Technical Manager

Technical Manager

CEFIC – European Chemical Industry Council

Brussels, Belgium

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. The Chemicals Industry Transition Pathway identifies the actions and conditions needed to achieve the green and digital transition and improve resilience in the chemical industry.

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.

To reinforce the Petrochemicals Europe team, Cefic is looking for a (m/f/d): Technical Manager.

Mission of the role:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the manager will have a dual role in supporting the various Sector Group Managers with the sectors Scientific working groups and dossiers whilst also coordinating the work of the Coal Chemicals sector group.

Are you inspired by these responsibilities?

You will:

• Manage proactively several technical working groups dealing with petrochemicals and chemical derivatives, meaning: identifying scientific issues, determination of relevant strategies and action plans with the participation of the working groups to comply with EU regulation;
• Manage the Coal Chemicals sector group (25%);
• Coordinate and oversee science projects including contract and budget management;
• Maintain our monitoring tool to distribute information on relevant regulatory developments related to the chemical substances of Petrochemicals Europe;
• Where needed, maintain technical/scientific contact with regulators (ECHA, MS, OECD and UN) on relevant regulatory issues for Petrochemicals Europe;
• Strengthen links between Petrochemicals Europe Sector groups and Petrochemicals Europe as umbrella program;
• Exploit synergies between Petrochemicals Europe and Cefic Product Stewardship and HSE programs.

Can you make the difference?

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

• Master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, applied sciences or similar; a PhD is a definite asset;
• Minimum of 3-5 years of working experience at an international level on scientific issue management preferably in the chemical industry and the sector of petrochemicals in particular;
• An interest in eco toxicology and/or toxicology is a definite asset;
• Clear understanding of a federations’ role and being familiar with EU regulation and willing to develop their professional skills within European Affairs;
• Working experience with associations, communication with external authorities, EU environment is certainly an asset;
• Project management skills, strong leadership and result oriented team player with pronounced customer focus;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Excellent level of English, written and spoken. Knowledge of other languages is an asset;
• Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas/concepts, to adjust language and style to specific target audiences, and to deliver structured and convincing group presentations are essential;
• Ability to construct and communicate coherent arguments from complex technical/scientific data;
• Good leadership skills and ability to develop consensus of diverging opinions;
• Strategic and analytical thinker with service and customer orientation;
• Willing to travel for business (approx. 20%);
• A good team player, able to multitask and manage different priorities when working independently;
• Passionate about conscientious work and attention to detail;
• Curious, a fast learner with a willingness to improve continuously and broaden horizons.

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 and motivation letter, quoting the reference TM-01, by 24 November 2023 to Cefic, Jessica Bart-Williams, HR Officer, Rue Belliard 40, b15, 1040 Brussels.
E-mail address: [email protected]

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