Sector Group Manager For the Plastic Additives Cluster (m/f/d)

Today, the European chemical industry is indispensable to modern life, producing the building blocks and high-tech materials on which modern societies are built. Our molecules and materials are used in every industry, from agriculture to construction, food and beverages, energy, health care and medicines, machinery, textiles, hospitals and transportation. We deliver a range of solutions needed to deliver the EU Green Deal, from better batteries, solar panels, wind turbines and smarter, more energy efficient materials. Cefic supports the EU Green Deal and Europe’s ambition to become climate neutral by 2050. Cefic’s Mid-Century Vision illustrates our views on pathways to a more sustainable future.

The European Union’s chemical sector employs 1.2 million highly qualified people directly in 28,000 companies. The chemical sector supports around 19 million jobs across all supply chains. It generates more than €540 billion a year in sales and €170 billion in European value added. Our industry has embraced corporate social responsibility, ethical behaviour and the principles of Responsible Care.

Cefic’s 670 members and affiliates form one of the most active networks of the business community, complemented by partnerships with industry associations representing various sectors in the value chain.

To reinforce the Specialty Chemicals team, Cefic is looking for a (m/f/d): Sector Group Manager For the Plastic Additives Cluster.

Mission of the role:

As part of the Specialty Chemicals team and reporting to the Director of the Food & Feed and Plastic Additives clusters, you will be managing several sector groups with representatives of industry in the area of plastics additives.

The right candidate will act as an advocate and representative of the industry in official and professional bodies in order to position, communicate and safeguard its interests at all times.

Are you inspired by these responsibilities?

You will:

• Coordinate and manage scientific projects in response to key issues in the area of regulatory and environment issues;
• Manage scientific consultants working for the Sector Groups and ensure they work in synergy with each other in order to reach their objectives and deliverables;
• Identify the relevant issues, propose objectives and priorities and agree on action plans;
• Drive the process of consensus‐building and position‐taking in order to reach a consensus between all parties involved;
• Create and manage an effective interface with relevant members, stakeholders and decision‐making bodies at the European level;
• Ensure effective advocacy (contacts with regulatory or policy making bodies) and communication (publications, seminars, websites, extranet) of the industry positions for two of these groups;
• Establish, maintain and extend the network of relationships and alliances with various industrial players and downstream users;
• Monitor, analyze and interpret the existing and proposed policies & government legislation and its impact on member company activities;
• Organise meetings, draft minutes and manage budgets.

Can you make the difference?

The successful candidate will be a highly experienced professional who demonstrates the following experience, competencies and personal qualities:

• Academic background: preferably Msc. in Chemical Engineering, Applied Sciences or Chemistry/Biochemistry;
• A minimum of 10 years working at European/international level on scientific and/or regulatory issues in the chemical industry, downstream companies in the plastics additives value chain or with associations similar to Cefic;
• Excellent project management skills;
• Full professional proficiency in English; additional European languages are a definite asset;
• Analytical thinker, at ease with scientific discussions;
• Strong communication skills: ability to speak clearly and concisely in front of a group; ability to deliver well organised, enthusiastic and convincing presentations and ability to adapt style and language to audience;
• Ability to write clear and concise texts translating communication from authorities into actions for the members;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to negotiate and solve conflicts;
• Ability to work independently and in team, with dedication and loyalty;
• Motivated to represent the voice of industry and influence policy and guidance;
• Pro-active with service and customer orientation;
• Ready to travel (max. 10-20%);
• Prepared to live in Belgium (Brussels).

What do we offer?

• The opportunity to understand the business dimension of the European industry, within the EU regulatory framework;
• The opportunity to work with other industries’ associations including downstream users’ associations within the supply chain;
• Dynamic and challenging topics;
• Working in a team with a positive attitude towards stress and mindful of work – personal life balance;
• Full time employment contract, competitive salary according to experience and several benefits;
• Working in a people oriented, international and dynamic culture at the centre of EU affairs;
• Opportunities for employee development (trainings, mentoring).

Are you interested?

Please send your application with full curriculum vitae, quoting the reference SGM-01, by 7 October 2022 to Cefic, Jessica Bart-Williams, HR Officer, Rue Belliard 40, b15, 1040 Brussels.

E-mail address: jobs@cefic.be.

NB: Please note that in the course of the recruitment process, your application may be shared with internal departments and/or Cefic members.