Product Stewardship Manager

Cefic; Brussel; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cefic in Brussels is seeking a dynamic Product Stewardship Manager to drive Cefic’s work on chemical hazard classification at the interface of science, regulation and industry.

You will monitor regulatory developments, support sector groups in formal procedures, and represent Cefic in discussions with ECHA, authorities and stakeholders. Based in Belgium with travel, you will liaise with industry associations to align positions and provide strategic input to leadership.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or PhD preferred) in toxicology, ecotoxicology, chemistry, environmental sciences or related field.
• Proven experience in expert network facilitation and multi-stakeholder coordination.
• Strong understanding of European chemicals regulation REACH/CLP/BPR.
• Minimum of 5 years hands-on experience in regulatory safety assessment.
• Ability to translate complex science into practical messages for industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead Cefic’s work on chemical hazard identification and classification at the interface of science, regulation and industry.
• Represent Cefic and the European chemical industry in ECHA committees, expert meetings, external conferences and workshops.
• Support Cefic Sector Groups involved in formal hazard classification procedures, including strategy and submissions.
• Monitor and analyse regulatory and scientific developments, informing Cefic’s advocacy.
• Build dialogue with the European Commission, ECHA and national authorities to articulate industry perspectives.
• Liaise with other industry associations to promote alignment and cooperation.
• Provide strategic advice and input to the Executive Director and Programme Council.

Skills

Hazard identification

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Team coordination

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree (or PhD preferred) in toxicology, ecotoxicology, chemistry, environmental sciences, chemical engineering or related field

Job description

Cefic is looking for a dynamic professional to drive and coordinate its work on chemical hazard classification and labelling, with a strong interface to ECHA scientific committees and competent authorities.

As Product Stewardship Manager, you will lead Cefic’s work on chemical hazard classification at the interface of science, regulation and industry. You will monitor key regulatory developments, support Sector Groups in formal procedures, and represent Cefic in discussions with ECHA scientific committees, competent authorities and other key stakeholders.

Inspired? You will:

• Serve as Cefic’s expert lead on chemical hazard identification and classification, covering the related scientific, technical and regulatory aspects.
• Represent Cefic and the European chemical industry in ECHA scientific committees, expert meetings, external conferences and technical workshops.
• Support Cefic Sector Groups involved in formal hazard classification procedures, including on strategy, outreach, work planning and consultation submissions.
• Monitor and analyse key regulatory and scientific developments in chemical hazard classification, identifying early implications for industry and Cefic’s advocacy work.
• Build and maintain constructive dialogue with the European Commission, ECHA and national authorities, ensuring that industry perspectives are clearly and credibly articulated.
• Liaise closely with other industry associations to promote alignment, coherence and effective cooperation.
• Provide strategic advice and clear technical input to the Executive Director and Programme Council.

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 (or PhD preferred) in toxicology, ecotoxicology, chemistry, environmental sciences, chemical engineering or a related scientific discipline.
• Proven experience in expert network facilitation and multi‑stakeholder coordination (industry experts, regulators, external scientists).
• A strong understanding of European chemicals regulation (e.g., REACH, CLP, BPR), with demonstrated ability to operate at the science/policy interface
• A minimum of 5 years hands‑on experience in regulatory safety assessment and hazard classification.
• Ability to translate complex science into clear, practical messages for industry audiences and decision makers.
• Strong project management skills: results‑oriented, able to prioritise, and comfortable managing multiple workstreams under pressure.
• Strategic and analytical thinker with service and stakeholder orientation.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; capable of drafting contributions to consultations, position papers, and briefings.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to build consensus in international, multi‑cultural settings.
• Team player, proactive, open to a multicultural environment, and able to work independently with sound judgement.
• Full professional proficiency in English (written and oral); additional European languages are an asset.
• Prepared to be based in Belgium (Brussels) and willing to travel occasionally (as required for ECHA/industry meetings).

You may ask yourself:

Why Product Stewardship?

Joining the Cefic Product Stewardship team offers a unique opportunity to work at the heart of EU chemicals regulation, from the perspective of the European chemical industry. Hazard identification of chemicals is one of the foundations of chemicals regulation and safe chemical use. By joining Cefic’s Product Stewardship team, you will help promote sound, science-based classification practices that support consistent regulatory decisions and the safe use of chemicals across value chains.

Read more about REACH and CLP: https://cefic.org/guidance-and-management-frameworks/reach-clp/

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.
• Opportunities for employee development (trainings, coaching, mentorship)
• A full time permanent employment contract with a competitive salary, benefits and working conditions

Interested?