Program Manager Innovation & Operational Excellence

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.  

About Precious Metals Refining 

The world’s resources are scarce. Umicore’s refining and recycling technology gives used metals a new lease of life. We are experts in treating the most complex materials from around the world. Our processes help bring value to the circular economy and reduce environmental impacts. To recover more metal from different types of material we cannot stand still. We need to find new ways to do things, discover new solutions and develop new processes. Which is where you come in. 

What you will be doing 

• Define and lead the innovation project portfolio for Precious Metals Refining’s (PMR) current assets in alignment with internal and external stakeholders, including Operations, Supply and Operational Planning, and the CTO organization.
• Manage PMR’s process improvement roadmaps, actively contributing to EfG (Efficiency for Growth) targets while supporting sustainable business growth and profitability through smarter, more efficient operations
• Share and implement best practices in innovation and operational excellence to maintain PMR’s leadership in process innovation. This includes enabling knowledge transfer (focusing on metallurgical process & technology know-how) through an expert network bringing together experts and junior profiles.
• Establish an Operational Excellence (OE) framework: establish and embed a culture of continuous improvement, leveraging structured Lean and digitization strategies to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and increase automation.
• Align with PMR Strategy: Ensure that all continuous improvement and innovation activities across departments are aligned with PMR’s vision and strategic objectives, optimizing operational processes to improve KPIs, reduce throughput times, maximize flexibility, and minimize costs.
  
  

Who we are looking for 

• You hold a Master in Applied Sciences or Engineering
• You have at least 5 years of experience with project or program management
• You understand the business and operational reality of a metallurgical plant
• You have insights in operational excellence frameworks and tools
• You have (ideally) a Black or Green Belt in Lean Training
• You are experienced in R&D, IP matters and third party collaborations
• You are fluent in Dutch and English
• You are able to translate a strategy into a roadmap
• You build strong networks and easily connect with people of different teams
• You have demonstrated situational leadership skills
• You take pride in implementing change in a successful way

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 we can become a world leader in recycling and clean mobility, IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD DO?