Fairtrade Cotton

Background

Fair Trade is an alternative approach to conventional trade based on a partnership between producers, businesses, civil society and consumers. Fairtrade offers producers a better deal and improved terms of trade. It allows them the opportunity to improve their lives and invest in their future, their environment and their communities. Fairtrade offers consumers a powerful way to reduce poverty and ensure environmental sustainability through their everyday buying decisions.

Fairtade International is an international network of not-for-profit organisations dedicated to empowering marginal farmers and workers in the food and fashion value chains, to promoting sustainable livelihoods for these communities and greater environmental sustainability. Fairtrade India project of Centre for Social Markets started building the Fairtrade movement in India, with the support of civil society, consumers, producer organisations, businesses and government agencies. For more details on what Fairtrade does in India, please visit www.fairtradeindia.org  

Job Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Fairtrade Cotton & Textiles Supply Chain Manager to support efforts in driving sustainability across the supply chains (particularly Cotton based textiles) for knits, woven garments, home textiles, uniforms, bags and other natural fibre textile products. This role focuses on managing factory relationships, providing technical and commercial support to fashion brands transitioning to sustainable practices, and offering merchandising expertise to streamline product development and execution. The ideal candidate will combine a deep understanding of textile manufacturing processes with a passion for sustainability, strong project management skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Farmer organisations, Textiles Mills & Factories Relationship Management

• Build and maintaining strong relationships with organisations across the textile value chains (woven, knits, home, bath, uniform, bags and other cotton textiles) from cotton farmer organisations to ginners, spinners, weaver, knitters, dyers and CMTs, ensuring alignment on Fairtrade Certification goals and production requirements.
• Support with queries from stakeholders related to Fairtrade Certification, supply chain support, market or other techno-commercial requirements needed to build effective sustainable textiles supply chains.
• Organise and participate in regular events for textiles operators, factories and mills raising awareness about Fairtrade Certification and system.
• Maintain and manage the network of existing Fairtrade Certified factories and mills including maintaining the database of Fairtrade Certified operators in Cotton Textiles sector.

Fairtrade Certification Facilitation

• Support, educate and guide brands, factories and textiles operators on Fairtrade Cotton & Textiles Standard certifications requirements (technical and commercial) and facilitate their on-boarding for Fairtrade Certification.
• Support factories and textiles operators maintain their Fairtrade Certification including support on how to set up processes and systems to comply with the Fairtrade Standards requirements.
• Drive the adoption of Fairtrade Certification with factories and mills as per the market requirements identified by Fairtrade Network members and the Global Product Manager Cotton & Textiles.

Fairtrade Supply Chain Development & Support

• Coordinate with prospects, existing clients and Fairtrade Network members, Global Product Manager to ensure sustainable Fairtrade material and processing availability align with the market requirements.
• Regularly collate information on Fairtrade Certified Cotton production and availability as well as projected demand from markets and provide inputs for future planning and development of Fairtrade Cotton supply chains.
• Regularly connect with and support the existing base of Fairtrade Certified operators with their Fairtrade Supply Chain requirements.   
• Monitor market trends and prospect pipelines to identify any gaps in the existing Fairtrade Certified supply chains and identify operators from whom Fairtrade Certified sourcing could be undertaken.

Technical and Commercial Sourcing & Merchandising Support

• Work closely with fashion brands, retailers, Fairtrade network members and the Global Product Manager for Cotton & Textiles to develop sustainable supply chain strategies tailored to the requirements of existing and prospective Fairtrade Certified product lines.
• Provide technical support on sourcing Fairtrade Certified raw materials and finished goods across the textiles supply chains from Lint for spinners to garments and home textiles for brands and retailers. Support with sourcing of required quality and product technical specifications as well as achieving the commercial targets of existing or prospective brands and retailers.
• Support with visits from Fairtrade Network members, clients and prospects to Fairtrade Certified Textiles operators and Fairtrade Certified Cotton producers.
• Support with development of cost models and pricing strategies for sustainable products, balancing commercial viability with Fairtrade Certification goals.
• Support in manage timelines, costings, technical specification and quality requirements, budgets, and production schedules to ensure on-time delivery of Fairtrade products.
• Support with sourcing of Fairtrade Lint, Yarn, fabric, dyeing and other inputs and processes, ensuring alignment with brand specifications, quality expectations along with the Fairtrade Certification requirements.
• Support with the sampling process, providing feedback and solutions to meet both commercial and sustainability goals.

Fairtrade Cotton & Textiles Programme Support

·      Support with co-ordination and organising of relevant information and event/programme participation from Textiles operators for Fairtrade programmes.  

·      Support with supply chain inputs for traceability programmes.

·      Update relevant Fairtrade Cotton & Textiles information on sustainability platforms and Fairtrade systems.  

Collaboration and Reporting

• Act as a liaison between factories, textiles operators and Fairtrade Network member internal teams to ensure clear communication and alignment on project goals.
• Provide regular reports on supply chain performance, development of the Fairtrade Certified network of textiles operators, and other key metrics.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, or a related field.
• Advanced certifications in sustainable fashion or supply chain management are a plus.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in textile supply chain management, with a focus on sustainability preferred.
• Proven track record in factory relationship management and implementing sustainable practices in textile production.
• Strong knowledge of textile manufacturing for knits, wovens, and home textiles.

Skills

• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Proficiency in project management and ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Analytical mindset with problem-solving capabilities to optimize supply chain operations.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a forward-thinking team committed to driving meaningful change in the fashion and textile industry.
• Work with leading brands to create innovative solutions that make sustainability a cornerstone of their business.
• Enjoy opportunities for professional growth and global collaboration in a purpose-driven organization.

Location: Bangalore

Application Process

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and passion for sustainable supply chains to info@fairtradeindia.org

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workforce.