At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the global strategy for a circular economy in fashion and drive systemic change.
- Company: Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a leader in promoting sustainable practices.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to creating lasting change.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fashion while making a real impact on sustainability.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in senior leadership within fashion and sustainability, with strong strategic skills.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
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.
The Role
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, production, 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.
Why join us
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
Desired starting date: May/June 2026
Closing date: 6th March 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.
Executive Director: Circular Economy for Fashion in London employer: Ellen MacArthur Foundation
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is an exceptional employer dedicated to driving systemic change in the fashion industry through a circular economy approach. With a collaborative and innovative work culture, employees are empowered to lead impactful programmes and engage with diverse stakeholders globally. The Foundation offers meaningful growth opportunities and a commitment to diversity, making it an inspiring place for those passionate about sustainability and social impact.
Contact Details:
Ellen MacArthur Foundation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director: Circular Economy for Fashion in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fashion and sustainability sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to industry leaders on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for circular economy! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for sustainable fashion. Share your ideas on how to drive change and demonstrate your commitment to the cause.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s initiatives. Understand their current projects and challenges in the circular economy space. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm right from the start. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure your application doesn’t get lost in the shuffle!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director: Circular Economy for Fashion in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in the fashion and textiles sector, especially focusing on circular economy initiatives. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission and the specific requirements of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us your story! Share your passion for circular economy and how your leadership experience can drive systemic change in fashion. Be authentic and let your personality shine through.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past roles, focus on measurable impacts you've made. We love numbers and results, so if you’ve led successful programmes or partnerships, make sure to highlight those achievements!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellen MacArthur Foundation
✨Know Your Circular Economy Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the principles of a circular economy, especially as they relate to fashion. Brush up on recent trends, challenges, and innovations in the sector. This will not only show your passion but also your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your leadership skills, particularly in driving systemic change. Think about times when you’ve led diverse teams or influenced stakeholders at high levels. This is your chance to shine!
✨Engage with Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s work and its impact on the fashion industry. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their goals. This shows you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely invested in their cause.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a list of insightful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about their current projects, future goals, or how they measure success in their initiatives. It demonstrates your interest and strategic thinking, which is crucial for this role.
