Innovation Manager

Functieomschrijving

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, têxtiles, 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.

Profiel
- 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).

Jobgerelateerde competenties

Aanbod
- 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.

Plaats tewerkstelling
- 1040 ETTERBEEK