-boarding process for new brand, manufacturer and implementing partners
• Manage all the local China related meetings and events undertaken as part of this strategy and partnerships. Plan and execute logistics for regional meetings and events involving local stakeholders, ensuring alignment with Aii’s strategic goals.
• Represent Aii in conferences, panels, and presentations in support of industry engagement strategies specific to the Chinese brands
• Work with the Industry Engagement Director on the brand strategy alongside existing funders and potential expansion of scope in brand support 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, ideally in a leadership liaison role
• 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, Footwear or Textile sector is strongly preferred
• Prior experience working with Chinese based manufacturers is strongly preferred
• Based in China (Hong Kong or Shanghai preferred)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Aii pays a competitive salary, plus annual bonus and standard benefits, depending on the country where the candidate lives

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.