At the Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA), we believe organic cotton is the catalyst for a truly sustainable textiles sector. Our platform unites the sector to unleash the potential of organic cotton, from field to fashion, for people and the planet. We envision a future where, every time a farmer switches to organic cotton, there is a ripple effect of positivity: farmers earn more and their land and soils are fertile for future generations, protecting our planet. We call this the Organic Cotton Effect.

About the role

  • Location: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
  • Contract: 40 hours per week (optional 32-36 hours)
  • Preferred start date: May/June 2025
  • Application deadline: 16 April 2025 (23:59 CEST)

Are you a master networker with good connections with Brands & Retailers? Are you good at building and nurturing relationships? Are you looking to work for an organisation who is committed to leading and driving positive change in the world and can demonstrate the impact its making? Then OCA has the perfect role for you!

Join our dynamic and innovative team as we work towards revolutionising the production, distribution, and consumption of organic cotton globally. We are seeking a dedicated team member who can help support our growing network of stakeholders from across the organic cotton supply chain. If you possess exceptional skills and strengths in business development, relationship building, partnership engagement and market research we invite you to be a key player in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. As our Partnership Development & Engagement Manager, you will play an important role in supporting our growing, dynamic, and innovative organisation. Apply today and be part of our mission to empower farmers and drive positive change in the industry.

The Partnership Development & Engagement Manager will primarily focus on leading and supporting business development efforts with a primary focus on onboarding Brands & Retailers to expand the OCA network. Additionally, they will play a vital role in onboarding and engaging existing Contributors to support the retention of OCA Contributors. The ideal candidate for this position will have solid industry knowledge and demonstrable experience, preferably coming from a Brand or Retailer background. Marketing and sales experience, along with the ability to develop tailored pitches and conduct market research, are essential for this role. The individual will also use CRM to track and develop the OCA business development pipeline.

Responsibilities

As the Partnership Development & Engagement Manager, you will report directly to the Partnership Director and be part of the global Partnership team. The primary objective of this role is to facilitate the growth of OCA’s network of Contributors. As part of this, your primary responsibilities will be to:

  • Lead business development efforts, focusing in particular on identifying and onboarding Brands & Retailers whilst also supporting the conversion of other key stakeholder groupings
  • Support the development and implementation of a comprehensive partnership engagement and development strategy to support the retention and growth of OCA Contributors
  • Conduct market research to identify potential partners and Contributors, and develop compelling pitches to attract them to the OCA platform
  • Utilise CRM to track and manage the OCA business development pipeline, ensuring timely follow-ups and proactive engagement with potential partners and contributors
  • Create promotional materials and campaigns to attract and onboard new partners and Contributors
  • Provide regular reports and updates on partnership engagement and development activities, including key metrics, successes, and areas for improvement
  • Use your insights and expertise to feed into and support the ongoing development of OCA’s value proposition for OCA Contributors
  • Act as a brand ambassador for OCA, representing the organisation at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities
  • Identify and forge strong relationships with existing OCA Contributors to understand their needs, challenges, and opportunities for engagement and development
  • Work closely with internal teams to create tailored engagement plans for existing OCA Contributors, ensuring their continued commitment and support

What you bring

  • 5+ years of proven experience in industry knowledge and an understanding of Brand or Retailer operations
  • Strong track record in marketing, sales, or business development, particularly in the context of partnership engagement and development
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  • Proven ability to develop tailored pitches and presentations for potential partners and Contributors
  • Experience in conducting market research to identify partnership opportunities and trends in the industry
  • Experience using CRM software to track and manage business development pipeline
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Highly organised with strong time management skills, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience working with CRM software
  • Customer service-oriented mindset
  • Can work in a collaborative manner with a team, as well as independently
  • Comfortable multi-tasking and taking on diverse responsibilities within the organisation
  • Driven and delivery-oriented – comfortable working with established deadlines
  • Good IT skills in Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Excel
  • Fluent in English
  • Applicants for The Netherlands should be eligible to work within the European Union

What OCA offers

  • A one-year contract with the possibility of extension
  • Flexible work hours / partially working from home possible
  • Annual leave entitlement based on statutory regulations
  • An international, warm, and collaborative environment that champions our team’s diversity of interests, skills, and backgrounds
  • A commitment to offering professional development and training opportunities
  • The opportunity to contribute to a critical mission:  to unite the sector to unleash the potential of organic cotton and deliver positive change for people and the planet

Application process

To apply for this position, please submit your application here.

We appreciate all applications, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.