Group Director Health & Wellbeing - Group Medical Officer

About Umicore

Powering the cars of today and tomorrow. Reducing harmful emissions. Giving unique properties to high-end applications. Giving new life to used metals. As a global advanced materials and recycling group, we develop, produce, and recycle materials for a better life.

What you will be doing

We are currently looking for a Group Medical Officer to join our headquarter in Brussels in the Group EHS Department. Reporting to the SVP Environment, Health & Safety in this role, you will ensure that all Umicore employees and contractors work in an environment that protects and promotes their physical and mental health. You will shape global policies and programs that deliver robust workplace exposure data, regulatory compliance across regions, and toxicology insights. You will also safeguard our people, strengthens our EHS performance, and supports Umicore’s long‑term sustainability ambitions

Responsibilities:

• Lead the formulation, implementation, and review of global policies and strategies for occupational health, wellbeing, industrial hygiene, chemical compliance, and product stewardship.
• Identify emerging scientific, regulatory, and societal trends impacting Umicore’s products, processes, and workforce, and develop proactive response programs.
• Ensure the creation of scientifically, technically, and legally robust programs addressing regulatory initiatives affecting Umicore operations and products.
• Oversee scientific assessments and studies related to workplace exposures, human health impacts, and environmental health.
• Manage Group‑wide EHS management systems and develop global standards in occupational health, industrial hygiene, wellbeing, chemical compliance, and general health.
• Provide clear and accurate communication on regulatory requirements, internal standards, and relevant EHS programs.
• Partner with business units and regional teams to implement EHS systems pragmatically, efficiently, and cost‑effectively.
• Define the Group EHS roadmap for occupational health, industrial hygiene, wellbeing, and chemicals management, including measurable targets.
• Serve as a center of expertise for general, occupational, and environmental health matters across the organization.
• Align internal occupational health departments and external providers to ensure effective, compliant, and cost‑efficient programs.
• Monitor global scientific and regulatory developments in health and safety and recommend risk management measures.
• Act as Head of the Internal Department for Prevention and Protection for Umicore SA under Belgian law.
• Represent Umicore in external industry and regulatory forums to protect and promote the company’s EHS interests.
• As Group Medical Officer, follow global and regional health threats and advise leadership on protective measures for employees globally.
• Lead a global team of approximately 40 colleagues, ensuring strong coordination, motivation, development, and resource planning.

Who we are looking for

Requirements:

• 15+ years of experience in a medical role, ideally in a similar industry and environment
• Medical degree complemented by a master’s degree in occupational health
• Strong understanding of regional and global regulatory frameworks (e.g., REACH, TSCA).
• Expertise in hazard and risk assessment, exposure science, and risk management.
• Proven experience with product‑related EHS and chemical compliance topics.
• Strong background in scientific research and evidence‑based evaluation.
• Experience in budget definition, financial planning, and cost control.
• Skilled in using EHS and information management tools.
• Excellent planning, prioritization, and organizational capabilities.
• Fluent English (both written and spoken), any additional European language is a plus
• Demonstrated people leadership experience and ability to drive performance through teams.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills in complex stakeholder environments.
• Excellent communication skills at all organizational levels.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage deadlines, and operate with discretion and diplomacy.
• Willingness to travel internationally and operate effectively in a global scope.

What we offer

We aim to lead the way. Not just for our customers, but for our employees too. That is why we strive to create a collaborative environment in which we can all succeed, and a culture through which we can all share ideas, develop our expertise and advance our careers. We engage in building an inclusive work culture that offers equal opportunities for all employees irrespective of their diverse backgrounds. As you would expect from a world-leading organisation, we will also reward your contribution with a competitive salary and benefits. With all this and more, imagine what you could do?

If our technologies can tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges, IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD DO?

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