Circular Economy Specialist

Location: New York, USA
Salary: $95,000 – $110,000 per annum
Industry: Fashion Industry
Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Description and Role Overview

A global leader in luxury fashion is seeking a Circular Economy Specialist to drive forward its transition towards a regenerative, low-impact business model. This newly created role sits at the intersection of sustainability, product innovation, and commercial strategy, offering a rare opportunity to shape how fashion responds to today’s environmental imperatives.

Reporting directly to the Head of Sustainability, the successful candidate will lead circular economy initiatives across the product lifecycle—from sustainable material sourcing and circular design, to reverse logistics and closed-loop systems. You will partner with cross-functional teams across product, sourcing, supply chain, and compliance to embed circularity principles at scale.

This position is ideal for an experienced professional with a strong background in business development, sustainability systems, and circular innovation, seeking to make a measurable environmental and economic impact in a dynamic, high-profile brand.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the strategic integration of circular economy principles into product development, packaging, retail, and aftercare processes.
Build, implement, and track circular design frameworks aligned with internal ESG targets and international standards.
Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to scale sustainable materials and technologies across collections.
Evaluate and pilot circular supply chain models, including take-back schemes, product repurposing, and material recovery.
Set KPIs and metrics for circularity performance and prepare executive reports to track business impact.
Support regulatory compliance and prepare the organisation for upcoming circular economy legislation (e.g., CSRD, EPR, eco-labelling).
Monitor industry trends and engage with global thought leaders, industry bodies, and circular economy recruitment agencies to position the brand as an innovator in sustainable luxury.
Champion internal awareness and training programmes to embed a culture of sustainability throughout the business.

Qualifications

Minimum 7 years of experience in sustainability, innovation, or product lifecycle management, preferably within the fashion, consumer goods, or supply chain sectors.
Proven track record of leading circular economy or regenerative design programmes within large or complex organisations.
Deep knowledge of sustainable material sourcing, circular business models, and lifecycle assessment methodologies.
Familiarity with global environmental regulations, ESG reporting frameworks, and extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes.
Strong commercial acumen and the ability to align environmental goals with business strategy.
Experience managing interdisciplinary stakeholder groups and external innovation partnerships.
Excellent communication and data analysis skills, with the ability to simplify complex concepts for executive audiences.
Degree qualified in Environmental Science, Design Innovation, Engineering, Sustainability, or a related discipline; postgraduate qualifications advantageous.

What the Organisation Offers

A purpose-driven role in a globally recognised brand committed to redefining the fashion industry.
The chance to lead flagship sustainability initiatives with significant visibility and impact.
A creative and collaborative culture that values innovation, responsibility, and authenticity.
A hybrid working model with modern headquarters in Manhattan.
Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, performance incentives, learning and development opportunities, and employee discounts.

At EnableGreen, we connect purpose-led professionals with world-leading organisations driving the circular transition.

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