General Manager (Textile Laboratory and Audit Services)

Company Overview

IDFL Europe AG, a distinguished provider of textile laboratory testing, auditing, and certification services, serves a diverse clientele including brands, manufacturers, suppliers, recyclers, farms, and retailers throughout Europe. With over 20 international offices and a workforce of more than 400 employees worldwide, IDFL Europe AG is a subsidiary of the global IDFL Group, specializing in down and feather testing alongside sustainability auditing and certification across various international standards.

Role Overview

The position entails significant strategic and operational management responsibilities, encompassing laboratory operations, auditing and certification services, financial performance, business development, quality management, and personnel leadership, in alignment with coordination across IDFL’s international footprint. The successful candidate will steer a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to upholding technical excellence in textile testing and sustainability certification across Europe.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for organizational growth and success.
• Manage laboratory testing operations with a focus on down and feather verification.
• Direct auditing and certification activities adhering to multiple international sustainability standards.
• Ensure compliance with ISO accreditation and certification requirements.
• Lead and develop business initiatives across the European market.
• Oversee financial performance, including budgeting and operational planning.
• Supervise technical, laboratory, auditing, and administrative teams.
• Coordinate with global offices to maintain consistent technical standards and elevate customer service.
• Foster relationships with international brands, manufacturers, certification bodies, and key stakeholders.

Qualifications

Applicants are expected to possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, Textile Technology, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Master’s degree or equivalent in business management, engineering, sustainability, quality management, or a related area.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in textile testing, auditing, certification, or textile supply chain sectors.
• A minimum of 5 years in a management role leading technical or auditing teams across various countries.
• Proven track record in operational, financial, and personnel management within an international framework.
• Qualified as a lead auditor for several internationally recognized textile sustainability standards.
• Experience in certification decision-making or program management under globally acknowledged schemes.
• Knowledge of textile laboratory testing and familiarity with international brands, manufacturers, and supply chain organizations.
• Fluency in English (both written and spoken).
• Willingness to travel internationally within Europe.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with experience or qualifications in the following internationally recognized programs:

• Textile Exchange
• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
• Better Cotton
• Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM)
• Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC)
• Downpass, EDFA, and J-TAS

Additional considerations include:

• Experience with down and feather product supply chains, including all stages from raw material sourcing to quality assurance and certification.
• Technical knowledge or practical experience in down and feather laboratory testing, including applicable international standards.
• Expertise in integrating laboratory testing with certification and auditing activities.
• Background in supporting ISO-accredited quality management systems.
• History of contributing to multinational organizations with geographically distributed teams.
• Proficiency in additional European languages, particularly Italian or Turkish.

Benefits

• A management position within a globally respected organization.
• The chance to lead a burgeoning European business.
• Opportunities for international collaboration with experts across more than 20 countries.
• A competitive compensation package reflective of Swiss executive management standards.
• Long-term career development opportunities within a global organization.

Required Certifications

• Textile Exchange qualified auditor (Required)
• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) qualified auditor (Required)
• FSC, ZDHC, HIGG FEM, Better Cotton Qualified Auditor or Certifier (Preferred)

Work Location

Position requires in-person presence.