Category Manager Energy

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 Umicore Battery Materials  

We are all on the move. Umicore’s rechargeable battery materials give people autonomy and connectivity. We are a pioneer in battery materials that give added range and performance to electric vehicles. Our materials also ensure longer battery life for portable electronics. To enable our customers to produce even better performing batteries 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 

As Category Manager Energy, you’ll play a key role in ensuring reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable sourcing of energy and industrial gases for Umicore’s operations in Poland. You’ll work in close collaboration with the Head of Global Procurement Centre Energy and the broader Energy Team to manage contracts, lead local energy initiatives, and represent Umicore in national advocacy efforts. Your scope will primarily cover our sites in Nysa and Nowa Ruda. 

You’ll be responsible for: 

• overseeing contracts, this includes validating incoming invoices, managing relationships with grid operators, optimizing grid capacity, reducing imbalance costs and penalties, and ensuring supplier performance. You’ll also handle re-invoicing and supplier coordination.  

• ensuring compliance with Polish energy regulations and identifying opportunities for subsidies and cost reductions. You’ll lead efforts to secure financial benefits such as compensation for indirect emissions and reductions for energy-intensive activities. 

• initiating and executing energy-related projects at the sites, such as developing renewable energy generation units and increasing power flexibility through production scheduling and ancillary services.  

• representing Umicore in national industry organizations like the Izba Energetyki Przemysłowej i Odbiorców Energii, taking an active role in shaping energy and CO₂ regulations in coordination with our Government Affairs team.  

• you’ll act as the go-to person for energy-related topics, supporting colleagues across Finance, EHS, Maintenance, and Engineering. 

Who we are looking for 

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of energy sourcing in a fast-evolving industrial landscape. If you’re eager to build a deep understanding of energy markets and contribute to Umicore’s decarbonization goals and ready to make an impact, we’re looking for you. You will also need: 

• At least 2 years of relevant experience  

• Master’s degree in economics or sciences  

• Fluency in Polish and English  

• Strong analytical and conceptual skills  

• Excellent communication and influencing abilities  

• Customer-oriented mindset with decisiveness

• Focus on results and continuous improvement  

• Team spirit, flexibility, and openness to collaboration 

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 battery materials can boost the range of e-cars, IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD DO?