Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2023 revenue of approximately $9.2 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

The Role

 

The Product Steward is a key link between Eastman’s Strategic Business Unit (SBU) and the larger global Product Stewardship - Regulatory Affairs (PSRA) organization. This position will provide EMEA Product Steward leadership for the regional market segments of the CASE business and Product Steward support for the other global market segments. The successful candidate is responsible for developing/maintaining relationships with SBU key persons, Marketing and Technology Management teams, and providing them with comprehensive Regulatory support, insights, threats/opportunities and recommendations.  The role involves a deep understanding of the regulatory space of the relevant market segments and Eastman’s product offerings, and a hands-on approach to identify and obtain the necessary registrations, third-party certifications and other regulatory clearances required to enable continued / extended market access for existing products and new product launches in line with the global business strategy.

Eastman promotes role rotations as part of the development of all Product Stewards. The identification of the relevant SBU’s will be determined in consultation with all Product Stewards and the successful candidate.

We will consider candidates located in one of our offices: Rotterdam, The Netherlands or Langenfeld, Germany.

 

Responsibilities

 

Regulatory Insights:  Work closely with global regulatory functions and regional experts to understand current and changing / emerging regulations impacting the relevant market and product lines in order to: 

 

Enable continued compliance in case the classification of a product, raw material and/or additive is changing Ensure efficient development and filing of registrations, clearances, and petitions Ensure efficient development and commercialization of products Provide relevant content for regulatory inquiries, dossiers and notifications

 

Business Relationship Management:  Build close relationships with the CASE representatives, the business and technology personnel, which includes clear lines of communication with Product, Marketing and Technology Managers of the CASE product lines in order to:

 

Develop and document business specific PSRA objectives and strategies in line with SBU strategy Ensure alignment and regular communication on agreed needs, priorities and actions  Pro-actively investigate and communicate the regulatory risks and opportunities to the SBU.

 

Project management and execution:  Develop and facilitate global registrations, product regulatory clearances, third-party certifications and implementation of strategy plans by working closely with the SBU’s Product, Marketing and Technology Managers, Global Regulatory Experts (FDDC, ICCL, Sustainability/Circularity/Biodegradability) and Regional PSRA Personnel, as appropriate.  Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

 

Support project portfolio as team member and resource, ensuring early and consistent engagement during product/offer development to ensure that the regulatory considerations are appropriately considered Identifying actions across the different SBU and PSRA functions, creating timelines and estimating project costs Executing PSRA projects, ensuring progress and preparing the required dossiers, notifications and other regulatory documents Compiling information to develop regulatory documentation Communicating routine updates for each project

 

Advocacy: Initiate, drive and execute advocacy strategies to defend existing products and market access subject to developing legislation and influence the outcome of potential new legislation and regulatory trends.

 

Cooperation with Governmental Relations Develop / extend an external network of relevant project and subject matter experts such as consultants Participation in Industry sector groups and other advocacy platform groups Help develop and implement advocacy strategies for emerging regulations or product defense, as necessary

 

Customer/value chain Inquiries and Communication:  Facilitate external communication of regulatory topics through: 

 

Creation and distribution of responses to customer inquiries related to the safety-in-use of Eastman products Develop clear customer communication strategies with the assigned business when regulatory changes impact existing products Respond to inquiries and decisions of Authorities and Public Consultations Represent Eastman as regulatory expert in Customer, Supplier and End User / Brand Owner meetings Qualifications

 

Minimum of Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, polymer science, biology or related technical degree required 3+ years of experience in PSRA required and technical experience in the chemical industry preferred Experience in the coatings and inks industry preferred Proven track record in project management Other Skills and Abilities

 

Strong communicator both written and oral Fluent in English, both written and oral Demonstrated bias for action Courageous decision making Strong team player who is not afraid to ask for help Results orientated

 

Interested?

 

Please apply directly with the link.

Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully diverse workforce and a broadly inclusive workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day