Sector Group Manager

CEFIC - European Chemical Industry Council

Sector Group 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.

Cefic, was founded in 1972 strives to be the best respected and most trusted business association in Europe in its role as the voice of the chemical industry. Its mission is to:

Serve its members by generating and aggregating scientific knowledge that fosters the purpose of the Association in critical areas;
Offer services and expertise to its members in regulatory, scientific and technical matters;
Engage, advocate and represent the industry in order to create the right support and policy framework in Europe and beyond;
Add values as a collective compared to individual companies activities.

For its Euro Chlor sector group (part of the Halogens Industry Sector), Cefic is looking for a full time (M/F/D): Sector Group Manager.

Mission of the role:

The right candidate will work with the Sector Group Manager of the European FluoroCarbons Technical Committee (EFCTC). He/she will be organising internal and external meetings with the aim of positioning, communicating and safeguarding the members’ interests at all times. The role requires a strong advocacy focus however a strong interest in technical files is essential when working with important topics as climate change and chemicals legislation (REACH, F-gas Regulation, …).

Are you inspired by these responsibilities?

You will:

Manage the EFCTC project (sub)committees dealing with the revised F-gas Regulation and/or PFAS (depending on the identified priorities) on a day-to-day basis: organise the meetings, prepare and meticulously archive documentation and write the minutes;
Assist the members in developing and implementing policy and communication strategies, as well as strategic objectives;
Establish and maintain a network of relationships, links and alliances with other relevant European & International stakeholders, including European officials and downstream users;
Monitor and identify relevant (emerging) policy issues legislation on a member state, European and international level;
Manage and follow up external contractors’ activities for the group;
Upkeep association and Cefic policies.

Can you make the difference?

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

A master’s degree in political sciences, international relations or related disciplines and/or in science, chemistry, pharmacy, toxicology or related disciplines;
A minimum of 3-5 years of hand-on experience in experience at European/international level on scientific and/or regulatory issues in the chemical industry, value chain or with associations similar to Cefic;
Knowledge of the REACH restriction process is a great asset; pre-knowledge about F-gases is a surplus;
A good understanding of the chemical industry & value chain;
Sound advocacy skills and experience with the EU regulatory framework;
Affinity for and/or experience with EU regulatory framework: able to analyze, understand and communicate complex pieces of legislation; and enjoying it;
Full professional proficiency in English; additional languages are a definite asset;
A good team player who is able to work as well independently as in a multi-functional and multicultural team, demonstrating dedication and royalty;
Cool-headed in crisis situations and can work under pressure to meet deadlines;
High attention to detail;
Excellent writing and project management skills;
Ability to multitask and manage different priorities;
Strong interpersonal skills, networking skills and ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts;
Strong communication skills: ability to speak clearly and concisely in front of a group; ability to deliver well-organized, very enthusiastic and convincing presentations and ability to adapt style and language to audience;
Curious, fast learning, service-minded and willing to improve continuously;
Ready to travel (max. 10-20%).

What we offer:

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