About the organisation
A.I.S.E. represents the detergents & maintenance products industry in Europe and we have been the voice of the industry to EU regulators for more than 70 years. Membership consists of 29 national associations across Europe, 18 corporate members and 18 value chain partners. Through this extensive network, A.I.S.E. represents over 900 companies supplying household and professional cleaning products and services across Europe. Committed to promoting sustainable practices and innovation, A.I.S.E. collaborates closely with European institutions, industry stakeholders, and the public to enhance the sector’s environmental protection, consumer safety, and regulatory compliance efforts.
About the role
A.I.S.E. is seeking a Head of Sustainability to lead the association’s sustainability strategy and activities. The role combines strategic leadership, policy expertise, programme management and stakeholder engagement, positioning A.I.S.E. as a credible and forward-looking voice on sustainability at EU-level.
The Head of Sustainability will be based in Brussels and work in close coordination with member companies, national associations, EU institutions and other relevant stakeholders, and will contribute actively to the overall strategic direction of A.I.S.E. The successful candidate will join a multicultural and dynamic team and report to the Director General and/or the Deputy Director General of the association.
The role and core deliverables:
- Lead the sustainability activities with an opportunity to shape and own the Association’s strategy.
- Monitor, analyse and coordinate A.I.S.E. positions on EU sustainability-related legislation and initiatives, including but not limited to circular economy, packaging, ESPR, Digital Product Passport, biotech, LCA, product sustainability and consumer information, sustainable chemicals and green transition policies.
- Lead sector-wide sustainability initiatives and identify emerging sustainability trends, risks and opportunities relevant to the detergents and maintenance products industry. Shape a forward-looking sustainability agenda for the sector.
- Build A.I.S.E.’s reputation and profile as a trusted hub for science‑based sustainability expertise, providing EU policymakers and stakeholders with credible, evidence‑driven input to support sound and effective decision‑ To this end, interact with EU decision-makers, industry stakeholders, value-chain partners and as well as the Association’s members including its network of National Associations.
- Manage the sustainability team.
- Contribute to A.I.S.E. Leadership Team with the Director General, the Deputy Director General and other team leaders.
- Organise and lead the A.I.S.E. Sustainability Steering Group meetings as well as the technical working groups (agenda, meetings, follow-ups, action items etc.).
- Support the membership and the Public Affairs department with content ahead of meetings with Members of the European Parliament, the Permanent Representations to the EU and relevant European Commission DGs including Cabinets.
- Contribute proactively to the definition of the Association’s advocacy priorities by working closely with the Public Affairs department on annual and multi‑annual planning, ensuring sustainability considerations are integrated from an early stage into political strategies and narratives.
- Ability to build bridges between the Sustainability Department and the Public Affairs, Communication and Regulatory departments to achieve our common objective: influence legislation and be the voice of the sector at EU-level. Work closely with internal policy colleagues to ensure coherence between sustainability objectives and regulatory advocacy.
- Coordinate closely with the Public Affairs and Communications departments on politically sensitive or high‑profile sustainability files, identifying reputational and policy risks early and contributing to consistent messaging, positioning and stakeholder engagement.
- Network and (pro-)actively engage with stakeholders. Build alliances. Represent the association externally and engage with policy makers and stakeholders.
- Bring people and partnerships to the association. Be a sustainability ambassador of the detergents industry. Represent the association at external events including as a speaker.
- Manage budgets and resources allocated to sustainability programmes and projects. Ensure effective planning, delivery and reporting of sustainability activities.
Your profile:
- Advanced university degree in sustainability, environmental sciences, engineering, or a related field.
- Minium 8 years of professional experience. This can be in a similar role in a Brussels-based association, consultancy, company, or advocacy organisation.
- Solid understanding of the broader sustainability agenda. Ability to shape a forward-looking agenda for the sector. Relevant sustainability experience with industry, chemicals or consumer goods sector, and on policy initiatives such as PPWR, Digital Product Passport, PEF, and/or ESPR.
- A solid understanding of the functioning of the European institutions and EU decision-making process is a must. Proven leadership skills and with strategic and conceptual thinking.
- Ability to translate technical matters into sound policy messages.
- Solid IT skills, understanding of EU digital policies.
- A strong leader, able to engage and drive multifunctional teams towards a common goal.
- Proven experience in multi-stakeholder coordination and consensus-building.
- Ability to operate strategically while managing complex operational files.
- Strong communicator. Proficient user of English. Knowledge of other EU languages is a plus.
- Excellent collaboration skills and agility to work across interfaces, with a sense of discretion and bridging opinions towards what is best for the sector.
- Team player with an open and international mindset.
- Open to travel and present at conferences and events.
What A.I.S.E. Offers:
- A senior, high-impact role at the heart of an EU trade association.
- A dynamic, international working environment.
- Opportunities to shape sector-wide sustainability strategies and initiatives, in collaboration with senior sustainability experts from industry
- A competitive and attractive remuneration package, including benefits.
