Managing Director

About EuPC

European Plastics Converters (EuPC) is the EU-level trade association representing the interests of plastics converting companies in Europe. Based in Brussels, EuPC brings together national plastics associations and European sectoral organisations, representing more than fifty thousands converting companies that supply plastic products into key value chains such as packaging, building & construction, automotive & transport, and technical parts.

EuPC’s mission is to provide a strong, united voice for plastics converters in EU policy debates, advance the transition towards a circular and climate-neutral economy, and ensure a competitive, innovation-friendly regulatory environment for the plastics converting industry.

Role Purpose

The Managing Director is the chief executive of EuPC and is responsible for:

• Designing and delivering EuPC’s overall strategy and work programme
• Representing plastics converters at the highest political and institutional levels in Brussels and beyond
• Ensuring effective governance, financial sustainability, and operational excellence of the association
• Supporting EuPC’s members in navigating a fast-evolving regulatory and market landscape for plastics and polymers in Europe

The Managing Director acts as the primary public face of EuPC and a trusted partner to EU institutions, member associations, companies, and value-chain partners.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Develop and implement EuPC’s multi-annual strategy and annual work programmes in line with the priorities agreed by the President, Board of Directors, and Members’ Executive Forum.
• Reorganise the association towards a primarily advocacy focused organisation
• Advise the President, Board and members on political, regulatory, and market developments affecting plastics converters.
• Ensure sound governance practices, preparing and executing decisions of the Board of Directors, General Assembly and relevant internal bodies.
• Lead risk management, organisational development, and continuous improvement of EuPC’s structures and processes.

EU Public Affairs & Advocacy

• Shape and drive EuPC’s advocacy strategy on key EU policy and regulatory files relevant to plastics and polymer-based products (e.g., circular economy, packaging, waste, chemicals, climate, industrial policy, trade).
• Maintain and expand a high-level network across EU institutions (European Commission, European Parliament, Council, and Permanent Representations), EU agencies, and key Brussels stakeholders.
• Represent EuPC in meetings with Commissioners’ cabinets, Directors-General, MEPs, national attachés, and other policymakers.
• Oversee the preparation of position papers, impact assessments, technical contributions to consultations, and speaking points for the President and other EuPC representatives.
• Coordinate advocacy with national and sectoral members to ensure coherent, united messaging across the plastics converting community and wider value chain.

Industry Expertise & Regulatory Insight

• Provide strategic guidance on EU and international regulations affecting the plastics and polymers industry, including:
• Sector-specific rules on packaging, waste, recycling, and product design
• Cross-cutting chemicals and product safety rules
• Climate and industrial policies impacting competitiveness, energy, and raw materials
• Translate complex regulatory developments into clear implications and options for plastics converters.
• Anticipate future trends (e.g., circularity targets, recycled content, digital product passports, environmental labelling, PFAS and other substances policies) and advise members on strategic responses.

Member Relations & Network Management

• Maintain close relationships with EuPC’s national member associations and sector organisations, ensuring their priorities are reflected in EuPC’s strategy and positions.
• Engage directly with leading plastics converting companies and value-chain partners, including recyclers, raw material suppliers, brand owners, and downstream users.
• Drive membership retention and growth, demonstrating clear value for existing and potential members.

Management of Secretariat, Finances & Operations

• Lead, motivate, and develop a multicultural Brussels-based secretariat team (policy, communications, events, EU projects, administration).
• Prepare and manage the annual budget, ensuring long-term financial sustainability (membership income, project funding, services).
• Oversee performance management, staff development and recruitment.

Communications & Representation

• Act as a key spokesperson for EuPC towards the media, conferences, and public events.
• Oversee EuPC’s communications strategy (press releases, statements, online channels, campaigns) to promote the role of plastics converters and good practices in sustainability and circularity.
• Represent EuPC in relevant high-level platforms, stakeholder groups, and advisory committees at the EU and international level.

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience

• Senior leadership experience (10+ years) in a European trade association, business association, chamber, or comparable membership-based organisation.
• Proven track record in EU public affairs with strong, active network across the EU institutions and Brussels stakeholder ecosystem.
• Substantial experience in regulatory and policy work related to plastics, polymers, chemicals, packaging, circular economy, or closely related industrial sectors.
• Demonstrated experience managing a multidisciplinary team, budgets, and organisational strategy.
• Experience working with boards and governance bodies, including reporting to and advising senior industry leaders.

Education & Technical Background

• University degree in law, political science, European studies, engineering, materials science, economics, or another relevant field; a postgraduate degree is an asset.
• Solid understanding of the EU legislative process and of how regulations affecting plastics and polymers are developed, negotiated, and implemented (e.g., comitology, delegated acts, standards).

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinker with the ability to set priorities and deliver results in a complex, fast-moving policy environment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and representation skills, comfortable interacting with senior policymakers, CEOs, and the media.
• Strong political antenna, diplomacy, and ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders and national perspectives.
• High degree of integrity, transparency, and commitment to compliance and responsible lobbying.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with focus on membership value, financial sustainability, and innovation in services.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, able to balance advocacy and member services.

Languages

• Fluent English (C1/C2) – oral and written, essential.
• Any additional EU languages are an asset.

Personne de contact

Margareta Przybyla