General Manager (Textile Laboratory and Audit Services)

Job description

IDFL Europe AG is a leading provider of textile laboratory testing, auditing, and certification services serving brands, manufacturers, suppliers, recyclers, farms, and retailers throughout Europe.

As part of the global IDFL Group, with more than 20 international offices and over 400 employees worldwide, IDFL Europe AG specializes in down and feather testing as well as sustainability auditing and certification across multiple international standards.We are seeking an experienced General Manager to lead our Swiss operations and support the continued expansion of our laboratory and auditing businesses throughout Europe.Position SummaryThe General Manager is responsible for the overall strategic and operational management of IDFL Europe AG, including laboratory operations, auditing and certification services, financial performance, business development, quality management, personnel leadership, and coordination with IDFL’s international offices.The successful candidate will oversee a multidisciplinary organization supporting clients throughout Europe while maintaining the company’s technical leadership in textile testing and sustainability certification.

Key Responsibilities

-Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for IDFL Europe AG.

-Manage laboratory testing operations specializing in down and feather testing.

-Direct auditing and certification operations across multiple international sustainability standards.

-Maintain compliance with ISO accreditation and certification requirements.

-Lead business development initiatives throughout Europe.

-Manage financial performance, budgeting, and operational planning.

-Supervise technical, laboratory, auditing, and administrative personnel.

-Coordinate with IDFL’s global offices to ensure consistent technical standards and customer service.

-Maintain relationships with international brands, manufacturers, certification bodies, and other key stakeholders.

Required Qualifications - Applicants must demonstrate

-Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, Textile Technology, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Supply Chain Management, or a closely related discipline.

-Advanced postgraduate qualification (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business management, engineering, sustainability, quality management, or a related field.

-Minimum 10 years of professional experience within the textile testing, auditing, certification, or textile supply chain industry.

-Minimum 5 years of management experience leading technical or auditing teams across multiple countries.

-Demonstrated responsibility for operational, financial, and personnel management within an international organization.

-Qualification as a lead auditor for multiple internationally recognized textile sustainability standards.

-Demonstrated experience making certification decisions or managing certification programs under internationally recognized certification schemes.

-Experience managing auditing operations across multiple European countries.

-Technical knowledge of textile laboratory testing.

-Experience working with international textile brands, manufacturers, and supply chain organizations.

-Fluent English (written and spoken).

-Ability to travel internationally throughout Europe.

Preferred Qualifications - Preference will be given to candidates possessing experience or qualifications in several of 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 preference will be given to candidates who have

-Experience with down and feather product supply chains, including raw material sourcing, processing, manufacturing, quality assurance, traceability, and certification.

-Technical knowledge or practical experience in down and feather laboratory testing, including quality assessment methodologies and applicable international standards.

-Experience integrating laboratory testing with certification and auditing activities.

-Experience supporting ISO-accredited quality management systems.

-Experience working in multinational organizations with geographically distributed teams.

-Additional European languages, particularly Italian or Turkish.

What We Offer

-Management position within an internationally recognized organization.

-Opportunity to lead a growing European business.

-International collaboration with technical experts across more than 20 countries.

-Competitive compensation package consistent with Swiss executive management positions.

-Long-term career development within a global organization.

License/Certification

-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: In person