Executive Director: Circular Economy for Fashion

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy — one that is restorative and regenerative by design. Through research, business collaboration and advocacy, the Foundation works to accelerate the global transition from a linear take‑make‑waste economy to one that designs out waste and pollution; keeps products and materials in use and regenerates natural systems. After 15 years setting the ambition across the globe resulting in 75 countries with strategic circular economy roadmaps and 55% of businesses with a circular economy strategy, we are now entering a new phase around implementation and scale up of the circular economy in action in the Global South as well as the Global North. Fashion is a priority area for this new era, and we are seeking an exceptional leader to spearhead our work and drive systemic change at scale.

As Executive Lead for Fashion and Textiles, you will set and deliver the Foundation’s global strategy for accelerating the transition to a circular economy for fashion. You will lead high‑impact programmes, shape influential partnerships, and represent the Foundation at the highest levels across business and policy. This is a senior leadership role combining strategic vision, external influence, and operational excellence. You will work closely with executive colleagues across the Foundation and lead a multidisciplinary team to translate ambition into measurable impact.

Key responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction for the Foundation’s fashion and textiles work, aligned with our mission and long‑term goals.
• Lead and inspire a high‑performing global team, fostering collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Build and manage senior‑level relationships with brands, manufacturers, policymakers, NGOs, and other key stakeholders.
• Drive the design and delivery of programmes that enable systemic change across the fashion value chain.
• Act as a thought leader and spokesperson, shaping global narratives on circular economy and fashion.
• Ensure robust governance, impact measurement, and continuous learning across the portfolio.
• Represent the Foundation at events, conferences, and key meetings to enhance the Foundation’s visibility, credibility, and influence.
• Secure the business, philanthropic, and other income required in collaboration with our Finance team and other colleagues.

About you

You will be a credible, values‑driven leader with the ability to influence complex systems and mobilise diverse actors around a shared vision. You will bring strong commercial credibility across the entire value chain from strategy and design to sourcing and global supply chain. It will be essential that you can demonstrate:

• 15+ years of significant senior leadership experience at an international level within the fashion and textiles sector coupled with a circular economy or sustainability and systems change background.
• Deep, demonstrable experience of working in the Global South.
• A strong strategic mindset, with a track record of turning vision into action and impact.
• Deep understanding of the fashion system and global textile flows and the related environmental, economic, commercial, political and social challenges.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills, including at executive and board level.
• Experience of leading and developing globally dispersed, diverse teams in dynamic, mission‑driven environments.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of the world’s most influential sectors and contribute to a global transition towards a circular economy. You will work alongside passionate, expert colleagues and partners who are committed to creating lasting change in a collaborative and forward‑thinking workplace culture.

Our commitment to you

We are keen to receive applications from people from underrepresented backgrounds, including (but not limited to) those of colour, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, and people from other marginalised groups. It is important to us that our recruitment approach makes the opportunity as accessible as possible and ensures a diverse range of people can demonstrate their potential. We would be happy to provide any further support that you may require - please get in touch so that we can work together. If you would like further information on our diversity and inclusion policy or any further assistance, please contact us at recruitment@ellenmacarthurfoundation.org.

Desired starting date: May/June 2026

Remuneration package: competitive within the NGO sector at Executive level plus generous holiday allowance and benefits package.

Location: we are open to discuss location for this role.

To apply, please click on the green icon where you will be asked to upload a CV and covering letter outlining how your experience meets the core requirements of the role.