United States

U.S. Country Manager

Today, less than 40% of used and unwanted textiles are collected in Europe; therefore, 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. We want to make a positive difference to the ecosystems in which garments are distributed, especially in Africa as well as closer to our base in Europe.  

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

We are looking for a flexible, enthusiastic, and proactive U.S. Country Manager who will drive the business development of Looper Textile Co. in the U.S. She or he will help develop and grow our company’s business on the intake side (brand/retailer collection programs, governmental collection schemes) and the offtake side (Textile-to-textile recycling solutions, local repair and re-use options).

This role requires a resourceful, execution-driven individual with strong communication skills and the ability to develop and manage commercial relationships with the Looper Textile Co intake and offtake network. Our ideal candidate is a self-starter and a do-er with a strategic vision that thrives in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

As U.S. Country Manager for Looper Textile Co., you will play an essential part in our company’s success by growing our volumes on the intake side and developing circular solutions for unwanted textiles on the offtake side. You will also be involved in expanding our sorting capabilities and capacity by securing partnerships with sorting partners. You’ll work very closely with the CEO, COO, and Head of Business Development, who are based in Europe. As our only team member on the U.S. side, you are expected to handle situations that arise, capture opportunities, and constantly drive the company forward in its growth.

In this role, you will do market research and report to the CEO and COO on relevant developments, threats, and opportunities in the U.S. market. You will proactively reach out to potential suppliers and customers or partners to develop commercial business relationships. You will work with the Head of Business Development and the project manager of T2T Solutions to support brands/retailers with establishing circular supply chains (feeding recycled feedstock back into production chains). You will represent Looper Textile Co. at relevant U.S.-based events and support the wider team with content creation/marketing activities.

This role is based out of the U.S., with a preference for the East Coast, and requires extensive travel, up to 50%, mainly within the U.S.

Your responsibilities can include, but are not limited to: 

  • Intake side: grow incoming volumes of unwanted textiles - reporting to CEO

  • Business Development brands/retailers: secure contracts with U.S.-based brands/retailers to handle

  • Business development governmental schemes (e.g., Textile EPR California)

  • Offtake side: grow U.S./Americas-based circular solutions/ end markets - reporting to COO

  • Develop & grow T2T recycling solutions

  • Develop & grow local repair & re-use solutions

  • Sorting capabilities and partnerships

  • Develop & grow sorting capacity and partner network

  • Public Affairs

  • Report on relevant U.S. policy developments and support Looper Textile Co. advocacy activities

  • Represent & speak at relevant platforms/events/initiatives

We seek the following personal profile:

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

  • Ability to adjust to evolving company and management priorities

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

  • Start-up mentality: low sense of ego, high willingness to be part of a fast-moving team

  • Excellent stakeholder management and engagement experience, demonstrated success in driving business development processes and securing commercial contracts.

  • Strategic thinker, able to develop, contribute to, and implement strategic planning.

  • Proven project management skills and a motivated self-starter


Requirements:

  • 5+ years’ experience working in a senior capacity in Business Development, Marketing & Sales, or another relevant field (e.g., stakeholder engagement).

  • Experience building and leading teams.

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

  • Experience in or affinity with public speaking / external-facing engagements.

  • Existing relevant networks and affinity with sustainability/circularity are preferred.

  • Ability to travel up to 50% (mainly inside the U.S.).

  • A bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field.

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. With the right mindset and ambition, you’ll find plenty of room to grow. 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 in the U.S., and you will report to the Managing Directors.

If you feel that your experience, skills, and ambitions are right for this role, please send your resume in English (no need for a cover letter) by 31 August 2024. Thank you for considering joining Looper Textile Co.!

Employment Package  

  • Reports to: CEO, COO

  • Full-Time Position, 40 Hours a Week  

  • Location: U.S. (East Coast preferred)

  • Salary Range: ….. USD

  • To be filled as soon as possible (start date to be agreed upon).