Senior Program Manager Supply and Refining

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?

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.

As a Senior Program Manager you define, coordinate and execute a large-scale innovation program in the field of supply and refining of Li-ion cathode materials in order to meet specific business-driven innovation objectives. By monitoring progress and adjusting program priorities and resource needs, you will ensure your program meets its objectives within the defined time, scope and budget. You will have the functional authority over the project managers whose projects fall within your program and can require those projects to change their deliverables and timelines in accordance with the needs of the program.

• You define, coordinate and execute a consistent and prioritized innovation program based on individual projects in-line with the business-innovation objectives.


• You follow-up on the program execution within the scope, timing and budget and ensure corrective actions are put in place when needed.


• You report the program status and next steps towards the relevant steering committees and Innovation Board.


• You define and follow-up on the budget for the R&D program based on the available competencies and resource needs.


• You define together with the R&D Portfolio Director the resources and teams needed to realize the program targets at the start and during the execution of the program.


• You collaborate and build partnerships outside and across the RBM organization to ensure the success of the program.


• As Senior Program Manager you need to communicate with multiple departments within the RBM organization (R&D, engineering, marketing & sales, …). For the programs, you report directly to the program owner. For the program management, you will also be in regular contact with project teams outside the RBM organization and across different BU’s.


• You are based in Belgium and will regularly need to travel abroad (mostly Asia and US) or local within Europe to meet with the project teams and external partners.

• You have a master or Phd in chemistry, physics, engineering, or related field, with minimum 5 years working experience within the domains of cross-functional research program management. Experience in supply and refining of key-metals used in Li-ion batteries (Ni, Mn, Co, Li, etc…) is a strong asset as well as a good knowledge on hydrometallurgy.


• You have a track record in organization, planning and coordination of large scale projects and experience in managing global research programs with significant financial value and complicated structure.


• Business acumen and good understanding of R&D finance (research budgeting/costing) and knowledge on how to utilize resources effectively on a global scale, are required.


• You are fluent in English, experience with Asian culture or language (Korean, Chinese) is a strong asset.


• Thorough knowledge of MS office products (with focus on Excel and PowerPoint). Knowledge of project scheduling programs is a plus (e.g. MS Project) is required.


• You are a good communicator, with excellent presentation skills, confident in presenting to senior management.


• Analytical thinking, problem-solving ability and strong drive for innovation and change, combined with a positive attitude and challenge spirit for new environment are required in this position.


• You are able to inspire effective teamwork and motivate staff in a matrix structure.


• You are an assertive person with impact, who can lead cross-functional teams and promote inter-team cooperation.


• You can work independently under general direction, use your good sense of prioritization of assigned goals and manage time accordingly.

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?