Cefic is looking for an a dynamic Senior Manager with a strong experience in Chemical Recycling and the Circular Economy to join the Innovation team.
You will help organize, co-ordinate and manage all innovation activities in Cefic with specific responsibilities for topics related to Chemical Recycling as a key technology to develop sustainable carbon cycles and circular feedstocks to support the Clean Industrial Deal. The overall transition to a circular economy in the chemical industry is a second area of interest for this role.
Inspired? You will:
1. Represent the European chemical industry on the key issues in your areas of responsibility and establish the links with related activities at member state and European levels to ensure alignment and consistency of positioning in the political debate,
2. Drive progress on the transition to a circular economy in the European chemical industry and leverage the development of the Circular Economy Act as an opportunity to advance the transition, and get current bottlenecks addressed.
3. Establish, maintain and extend the network of relationships, and alliances with the various industrial players (including downstream industries), EU institutions and consumers. Engage with and understand the positions of other associations and stakeholders and engage in a constructive dialogue, coordinate the preparation of reactive statements.
4. Reach common positions and lead and initiate relevant studies. Develop advocacy plans and coordinate the chemical industry input in public consultations and surveys
5. Establish, develop, and manage a team in your area of responsibility and work closely and coordinate with other internal departments to ensure consistency with the other activities of Cefic.
Are you the right candidate?
The successful candidate will be a highly motivated and experienced professional who demonstrates the following experience, competencies and personal qualities:
6. Master’s degree in chemical engineering or science related topic
7. Proven experience in the chemical industry and in the area of chemical recycling and circular economy
8. At least 10 years of experience in the chemical industry or in trade associations.
9. Strong drive and affinity for innovation in the chemical industry, with the technical expertise to monitor and assess emerging chemical recycling technologies
10. Minimum of 5 years’ experience working at European/international level on regulatory and scientific aspects, ideally in the chemical industry and/or with associations similar to Cefic.
11. Results driven with proven project/program management skills.
12. Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and networking skills
13. Experience in managing complex issues, birds eye view coordinator with energetic drive and natural gravitas. Ability to create healthy tension to drive progress.
14. Ability to develop consensus of diverging opinions and comfortable to work with senior management of Cefic ´s membership
15. Proven experience managing a team and coaching internal/external team members
16. Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to speak clearly and concisely and deliver well- organized and convincing presentations.
17. Balanced approach towards managing technical as well as non-technical challenges
18. Team player, ability to network and build relations in an international and multicultural environment.
19. Ability to work independently and drive the agenda
20. Prepared to live in Belgium (Brussels)
21. Proficiency in English (written and oral), additional European languages are a definite asset
22. Ready to travel (max. 10-20%).
Why Innovation? Innovation is a key success factor for the competitiveness and the successful green transition of the chemical industry. The innovation team works on supporting the innovation activities of the chemical industry in Europe by advocating for optimal policy framework for Research & Innovation in Europe and its uptake into the market e.g. here in the area of chemical recycling.