S

Director of Sustainability

Singapore Fashion Council Singapore Added on Aug 11, 2026
Candidati a questo ruolo →

As the strategic lead for the Fashion Sustainability Programme, you will orchestrate the transformation of Singapore’s entire fashion ecosystem. You will move beyond internal operations to manage national-level initiatives, securing vital funding and developing the frameworks that local brands and manufacturers use to transition toward circularity. Your daily focus centers on bridging the gap between high-level policy and practical industry implementation.

This role is a unique opportunity to shape the circular economy roadmap for an entire region. By leading the Singapore Fashion Council’s sustainability agenda, you are not just managing a department; you are setting the benchmark for how an international fashion hub evolves to meet global ESG standards. Your work directly influences how hundreds of homegrown brands innovate, source, and report their environmental impact.

This suits someone who is a visionary systems thinker with over a decade of experience, possessing the gravitas to influence government officials and the technical depth to guide fashion CEOs through complex decarbonization journeys.

FAQ del ruolo

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to direct the Fashion Sustainability Programme (FSP), a national platform dedicated to accelerating the green transition within the fashion sector. You will be responsible for defining the multi-year sustainability vision, ensuring that all strategic initiatives align with both local government objectives and international industry standards. Key responsibilities involve fundraising and grant acquisition to sustain long-term growth, alongside the development of sustainability toolkits and frameworks for industry members. You will oversee a portfolio of flagship events and programs, ensuring each project delivers measurable environmental and social impact while maintaining high standards of governance and operational excellence.

Key learning opportunities for this job

In this role, you will gain unparalleled exposure to cross-sector collaboration, learning how to synchronize the interests of government agencies, private brands, and non-profit organizations. You will deepen your expertise in the regulatory landscape of Singapore and Southeast Asia, particularly regarding ESG reporting and circular economy policies. Furthermore, you will be at the forefront of fashion-tech innovation, gaining insights into emerging materials, decarbonization technologies, and supply chain transparency tools. The position offers a high-level view of how national trade associations influence global sustainability agendas through international federations like AFTEX and the Asia Fashion Federation.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The successful candidate should possess a minimum of 12 years of professional experience, with at least five years in a senior leadership capacity. A strong background in environmental management, public policy, or fashion industry development is essential to navigate the technical and commercial nuances of the role. Beyond technical ESG knowledge, the ideal profile is a strategic influencer who can communicate complex sustainability concepts to diverse audiences. You should demonstrate a proven track record in securing large-scale funding and managing high-performing teams, showing both systems-thinking capabilities and a commitment to data-driven impact measurement.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, move beyond general ESG theory and demonstrate your ability to build ecosystems. Your application should highlight specific instances where you successfully managed multi-stakeholder partnerships or secured significant grants for large-scale environmental projects. Showing a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing the Asian fashion supply chain will be highly regarded. Tailor your cover letter to reflect how you would position Singapore as a regional leader in sustainable fashion. SFC values visionary leadership, so prepare to discuss your philosophy on circular economy innovation and how you intend to bridge the gap between policy goals and commercial reality for local designers.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on the circular economy, aiming to transform traditional fashion business models into regenerative ones. You will likely lead projects related to responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and the implementation of environmental footprints for locally produced apparel. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on capability building across the industry. This means the role is as much about education and toolkit development as it is about technical decarbonization, ensuring that even smaller homegrown brands can meet evolving global ESG and regulatory requirements.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges is managing the diverse interests of stakeholders ranging from government policymakers to small-scale independent designers. Balancing the immediate commercial pressures of the retail sector with long-term sustainability goals requires significant diplomatic skill and patience. Securing continuous funding and demonstrating measurable impact in an industry known for its complex, fragmented supply chains is another hurdle. You will need to build robust data frameworks to prove that sustainability initiatives are delivering tangible environmental benefits in a way that satisfies both donors and industry participants.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a strategic meeting with government agencies to discuss grant alignment, followed by a working session with your team to refine the curriculum for a sustainability masterclass. You might spend the afternoon reviewing impact data from the Bridge Fashion Innovator program or meeting with corporate sponsors. Evenings could involve representing the Singapore Fashion Council at industry forums or networking events to promote the FSP's vision. The role is dynamic, blending high-level administrative governance with active industry engagement and public speaking to advocate for sustainable practices.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This position offers significant high-visibility leadership opportunities, placing you at the center of Singapore's national sustainability agenda. Success in this role could lead to executive-level positions within international trade bodies or senior sustainability roles in global fashion conglomerates. Additionally, the role provides a platform to become a recognized thought leader in the Asian sustainability space. You will have the opportunity to influence policy and industry standards at a regional level, potentially leading to advisory roles for international NGOs or governmental task forces focused on the green economy.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with government agencies and policymakers who provide the regulatory and financial framework for SFC's initiatives. On the industry side, you will engage with brand owners, manufacturers, and retail leaders at Design Orchard to drive the adoption of sustainable practices. Internal collaboration is also key, as you will lead a high-performing sustainability team and work closely with SFC’s leadership. Externally, you will maintain relationships with academia, NGOs, and international fashion federations to ensure Singapore stays aligned with global circularity trends.

Newsletter CSR Jobs

Non perderti la prossima opportunità

Ricevi una selezione di nuove opportunità in CSR, ESG e sostenibilità nella tua casella e-mail. Niente rumore quotidiano, solo offerte utili.

Iscrizione gratuita. Puoi annullarla in qualsiasi momento.