Head of Standard Development (gn)

We are seeking an experienced and visionary

Head of Standard Development (gn)

to lead and manage all standard-setting activities for Global Standard. This senior leader will be responsible for overseeing the design, revision, and maintenance of standards related to ecological, human rights including social criteria and business conduct, ensuring alignment with international best practices and regulatory frameworks.

The role requires a mature professional with at least 20 years of experience in certification, auditing, standard development, stakeholder consultation, and sustainability leadership, with strong expertise in the textile sector and deep knowledge of Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS). The Head of Standard Development will lead a team of experts and specialists across environmental, social, and technical disciplines.

Standard Development & Revision

1. Oversee the development, review, and continuous improvement of Global Standard’s Voluntary Sustainability standards.
2. Drive the integration of ecological concerns including climate and circularity, human rights, including social criteria, and responsible business conduct into all standard-setting activities, going beyond compliance to set pioneering standards that lead the way in sustainability and social impact.
3. Structure, lead and execute robust, inclusive consultative processes with diverse global stakeholders to ensure standards are credible, relevant, and impactful.

Leadership of Experts and Specialists

1. Build, manage, and mentor a team of experts and specialists across environmental science, human rights, labour practices, textiles, and sustainability domains.
2. Ensure interdisciplinary expertise is leveraged effectively to deliver technically sound and forward-looking standards.
3. Drive a collaborative, accountable culture aligned with Global Standard’s mission and values.

Technical Leadership

1. Provide expert guidance on sustainable production, responsible supply chain management, labour conditions, and ecological conservation, particularly in the textile and apparel sectors.
2. Lead risk analyses, sustainability impact assessments, and integration of climate, biodiversity and circularity considerations into standard criteria.
3. Develop and oversee the production of technical guidance documents, procedures, handbooks, and implementation support tools.

Strategic Oversight

1. Develop and execute a long-term roadmap for standard evolution, proactively adapting to global needs such as climate and circularity considerations, social compliance expectations, and regulatory change.
2. Collaborate to ensure coherence across certification, assurance, and capacity-building efforts.

Stakeholder Engagement

1. Cultivate and empower strategic relationships with industry leaders, NGOs, certification bodies, governments, and academic institutions.
2. Work in association with the Head of Quality Assurance.
3. Represent Global Standard at relevant international sustainability forums
4. Ensure stakeholder engagement processes are transparent, participatory, and aligned with recognized best practices such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Governance & Compliance

1. Ensure full compliance with the ISEAL Codes, and other relevant international guidelines for credible standard-setting.
2. Embed grievance mechanisms, transparency protocols, and impact monitoring into the standard development system.

Essential Qualifications

Essential Mindset, Qualifications, Experience

1. Ethical, purpose driven, visionary and courageous mindset, driven by the strong conviction that Voluntary Sustainability Standards can be powerful driver for transformative change, anticipating societal, environmental and market needs, setting ambitious benchmarks, and empowering action far beyond regulatory compliance.
2. Minimum 20 years of senior-level experience in standard development, certification, auditing, and sustainability systems leadership.
3. Strong expertise in the textile sector, particularly in areas of sustainable production, environmental impact, and social compliance.
4. Deep knowledge of Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS), global sustainability regulations, and sector-specific certifications
5. Comprehensive understanding of environmental regulations, human rights frameworks (e.g., UNGPs, OECD Guidelines), and social sustainability principles.
6. Proven track record leading multi-stakeholder consultation processes globally.
7. Prior leadership experience managing and mentoring international interdisciplinary teams.

Skills and Attributes

1. Proven strategic thinking and leadership abilities.
2. Technical writing, policy development, and stakeholder facilitation skills.
3. High emotional intelligence, diplomacy, and ability to build consent across diverse groups.
4. Deep personal commitment to ecological sustainability, human rights, and social justice.
5. Ability to work in dynamic, global, cross-cultural and remote environments.
6. The position requires significant travel.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Advanced degree in textile sciences, environmental science, ecology, human rights, sustainable development, or related fields.
2. Professional auditing qualifications (e.g., Lead Auditor SA8000, ISO 14001) and/or certifications in human rights or environmental sustainability.
3. Familiarity with supply chain traceability tools, life cycle assessment (LCA), and impact measurement frameworks.

Why Join Global Standard?

1. Be part of one of the world’s most respected VSS setter at a time of critical global change.
2. Make a meaningful impact on sustainable development.
3. Work with a mission-driven, passionate and diverse team.
4. Enjoy flexible working arrangements and an environment that values leadership, innovation, and impact.
5. Take pride in being self-efficient, finding fulfillment and joy