Sector Group Manager Specialty Chemicals

European Chemical Industry Council

About the Organisation

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.

About the role

Cefic is looking for a Sector Group Manager to reinforce the Speciality 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.

Responsibilities

• Promote the positive image of the Speciality 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 the value chain
• Monitor, analyse, and interpret the existing and proposed policies and government legislation and their 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 competitiveness 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.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Experience, Competencies & Personal Qualities:

• 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 the 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 the 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 Speciality Chemicals Industry Sector
• Motivation to travel occasionally (up to 20%)
• Prepared to live in Belgium.

Required Qualifications

• Academic background: preferably MA or MSc in Toxicology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or any other applied or political sciences;

Compensation & Benefits

• 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–life balance
• Working on dynamic and challenging topics
• Opportunities for employee development (training, coaching, mentorship)
• Permanent employment contract with a competitive salary and benefits.

Working locations

• Brussels, Belgium

How to apply

• Please send your application with a full curriculum vitae and motivation letter by 15th April 2026 to Cefic: Jessica Bart-Williams, HR Manager, Rue Belliard 40, b15, 1040 Brussels E-mail address: [email protected]
• Please note that during the recruitment process, your application may be shared with internal departments and Cefic members.

Return to listing