Sustainable Products Manager (m/f/d)

Today, 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. The European chemical industry delivers 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 Product Stewardship department, Cefic is looking for a (m/f/d):  Sustainable Products Manager.

Mission of the role:

Reporting to the Director, Sustainable Chemicals, you will be responsible for driving, coordinating and managing Cefic’s positioning and activities related to Product Environmental Footprints (PEF), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Inventories, as well as communication on chemicals in Value Chains.

You will monitor and respond to studies and public consultations ahead of the regulatory proposals in the field, analyse key regulatory developments and their relevance for the European chemical sector and address these developments through action and advocacy plans. To realise these goals, you can rely on a wide network of Cefic experts, members, issue teams and networks of company experts (working groups).

Within Cefic, you will primarily work with the Sustainability team with close collaboration with colleagues from the Product Stewardship and Public Affairs teams. In addition, you will build relationships with other industry associations within the Value Chain.

Are you inspired by these responsibilities?

You will:

• Lead the Cefic Network of Experts on Sustainable Assessment – Standards – Labelling;
• Lead Value Chain communication initiatives related to information of chemicals in products;
• Manage initiatives with Downstream Users, such as the Global Automotive Stakeholders Group;
• Manage aspects of the European Commission’s Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products and related initiatives such as the Green Claims initiative, in particular activities related to transferring information on chemicals in products, with a special focus on the Digital Products Passport;
• Oversee information transfer initiatives with the supply chain and downstream users, such as the Global Automotive Stakeholders Group (GASG);
• Steer the Digital Product Passport Cefic positioning and follow-up of Horizon Europe relevant projects;
• Liaise and organize the flow of information with Cefic sector groups and other industry associations and stakeholders, including NGOs and trade unions, on upcoming initiatives and where necessary advise members;
• Represent Cefic and the European Chemical industry in relevant external conferences and workshops attended by policymakers;
• Monitor and anticipate regulatory developments.

Can you make the difference?

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

• Master’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, biology or engineering with minimum 5 years working experience;
• Familiarity with the PEF and OEF methodology, Life Cycle Assessment standards and the data requirements is an asset;
• Strong interest in sustainability issues and global challenges like circular economy as well as in policy design;
• A scientific, critical attitude with deep interest in interdisciplinary issues;
• A strong project manager, results oriented and able to work under pressure and to prioritise while managing multiple tasks;
• Excellent English (written and spoken);
• Understanding of the functioning of European institutions is an asset;
• A good team player who is able to work as well independently as in a multi-functional and multicultural team;
• Good communication and (re)presentation skills; including the ability to translate technical information into layman language;
• Excellent writing, networking and negotiation skills;
• A curious personality, keen to learn and improve continuously;
• Pro-active with service and customer orientation;
• Prepared to live in Belgium (Brussels).

What do we offer?

• Working in a people oriented, international and dynamic culture at the centre of EU affairs;
• Full time employment contract, competitive salary according to experience and several benefits;
• Opportunities for employee development (trainings, mentoring).

Are you interested?

Please send your application with full curriculum vitae, quoting the reference SPM-01, by 31 August 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.