Issue Manager

Cosmetics Europe - The Personal Care Association; Brussel Hoofdstad; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Cosmetics Europe – The Personal Care Association is seeking an Issue Manager for an on-site, Brussels-area role. You will monitor regulatory and policy developments, prepare briefings, and coordinate cross-functional issue teams while engaging with member companies and associations to align positions.

The role focuses on advocacy, stakeholder outreach, and collaboration with institutions. English proficiency is essential, with additional EU languages seen as an asset.

Qualifications

• Ability to monitor and analyze regulatory issues and prepare clear briefings.
• Strong stakeholder engagement with industry members, associations, institutions and external partners.
• Excellent written and oral communication in English; other EU languages are an asset.
• Proven organizational and project management abilities, coordinating working groups and timelines.
• Analytical mindset to interpret technical, legal, or scientific information for diverse audiences.
• Understanding of EU institutions, decision-making processes, and regulatory frameworks; trade associations experience is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Track EU and international regulatory developments; prepare briefings.
• Coordinate internal issue teams and working groups.
• Engage with members to gather input and align positions.
• Support advocacy activities and representation in meetings with institutions and partners.

Skills

Public policy management

Stakeholder engagement

Written & oral communication

Project management

Analytical thinking

EU regulatory knowledge

Multicultural collaboration

Education

Academic background in public affairs, law, political science, business, or related field

Job description

Company Description

Cosmetics Europe – The Personal Care Association is the leading voice of Europe’s cosmetics, toiletry, and perfumery industry, representing the sector since 1962. Its diverse membership includes corporate companies and national associations across Europe, reflecting the full breadth of the cosmetics value chain. The association represents an industry that serves 500 million European consumers who rely daily on products such as skincare, haircare, fragrances, make-up, sunscreens, and oral care. Europe is a global flagship market for cosmetics and personal care products, valued at €96 billion in retail sales in 2023. The industry supported 3.5 million jobs across Europe in 2023, offering a dynamic, influential environment for professionals interested in health, well-being, and consumer products.

Role Description

The Issue Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in the Brussels Metropolitan Area. The person in this role monitors, analyzes, and manages policy, regulatory, and public affairs issues affecting the cosmetics and personal care sector. Daily responsibilities include tracking legislative and regulatory developments at EU and international levels, preparing briefings and position papers, and coordinating internal issue teams and working groups. The Issue Manager engages with members to gather input, align positions, and provide guidance, while also supporting advocacy activities, stakeholder outreach, and representation in meetings with institutions and partner organizations. The role involves close collaboration with internal colleagues, member companies, and associations to ensure timely, consistent, and evidence-based responses to emerging issues.

Qualifications

• Ability to manage complex public policy and regulatory issues, including monitoring developments, analyzing impacts, and preparing clear, structured briefings.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with experience collaborating with industry members, associations, institutions, and external partners.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; additional European languages are an asset.
• Proven organizational and project management abilities, including coordinating working groups, managing timelines, and delivering on multiple priorities.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret technical, legal, or scientific information and translate it into accessible content for diverse audiences.
• Relevant academic background in public affairs, law, political science, business, communications, or a related field.
• Understanding of EU institutions, decision-making processes, and regulatory frameworks; experience in a trade association, consultancy, corporate affairs, or similar environment is beneficial.
• Interest in the cosmetics and personal care industry, consumer products, health, and sustainability-related topics.
• Comfort working in an international, multicultural environment and collaborating in person at the Brussels office.