General Manager

About RECHARGE 

RECHARGE advocates for the sustainable development of an innovative and competitive rechargeable and lithium batteries value chain in Europe – a battery industry capable of taking Europe to climate-neutrality and industrial leadership.

The voice of the advanced European rechargeable and lithium batteries industry in Europe.

As the advanced rechargeable and lithium batteries association in Europe, RECHARGE promotes the development of rechargeable batteries such as lithium or next-generation zinc, sodium or nickel batteries. Founded in 1998, our unique membership does not only cover Europe’s most relevant battery manufacturers but all aspects of the batteries industry:

• Suppliers of refined and engineered materials to the battery industry
• Rechargeable battery manufacturers

• Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)
• Logistics partners
• Battery recyclers
• Other related organizations

As an expert partner for all technical and legislative topics pertaining to advanced rechargeable and lithium batteries, RECHARGE works closely with other battery associations as well as with related laboratories and institutes in Europe, and at international level.

The role of General Manager

The new General Manager of RECHARGE will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the European Rechargeable batteries’ association. He will provide strategic leadership, foster industry partnerships, and advocate with policy makers for the association’s goals and priorities. The successful candidate will demonstrate profound leadership skills, understanding in the whole batteries’ industrial ecosystem and batteries legislations.

Missions and Responsibilities

The new General Manager of RECHARGE will be expected to build on the achievements of the current team led by the incumbent in addressing the main strategic priorities for the coming years, including by developing a new strategy and activities plan following the upcoming European Parliament elections and based on the composition of the new European Commission. The new General Manager should also have deep the technical knowledge and understanding of the Industry and the sector.

1. Leadership and Members Management

• Understand the members positioning within the batteries ecosystem, business strategies and economics.
• Develop and implement a forward-looking vision and strategy for RECHARGE, aligning with the organisation’s mission, values with the support of the Chairman and the Board of directors.
• Identify emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities within the business environment of Batteries and sectors that incorporate and use batteries.
• Foster strong and transparent relationships with member organisations, the Chairman and the Board of Directors to ensure healthy and efficient collaboration.
• Efficiently and strategically manage the evolution and growth of the RECHARGE membership (criteria to become a member, potential new membership types or levels, etc.) in accordance with the Chairman and Board of Director’s guidance.
• Be the face of the Association with Policy Makers and technical bodies. Lead the high-level advocacy efforts of the Association and its efforts to advance the cause of the sector.
• Lead the organisation in adapting to changing regulatory, technological, societal, and economic environments.

2. Technical expertise and effective communication

• Relevant technical expertise to be able to develop and propose RECHARGE positions – several possible areas, including LCA expertise, UN regulation expertise, Battery design and recycling expertise, Batteries safety expertise – based on advanced knowledge per area.
• Good understanding of the industry-specific issues in order to support overall RECHARGE communications initiatives in addressing diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to translate complex technical and industrial concepts into understandable messages to policy makers. Reversely, be able to explain to the industry the impact of policy initiatives on members’ business models and how to take advantage of them.
• Attach the industry’s interest to a large public debate on climate change, circularity and sustainability goals.
• Enhance the visibility and reputation of the organization through thought leadership, public speaking and media engagements, and public relations activities.

3. Trade association management

• Management of a team of 4 persons. Understanding of human resources concept and practicalities. Organising the work of the team, strategy, objectives, KPIs and annual review performance.
• Legal management of the association and responsibility for ensuring effective and efficient management, as well as compliance with the local legislation. Understanding of the association/companies’ legal framework in Belgium.
• Accounting responsibility – budget management, financial planning and overall responsibility for the financial health of the association. Ability to manage external service providers when applicable.
• Organisation and planning of RECHARGE annual assembly in accordance with the Board. Presentation of the financial results, priorities and planning for the future.

Desired Expertise and Skills for the General Manager 

• Strong EU and political profile with excellent understanding of the key institutional and other relevant stakeholders in the broad batteries industry (both for upstream and downstream use) in Brussels, and ideally across the EU Member States and Globally.
• Strong Technical and Scientific background and understanding of the sector and all the key issues that are influencing the European Industry related to batteries.
• Strategic mindset, excellent interpersonal skills and drive to make things happen in a demanding multistakeholder environment.
• Significant experience in inspiring teams and leading organisations.
• Charisma, strong public speaking and representation skills.
• Keen to work and interact with a large diversity of stakeholders.
• Full professional proficiency in English. Strong command of other EU languages is an asset.

Why you should be interested in this role

• Lead a well-established association and have impact on a number of topics linked to the industrial agenda of the European Union.
• Participate to the transformation journey of a European Industry, develop and promote new uses for a technology critical for the EU to meet its climate agenda and sustainability goals.
• Interact directly with decision makers/partners within the community and sector in Europe and globally, and further grow an extensive strong professional network.
• Work with a highly qualified, motivated and driven team.
• Further build management experience leading a strong and multicultural team.

How to apply

Please send your CV and cover letter by email to Julien.Schiettecatte@mavence.com, mentioning “ Recharge General Manager” in the object.

Contact Person

Julien Schiettecatte