Technical Adviser

EPF - European Panel Federation

Brussels, Belgium

The European Wood-Based Panels Federation (EPF) is searching for a dynamic and motivated Technical Adviser to join our growing organisation. This is a newly created position reflecting the increase in our activity. If you have a love for European affairs, a solid technical background or relevant academic qualifications, combined with excellent communication and organisational skills, do not hesitate to apply.

EPF, the European Wood-Based Panels Federation, has members in more than 30 European countries and represents the manufacturers of particleboard, MDF, OSB, hardboard, softboard and plywood. The European wood-based panels industry has an annual turnover of about 25 billion euro, and creates over 100.000 jobs directly.

The European Wood-Based Panels Federation exists to give our members a strong, collective voice in responding to the political, economic and technical issues that impact our industry and the ability of our members to grow their businesses. Working with our members, we make the case for the industry as an integral part of the EU’s bio and circular economy, while championing high standards of wood-based panel manufacturers and their contribution to a greener, more sustainable economy.

What we do:

Act as a contact point for all producers of particleboard, MDF, OSB, hardboard, softboard, plywood, as well as for the supplier industries and other interested stakeholders, for economic, technical and environmental issues;
Act as the advocacy representative of the particleboard, MDF, OSB, hardboard, softboard and plywood industries towards European and international institutions;
Provide detailed quarterly and annual statistical reports of the wood-based panel industries and their markets;
Act as an information hub for members by producing regular newsletters and the organisation of technical conferences;
Provide all interested parties with information about the wood-panel industry, our manufacturers and their work;
Increase opportunities to showcase our members’ work.

The offices of EPF are in the centre of Brussels, next to the inner ring road and by the Trône/Troon metro station.

Job description:

As Technical Adviser, you will be an essential part of our cross-functional team, offering technical guidance and expertise to foster excellence in our projects and stakeholder relationships. As well as being part of the EPF team and working on general EPF activities (AGM’s, regulatory and public affairs, advocacy) you will need to:

Stay abreast of industry trends, regulations, and technical advancements, offering guidance and insights to the team as needed;
Assist in planning, coordinating, and executing multi-million euro funded (EU-)projects (e.g. Ecorefibre, Cisuflo, Wood4Bauhaus), including research and analysis to support development and implementation throughout the European continent;
Prepare for and coordinate a variety of meetings, ensuring that agendas are set and all logistical aspects are in order;
Provide administrative and content-related support to various task forces and working groups, keeping track of activities and progress;
Act as a liaison for stakeholder relationships, supporting partnerships and serving as a primary point of contact;
Collaborate closely with the Technical Director and report to the Managing Director.

Skills and qualifications:

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in (biological, construction, industrial) engineering or related field;
Relevant experience is a plus, but we also encourage applications from individuals with academic qualifications;
Skilled in English (read, spoken and written), French and/or German and other languages are an added value;
Technical expertise or a strong interest in industry-specific aspects, regulations, and advancements;
Good communication and coordination abilities;
Aptitude for research and analysis;
You are a problem solver and initiator;
Flexible and adaptive;
Project management skills;
Organisational skills with a focus on attention to detail;
Willingness to travel abroad during the year. Typically, you will work in Brussels, but you can expect to travel all over Europe as a representative of EPF.

What we offer:

A full-time job with a permanent contract;
Competitive salary and benefits package:
- 20 days of vacation plus 14 compensation days;
- Meal vouchers (8 euros);
- Pension fund;
- Hospital insurance;
- Paid commuting.
Opportunities for career growth and development;
Engaging, dynamic and collaborative work environment. There probably is no such thing as a typical workweek at EPF!

Team:

You will join a small, energetic and flexible international team with a strong commitment to what EPF stands for. Currently the team consists of 5 people who stand up for a more sustainable future for European society that is economic, ecological and made for people:

Clive Pinnington – Managing Director;
Kris Wijnendaele – Technical Director;
Orifjon Abidov – Senior Economist;
Alexis Kuhl – Climate & Environmental Adviser;
Isabelle Henin – Administration & Communications Officer.

This is how Clive Pinnington describes his team: “Our doors are open, our hierarchy is flat and our respect for one another is sky high. That’s how we like it.” You can learn more about the team and the position of Technical Advisor in the interview with Clive, which you can find as an attachment here.

How to apply:

Apply through the Search & Selection website via the Apply Now button. We kindly request a cv and motivation letter. After uploading your documents, we will contact you promptly.

For additional information, please contact senior HR-consultant Torben Callens tel. 09 243 40 80/email t.callens@searchselection.com. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Apply Now

Don't forget to mention EuroBrussels when applying.

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