Manager Responsible Sourcing

About Umicore

Reducing harmful vehicle emissions. Giving new life to used metals. Powering the cars of the future. As a global materials and technology group, we apply our specialist knowledge to offer materials and solutions that are essential to everyday life. We aim to be a clear world leader in materials for clean mobility and recycling and have turned our sustainability approach into an even greater competitive advantage. With ambitions like this, imagine what you could do?

About our Group/Support Functions

A global organization. It’s not just those in our industrial sites and technical centers that are vital to Umicore’s performance. Across our support functions we ensure that we continue to grow and evolve – whether it’s by making sure our decisions are commercially viable, enhancing our reputation, building new customer relationships or finding the right people who can build on what we’ve already achieved. The variety of our work means we cannot stand still. We need to find new ways to do things, discover new solutions and develop new ideas. Which is where you come in.

What you will be doing

We are looking for a passionate, dedicated and skilled Manager Responsible Sourcing to join the Group ESG (Environment Social Governance) team based in Brussels, Belgium.

In this role, you will ensure the responsible and sustainable sourcing of battery materials (including cobalt, lithium and nickel) by conducting ESG due diligence on our value chains, including close engagement with business partners to manage potential ESG risks. You will manage Umicore’s Sustainable Procurement Framework for battery materials and ensure regulatory compliance. You will coordinate both internal and external audits related to our battery material value chain. You will play a key role in aligning Umicore’s business and sustainability interests through close collaboration with colleagues from the global procurement and sales teams.

Responsibilities:

• Implement and strengthen our Sustainable Procurement Framework for Battery Materials (cobalt, nickel, lithium) to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Conduct due diligence checks on suppliers, including risk assessments, supplier and stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation and remediation, while guiding the business in making informed decisions.
• Carry out sustainability visits at our supplier sites.
• Lead and coordinate third-party audits of Umicore sites and business partners, ensuring sustainability in battery materials.
• Serve as the primary contact for internal and external sustainability inquiries regarding battery materials.
• Support supply and sales teams in their communication with suppliers and customers.
• Identify new risks or developments that may impact our sourcing practices.
• Internally communicate the scope and benefits of responsible sourcing and the Framework.
• Organize and/or contribute to stakeholder training and peer learning through the ESG Academy and the Value Chain Due Diligence Centre of Excellence.
• Represent and advocate for Umicore's interests and goals in the field of sustainable battery raw materials with industry associations and other external stakeholders.
• Together with the Program Lead Responsible Sourcing implement Umicore’s strategy for responsible sourcing and sustainable business conduct, not only for the battery value chain but also for the wider Umicore Group.

If you are passionate about sustainability, possess excellent interpersonal skills, and are looking to have a real impact on the ground, we would love to hear from you. Join us in our mission to make a positive impact on people and planet!

Who we are looking for

• 8+ years of professional experience within a relevant domain linked to sustainability/responsible sourcing (ideally some in a business and/or corporate function) in combination with a master's degree
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment (Proficiency in English is a must)
• (Verbal) knowledge of Chinese is an asset
• Enthusiastic and fast learner
• Ability to work accurately and with an eye for detail
• Ability to think critically and challenge
• Ability to work independently with a can-do mindset
• Hands-on, pragmatic, flexible and problem-solving attitude
• Excellent interpersonal communication and diplomatic skills to enable respectful yet efficient engagement with international business partners
• A good sense for prioritization while handling a wide stream of information (strong time management)

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?