Job Description

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 Cobalt & Specialty Materials

Mastering the cobalt value chain. Umicore’s expertise covers the sourcing, production and distribution of cobalt and nickel products. Umicore’s materials are at the heart of products we use every day such as rechargeable batteries, tools, paints and tyres. Our recycling and refining processes give new life to cobalt and other metals and reduce environmental impacts. To meet the demands of our customers 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

At Umicore Specialty Materials Bruges (our plant in Bruges employing 130 people and active in the sales, production, tolling and distribution of various metal organic and pure organic compounds), as Sales and Application Manager, you will steer daily commercial activities, grow our product portfolio, and drive strategic sales initiatives across key markets. You will manage operational sales for the NALGF product line, develop key customer relationships, and expand business opportunities through direct sales and collaboration with Umicore Marketing Services. You will also help shape product development by bringing valuable market and application insights into the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Participate actively in defining the commercial strategy and contribute to the annual budget.
• Prospect new and existing accounts, identifying opportunities within your region and business domain.
• Maintain a strong field presence through regular customer visits and structured reporting.
• Prepare offers, negotiate contracts, and provide technical support to customers.
• Coach distribution partners and Umicore Marketing Services teams.
• Provide R&D, Engineering, and Production with market insights and product improvement suggestions.
• Elevate the USMB product portfolio through application expertise and customer feedback.
• Coordinate daily back office activities together with fellow Sales Managers.
• Ensure optimal customer service through close collaboration with R&D, Procurement, and Finance.
• Attend conferences, build networks, and deliver commercial and technical presentations.
• Organize and participate in exhibitions and industry events.
• Support the creation of promotional materials such as brochures and marketing content.

Who we are looking for

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Material Science, or Business Engineering with relevant experience.
• Strong technical affinity with naphthenic acids, lubes & greases, and fuel additives.
• Broad commercial skills and the ability to translate product features into customer value.
• Proven experience in B2B sales; business development experience is a plus.
• Fluency in Dutch and English; French and/or German is an asset.
• Willingness to travel.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; SAP knowledge is a plus.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Commercial mindset with strong networking abilities.
• Solution-oriented, results-driven approach.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong project management capabilities and team spirit.

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. 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 recycling know-how can recover cobalt from industrial metal scrap, IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD DO ?

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