Chief Standards System Officer

Location: Global Remote (or London, UK)
Employment Type: Full-Time (40 hours/week)
Salary Range: $190,000 – $240,000 USD
Application Deadline: Rolling – Early submissions encouraged

About Textile Exchange

Textile Exchange is a global nonprofit driving environmental progress across the fashion, apparel, and textile industries. Our mission is to accelerate the adoption of preferred fibers and materials that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve biodiversity, soil health, and water systems. By 2030, we aim to help the industry achieve a 45% reduction in GHG emissions from fiber and raw material production.

Learn more at TextileExchange.org.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Chief Standards System Officer (CSSO) to lead the strategic development and implementation of Textile Exchange’s unified, outcome-oriented standards system. This executive-level role oversees material standards, assurance models, digital traceability frameworks, and claims governance. The CSSO will play a critical role in guiding the organization’s standards transformation and ensuring global impact, regional adaptability, and measurable climate and nature outcomes.

The CSSO reports directly to the CEO and collaborates across departments including Climate & Nature Impact, Engagement, and Strategy to embed technical credibility, usability, and stakeholder alignment in our standards system.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the long-term vision and execution of a globally credible, outcome-aligned standards framework.

• Champion the integration of scientific rigor, stakeholder alignment, and impact-focused implementation.

• Align standards with broader organizational goals in climate, nature, policy, and engagement.

Standards System Oversight

• Oversee raw material and supply chain criteria, integrating practice- and outcome-based standards.

• Manage assurance and certification protocols, grievance mechanisms, and auditor oversight.

• Advance digital traceability and innovate chain of custody systems for usability and transparency.

• Govern claims integrity and develop recognition pathways with aligned standards bodies.

• Ensure that assurance and claims are responsive to global trends and local realities.

Regional Rollout

• Lead contextual implementation strategies in partnership with engagement teams.

• Incorporate local feedback and pilot insights into system improvements.

• Build capacity in regional teams and foster scalable, accessible certification pathways.

Risk and Integrity Management

• Oversee operational, reputational, and compliance risk related to standards.

• Ensure conformance with ISEAL codes and structured governance review cycles.

• Embed continuous improvement through transparent and participatory processes.

Organizational Integration

• Collaborate with internal leaders to embed impact metrics and stakeholder priorities.

• Contribute to organization-wide strategic planning and performance alignment.

• Work cross-functionally to deliver results across Textile Exchange’s three core pillars: Impact, Engagement, and Standards.

External Representation

• Represent Textile Exchange at global forums, industry events, and policy dialogues.

• Build partnerships that support harmonization, mutual recognition, and shared impact outcomes.

• Engage stakeholders, including funders and the media, to advocate for standards innovation.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing, multidisciplinary global team.

• Promote a culture of inclusion, transparency, innovation, and accountability.

• Foster internal collaboration across departments and regions.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years of senior leadership in sustainability standards or systems (experience in agriculture or raw materials is a strong plus).

• Experience managing global, multi-stakeholder standards programs and working across NGOs, companies, governments, and civil society.

• Deep knowledge of ISEAL codes, chain of custody systems, climate/nature metrics, and risk-based implementation.

• Experience with digital traceability platforms and claims governance.

• Proven track record managing international, multi-disciplinary teams.

Desired Skills and Attributes

• Strategic, systems-oriented thinker with strong cross-functional leadership skills.

• Skilled in balancing scientific credibility with practical, regionally sensitive solutions.

• Collaborative, inclusive, and effective at aligning internal and external stakeholders.

• Passionate about sustainability and driving measurable change in the textile sector.

• Strong communication and facilitation skills; comfortable in public-facing roles.

What We Offer

• Fully remote work environment (applicants may be based in any approved country).

• Equal pay structure regardless of geographic location.

• Comprehensive benefits tailored to your region of residence.

• Discretionary annual bonus, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

• Inclusive, mission-driven organizational culture with global reach.

How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and a cover letter explaining your qualifications and interest.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged.