Innovation Manager

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. 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.

Innovation is key to achieving our climate goals and a circular economy. The European Commission is promoting the innovation agenda with program and funds. Cefic is working actively with a wide range of other leading trade organisation, think tanks and universities.

For its Innovation team, Cefic is looking for a (m/f/d): Innovation Manager.
Mission of the role:

Reporting to the Executive Director Innovation, you will start your work as the Cefic representative in a newly defined consortium of European organisations that are leaders in their respective field. The objective of the consortium is to build a network of organisations (an ecosystem) that supports the uptake and utilization of Safe and Sustainable by-Design (SSbD) principles and strategies by industry, especially SMEs. The Safe and Sustainable by Design is a key principle that will guide all future innovation activities of the industry and will therefore be an essential base for the growth strategy of the chemical industry.

You will lead several work packages in this consortium and coordinate with other consortium partners to achieve the overall objectives. Your work on Safe and Sustainable by Design will therefore be a valuable contribution towards a sustainable future of the chemical industry that needs to be aligned with several Cefic internal and external stakeholders.

Ultimately your role is to support the European chemical industry to achieve its ambition to reach the targets defined in the Green Deal while remaining competitive on a global scale.
Are you inspired by these responsibilities?

You will:

Represent Cefic in a newly defined international consortium that will support the implementation of the Safe and Sustainable by Design framework;
Manage two workstreams - a data driven roadmap development and value chain engagement, both for all relevant value chains (construction, textiles, automotive, packaging (incl. plastics, paper/carton, among others), energy and electronics);
Coordinate your activities internally with e.g., the Sustainability Forum, Product Stewardship and work closely with other colleagues to ensure consistency with the other Cefic activities;
Coordinate with external stakeholder like the European Commission, European Technology Platforms and public private partnerships;
Analyse the policy framework and regulations in relation with the identified Research & Innovation priorities;
Represent Cefic and the European Chemical industry in expert working groups and in relevant conferences and workshops.

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/PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a science related topic;
At least 5 to 8 years of experience in R&I management in the chemical industry, in trade associations, or applied research organisations;
Proven track-record in innovation and Chemistry/chemical engineering;
Advocacy experience with the EU regulatory/policy environment is a plus;
Proven project/program management skills, structured approach is a must have;
Excellent communication, including the ability to translate complex technological concepts into layman language;
Proficiency in English (written and oral), additional European languages are a definite asset;
Strategic thinking and experience in managing complex issues, birds eye view coordinator with energetic drive and natural gravitas. Ability to create healthy tension to drive progress;
Strong interpersonal and networking skills; skilled to work in a multifunctional team setting and a natural feel for distinguishing the on- versus offline topics;
Balanced approach towards managing technical as well as non-technical challenges;
Strong communicator who clearly expresses the collective points of view as well as major differences in writing as well as speech;
Team player, ability to network and build relations in an international and multicultural environment;
Ability to work independently and drive the agenda;
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);
Interviews via video conferencing during COVID-19 pandemic.

Are you interested?

Please send your application with full curriculum vitae, quoting the reference IM-01, by 28 February 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.