Germany

Technical Project Manager

Today, less than 40% of used and unwanted textiles are collected in Europe. As a result, most go directly to waste. Even collected textiles often do not find the best possible “new life.”

We at Looper Textile Co. want to change that by collecting and sorting used and unwanted textiles to enable reuse and recycling. We aim to build key infrastructure needed to enable circularity for textiles. In our own facilities and through our partner network, we aim to secure responsible reuse or recycling possibilities for as many garments as possible.

Our company has partners and customers in dozens of countries around the world. You can learn more about us at loopertextile.com or @loopertextileco on LinkedIn.

Job Description

Looper Textile Co. is looking for a flexible, trustworthy, and proactive Technical Project Manager to support the development of our automated sorting system and drive increased offtake by textile-to-textile (T2T) recyclers. They will help strengthen our company’s technical capabilities and market positioning as a key supplier to T2T recyclers and a preferred partner for retailers and brands with circular ambitions. This role requires a resourceful, execution-focused individual with a technical background. Our ideal candidate is proactive, thrives on solving technical challenges, possesses strong communication skills, and excels in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

As Technical Project Manager for Looper Textile Co., you will play an essential part in our company’s success by developing our T2T recycling sorting capabilities and offtake network. You’ll work closely with the COO, Head of Business Development, and Second Hand Solutions General Manager.

In this role, you will gather feedback and requirements from recyclers to support the development of the automated sorting system, coordinate test shipments, document learnings, capture and analyze data, and develop solutions to optimize the system’s performance. You will also conduct market research, represent Looper Textile Co. at relevant events, and assist the broader team with recycling pilot programs in Africa.

This role is based near our Polch facility in Germany (weekly presence at the facility is required), where our automated sorting line is located. It requires extensive travel—up to 50%, sometimes on short notice—to diverse countries worldwide, including regions with limited infrastructure.

Your responsibilities can include, but are not limited to: 

  • Engage with T2T recyclers to gain insights on feedstock requirements and arrange test shipments.

  • Track data and learnings and optimize the performance of our automated sorting system according to customer requirements. 

  • Perform market research and technical analyses to support the development of Looper Textile Co.'s automated sorting system and find additional solutions that strengthen our technical capabilities.

  • Engage with T2T recyclers, textile supply chain, and retailer teams to support T2T recycling pilots (developing new yarns, fabrics, and products with recycled content).

  • Support additional Looper Textile Co initiatives and projects aimed at optimizing our technical capabilities and network to drive the highest value recycling solutions in global markets.

  • Create monthly progress reports for technical projects (internal) and deliver input for external facing presentation materials.

  • Represent Looper Textile Co at relevant conferences, trade fairs, and initiatives around recycling.

  • Travel to diverse locations around the globe as needed to develop and manage Looper Textile Co’s relationships with recyclers and recycling initiatives. 

We seek the following personal profile:

  • An entrepreneurial attitude of getting things done, often without an existing roadmap.

  • Excellent communication skills that enable success in working across borders and functions.

  • Start-up mentality: high willingness to be part of a fast-moving team.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, demonstrated success in driving complex technical projects.

  • Proven project management skills and a motivated self-starter.

  • Ability to adjust to evolving company and management priorities.

Requirements

  • Work experience in the private sector with a focus on engineering and (technical) project management.

  • Experience working with international supply chains, preferably in the textile industry.

  • Experience in data analysis and technical assessment.

  • Experience in external-facing engagements with customers/partners.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

  • Ability to report on Looper Textile Co. activities and vision on T2T recycling for internal and external stakeholders and at public forums.

  • Ability to travel internationally up to 50%.

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Textile Engineering or Engineering in combination with experience in textile value chains (production and recycling). 

Additional information

You’ll be part of an important ramp-up journey at Looper Textile Co. with significant opportunities to influence and make a difference. You’ll find plenty of room to grow with the right mindset and ambition. We welcome your application regardless of gender, age, gender expression, sexual orientation, disabilities, religious beliefs, origin, or background. This is a permanent full-time position based near our facility in Polch, Germany (your presence at Polch will be required every week), and you will report to the Head of Business Development and the General Manager of Second-Hand Solutions.

If you feel that your experience, skills, and ambitions are suitable for this role, please send your resume in English (no need for a cover letter) to careers@loopertextile.com with the subject Job Application, Technical Project Manager, by January 31, 2025. Thank you for considering joining Looper Textile Co.!

Employment Package  

  • Reports to: Head of Business Development and General Manager, Second-Hand Solutions.

  • Full-Time Position, 40 Hours a Week  

  • Location: Max. 2 hours from Polch, Germany