Sector Group Manager - Specialty Chemicals Team

Sector Group Manager - Specialty Chemicals Team

CEFIC - European Chemical Industry Council

Brussels, Belgium

Cefic is looking for a Sector Group Manager to reinforce the Specialty Chemicals team and manage several sector groups.

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.

Inspired? You will:

• Promote the positive image of the Specialty Chemicals Sector Groups to which you will be assigned with all relevant internal and external stakeholders;
• Have regular contacts with the EU and Member State authorities;
• Establish, maintain, extend and use a network of relationships with industry stakeholders and value chain;
• Monitor, analyze and interpret the existing and proposed policies and government legislation and its impact on member company activities;
• Identify existing and emerging issues that could affect the Sector Groups;
• Develop, agree and implement with the member companies a strategy to deal with a wide range of regulatory scientific and competitivity issues;
• Translate the approved strategy into objectives, plans and budgets for the various working groups;
• Drive the process of consensus‐building and position‐taking in order to reach a consensus between all parties involved;
• Manage scientific and regulatory consultants contracted by your Sector Groups and ensure they work in synergy with each other to reach their objectives and deliverables;
• Constantly maintain contacts with potential new members and other professional associations to broaden the membership base or to set up alliances that will increase the impact of your sector group’s advocacy in the short and long term;
• Organise meetings, draft minutes and manage budgets.

Can you make the difference?

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

• Academic background: preferably MA or MSc in Toxicology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or any other applied or political sciences;
• At least 2 years’ experience working at European/international level on scientific and/or regulatory issues in the chemical industry, value chain or with associations similar to Cefic;
• Excellent project management skills;
• Strong advocacy skills and experience with EU regulatory framework and in particular with chemical legislation such as REACH;
• Analytical thinker, at ease with scientific discussions;
• 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;
• Motivated to represent the voice of industry and influence policy and guidance;
• Full professional proficiency in English and at least one other European language; additional languages are a definite asset;
• Team player who can work independently and take initiatives when needed in a multi-functional and multicultural team while demonstrating dedication and loyalty;
• Curious mind and eagerness to learn and grow within the Specialty Chemicals Industry Sector;
• Motivation to travel occasionally (up to 20%);
• Prepared to live in Belgium.

You may ask yourself:

Why Specialty Chemicals? The EU chemical industry is the industry of all industries; whether you look at wind turbines, batteries, insulation, recycling technologies, all these materials depend on chemicals. Specialty Chemicals represent within Cefic over 50 sectors of the European fine and consumer chemicals industry.

These sectors are instrumental in improving our quality of life, health and wellbeing, today and in the future. The products created and produced by ‘Specialty Chemicals’ member companies stem from original and continuous innovation. They drive the low-carbon, resource-efficient and knowledge based economy of the future.

Why Cefic?

Cefic is a unique place to work due its access to knowledge, its scope of issues, the connections at European and international level, as well as being a buzzing and friendly environment. It is a people oriented, international and dynamic organisation at the centre of EU affairs. For two years running, Cefic has been named ‘Best EU Trade Association’ by BestinBrussels and is the largest association in Brussels, representing around 650 large and small chemical companies and associations around Europe.

With our members, we work on almost all major issues impacting industry from climate change, energy, innovation, health, safety and environment, product stewardship, sustainability, and more. We also represent around 80 Sector Groups which work on specific substance issues.

How do we do this? We offer guidance and training, we support independent science and studies, we develop aligned industry views on EU policies, and we seek opportunities to engage with representatives from industry, EU institutions, civil society and beyond.

What do we offer?

• Opportunities to understand the business dimension of the European industry within the EU regulatory framework;
• Opportunity to work with other industry associations including downstream users;
• An environment with a positive attitude towards stress and mindful of work – personal life balance;
• Working on dynamic and challenging topics;
• Opportunities for employee development (trainings, coaching, mentorship);
• A full time permanent employment contract with a competitive salary and benefits.

Are you interested?

Please send your application with full curriculum vitae and motivation letter by 21 March 2025 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.