PlasticsEurope is the pan-European association of plastics manufacturers with offices across Europe. For over 100 years, science and innovation has been the DNA that cuts across our industry. With close to 100 members producing over 90% of all polymers across Europe, we are the catalyst for the industry with a responsibility to openly engage with stakeholders and deliver solutions which are safe, circular, and sustainable. We are committed to implementing long-lasting positive change.
Role description and purpose:
The PlasticsEurope France Director (PEFD) is based at PlasticsEurope’s office in Paris/ (S)he is part of the Leadership Team and directly reports to the Managing Director of PlasticsEurope. The PEFD will be responsible for a team of 3 people.
The PEFD ensures the professional management of the Association’s activities in France (the second largest European plastic market). This requires the ability to understand and anticipate the economic, political, and public landscape in the country and also across Europe.
The PEFD acts as the advocacy and communication leader of PlasticsEurope in France. Considering the national specificities, (s)he implements in the country the pan-European strategy of the Association defined by the PlasticsEurope Advocacy & Communication Directors. (S)he does so internally to member companies, and externally to major stakeholders.
The PEFD represents and leads the dialogue between PlasticsEurope and its various external stakeholders in the country effectively. (S)he is the primary contact of the Association towards French authorities (Government, Administration and French Parliament and Senate) for existing and future regulations regarding plastics in France. (S)he cooperates with national upstream and downstream associations to optimize the value chain. (S)he gathers intelligence on emerging issues and prioritizes them based on importance and urgency. (S)he makes relevant proposals to the PlasticsEurope Advocacy Director & Executive Director and Steering Board Members as applicable.
The PEFD represents the Association in France for external communication and towards the media.
The PEFD represents PlasticsEurope’s interests in Valorplast1: 62% shares owned by PlasticsEurope.
1Valorplast represents more than 50% of Household packaging waste collected from French municipalities for recycling (turn over approx. 30m€ / 26 people)
Key responsibilities:
- Developing and leading the implementation of French engagement strategies. This includes developing and implementing an integrated and measurable communications strategy for PlasticsEurope France to support policy goals, organisational transformation/change and to protect the reputation of the sector.
- Developing an efficient and sustainable network with the overall PlasticsEurope organizations such as the French National Advisory Board and the overall member companies in the country.
- Ensuring an efficient representation in and active participation to the transformation of Valorplast
- Managing risks (including reputational ones):
- Own the issue management policy and advise the Steering Board and Leadership on actions and mitigation strategies. Lead the execution of the latter as appropriate
- Provide strategic direction on existing or anticipated issues to the Steering Board
- Develop rebuttals and clear processes for damaging and non-fact-based measures
- Developing a very strong relationship with the French Board and national company executives, PlasticsEurope Managing Director, External Affairs Director, senior members, and Director General.
- Fostering strong relationships with the most senior stakeholders across key external audiences in France (to include value-chain, media, political, etc).
- Driving the improvement and use of digital capabilities within PlasticsEurope France. This includes developing the Office digital approach to content and intelligence sourcing.
- Representing the industry in France through participation at events, conferences, and meetings as appropriate.
- Contributing to the development of pan-European campaigns and translating these at national level. Ensuring these demonstrate the value of the plastics industry, their contribution to the circular economy and role in responding and solving future sustainability challenges.
Core competencies, knowledge and experience required:
- A highly experienced public or corporate affairs leader, with a proven track record of working in complex or diverse organisations, ideally in a trade association
- Deep knowledge of the plastics industry and its operating model
- Strong capacity to federate, influence and build consensus amongst internal stakeholders
- Strong networking skills with the ability to develop and maintain relationships at senior level within the political landscape in France as well as within ministries & institutions.
- Strong understanding and experience of the political & decision-making process in France and at the European Union level.
- Deep knowledge and understanding of:
- the external environment of the plastics industry and its critical high value stakeholders (governmental, regulatory, NGOs, political, value chain, consumer and media)
- the high value reputational drivers for the industry and how business decisions impact on reputation
- campaigning strategies (including digital) that engage diverse audiences, foster debate, and address misperceptions.
- Expertise in
- Advising senior leaders on the most effective engagement strategies
- Coaching leaders in high-stakes stakeholder engagement
- The ability to build, lead, motivate high performing teams
- Strategic thinker and leader with a strong ability to interpret internal and external trends and changes and contribute to key strategic policy positions and communications.
- Cross-cultural skills with an international perspective and capacity to work within different cultures and complex multinational environments
- Game changer ability: due to the increasing environment pressure in France, the PEFD must bring new ideas and turn them into reality.
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills in English
Interested?
If you are interested in applying for the PlasticsEurope – France Director position, please send your CV and motivation letter (max 2 pages) with the subject “PlasticsEurope – France Director” to HR@plasticseurope.org by 1 June 2021 at the latest.
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