Senior Program Manager - Cotton

The Senior Program Manager leads implementation of the Cluster Collective Program (CCP) across Ludhiana, Indore and Panipat. 
What is the CCP?- The Cluster Collective Program (CCP) brings together industry, government, funders and implementing partners to strengthen textile recycling ecosystems in India, with an initial focus on Panipat, Ludhiana and Indore. It combines enterprise development, market access and finance with improvements in working conditions, worker well-being and gender inclusion. Through a shared agenda and coordinated interventions, CCP aims to build commercially viable and inclusive circular textile clusters, using practical learning to support replication, wider sector adoption and policy development.
The role leads the textile cluster teams and drives effective implementation through partners to achieve agreed social, environmental and inclusion outcomes, including worker well-being. This market-facing role also works closely with the Cluster Director – Cotton on strategic direction, fundraising, business development and partnerships, connecting CCP with the wider Cotton Cluster portfolio.
Job Knowledge Skills and Experience

• Relevant degree or   equivalent experience in sustainability, development, business administration   or a related field.
• 12–15 years of   relevant professional experience, including program leadership, team   management and accountability for results.
• Strong stakeholder   engagement, partnership-building and communication skills, including the   ability to work with senior institutional and industry partners.
• Understanding of   cotton value chains, sustainability and market systems, with the ability to   connect program activities with broader sectoral objectives.
• Experience in program   planning, financial oversight, evidence-based decision-making and monitoring   of results.
• Familiarity with   Panipat’s industrial and social context would be an advantage.
• Willingness to   travel nationally and internationally as required.

Main Accountabilities
1.  Strategic Program Development and   Implementation 
The Cluster Director – Cotton sets the overall strategy and priorities. The   Senior Program Manager works with the Director and the program team to   translate these into annual plans and leads their implementation. Guide   technical work, encourage innovation and develop approaches that support   replication and long-term sustainability.
2. Program Delivery, Accountability   and Governance 
The Cluster Director – Cotton holds overall accountability for program   results and is the budget holder. The Senior Program Manager leads   implementation, manages the program budget day to day and monitors spending against the approved budget. The role oversees implementation quality, risk   management and governance, and ensures compliance with financial and   administrative requirements. Enable timely decisions, reporting and   follow-through on agreed actions.
Please note: The Senior Program Manager works closely   with the Panipat Program Management Unit (PMU) to support delivery of the   Collective Impact model, including its community, gender and inclusion work.   He/she then translates that to the other clusters as well.
3. Team Leadership and Capacity   
Building Lead, manage and mentor program teams, ensuring clear roles, coordination and   accountability. Identify capacity gaps and support professional development.   Promote an inclusive team environment and effective collaboration with   partners and other departments.
4. Fundraising, Business Development   and Partnerships 
Support fundraising initiatives and develop collaborations, market   partnerships and business opportunities for CCP and the wider Cotton Cluster.   Assess market trends and identify opportunities for program growth and   improved market access. Build and maintain relationships with private sector   partners, funders and financiers.
5. Social Inclusion and Environmental   
Outcomes Integrate gender inclusion, worker well-being, safeguarding, workplace safety   and environmental considerations into program planning, implementation and   governance. Ensure identified concerns are appropriately addressed in   collaboration with relevant partners.
6. Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning   and Adaptation 
Oversee monitoring, data management, traceability and reporting systems,   ensuring timely follow-up with implementing partners. Use evidence and   learning to assess progress, adapt approaches and share insights that support   program improvement and scale.
7. Sector Engagement and   Representation 
Convene stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and advance shared program   objectives. Representing IDH in relevant national and international networks   and platforms. Engage government and industry associations on supportive   policies, standards and sector practices.