Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Manager

CEFIC - European Chemical Industry Council

Brussels, Belgium

Triggered by the role of carbon accounting and environmental footprinting within policies related to the transition of the chemical industry? Cefic is looking for a Sustainability Manager responsible for driving, coordinating and managing Cefic’s positioning and activities related to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Product Environmental Footprinting (PEF) and corporate carbon accounting methodologies.

Reporting to the Executive Director Sustainability, you will monitor and respond to studies and developments in the field, analyse key regulatory and other developments and assess their relevance for the European chemical sector. You’ll address these developments through action plans. To realise these goals, you can rely on a wide network of Cefic and member company experts.

Are you inspired by these responsibilities?

You will:

• Be responsible for driving, coordinating and managing Cefic’s activities related to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Product Environmental Footprinting (PEF) and corporate carbon accounting methodologies;
• Follow up regional and global developments related to LCA and PEF (e.g. under the Global Framework on Chemicals workstream Chemical Footprinting);
• Contribute to positioning on European Commission’s proposals related to LCA or PEF, especially related to the application within product legislation;
• Liaise with Cefic sector groups and support them on LCA/PEF matters;
• Exchange with other industry associations and stakeholders on upcoming related initiatives and where necessary inform and advise members;
• Act as Cefic expert in relevant external working groups (e.g. Commission expert groups);
• Represent Cefic and the European Chemical industry in relevant external conferences and workshops;
• Monitor and anticipate regulatory developments.

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:

• Master's degree in environmental sciences, engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical sciences or biology, with minimum 5 years working experience;
• Familiarity with Environmental Footprinting and Carbon Accounting methodologies/standards is an asset;
• Strong interest in sustainability issues and global challenges like circular economy as well as in policy design;
• A scientific, critical attitude with deep interest in interdisciplinary issues;
• A strong project manager, results oriented and able to work under pressure and to prioritise while managing multiple tasks;
• Excellent English (written and spoken);
• Understanding of the functioning of European institutions is an asset.

Required personal qualities:

• A good team player who is able to work as well independently as in a multi-functional and multicultural team;
• Good communication and (re)presentation skills; including the ability to translate technical information into layman language;
• A curious personality, keen to learn and improve continuously;
• Prepared to live in Belgium (Brussels).

Why chemicals? The EU chemical industry powers all industries - wind turbines, batteries, insulation, recycling - all rely on chemicals. With 1.2 million workers, €655 billion turnover, and €10.2 billion R&I investment in 2023, it is Europe’s economic backbone. Yet, in the past two years alone, 11 million metric tons of production capacity have been lost, putting up to 200,000 jobs at risk. This is an industry worth your time and energy - as it has the ambition and the solutions to go climate neutral, circular and transition to safe and sustainable chemicals, while also safeguarding high-quality jobs in Europe

Why Cefic? For two years running, Cefic has been named ‘Best EU Trade Association’ by BestinBrussels and it is the largest association in Brussels, representing around 650 large and small chemical companies and associations around Europe. We tackle almost major issues, from climate change, energy, innovation, health, safety and environment, product stewardship, sustainability, and more. Cefic also represents around 80 Sector Groups on specific substance issues.

What do we offer?

• Working in a people oriented, international and dynamic culture at the centre of EU affairs;
• An environment with a positive attitude towards stress and mindful of work – personal life balance;
• Working on dynamic and challenging topics;
• Full time employment contract, competitive salary according to experience and several benefits;
• Opportunities for employee development (trainings, mentoring).

Interested?

Please send your application with full curriculum vitae and motivation letter by 24^th April 2026 to Cefic

Jessica Bart-Williams, HR Manager
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.