Technical Application Manager Hydrogen EMEA

As the world and the way people live is changing, at Bekaert we believe it’s our responsibility to contribute to finding new solutions for the future.

Our ambition is to be the leading partner for shaping the way we live and move. And to always do this the Bekaert Way – safe, smart, and sustainable.

With a heritage of more than 140 years, we continue to strengthen our core competencies that have made Bekaert a global market and technology leader in material science of steel wire transformation and coating technologies. Today, we also apply our expertise beyond steel to create new solutions with innovative materials and services for markets including new mobility, low-carbon construction, and green energy. As a dynamic and growing company with over 27,000 employees worldwide, 75 nationalities, a retention rate above 90% and a revenue of €7 billion, we're looking for someone like you to join our team!

Why join us?

• Personal Growth – Let us help you unlock your full potential
• Pioneering – Join us to challenge the impossible
• Creativity - Discover possibilities beyond steel
• Purpose – Drive progress for our planet and people
• Diversity – Together, we create change

About the role

The Technical Application Manager is to provide technical support to our customer base and be the application specialist in the Bekaert Hydrogen organization, with a focus on the product/application segment of Advanced PTL’s (Porous Transport Layers) for PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) and AEM (Anion Exchange Membrane) electrolysis.

Your Impact as Technical Application Manager Hydrogen:

• Customer specification handling, design review, support material selection.
• Material evaluation: provide samples and prototypes, follow-up on evaluations, troubleshooting and productivity improvement
• Align PTL Quality Agreements with customer and Bekaert internal stakeholders
• Lead organization of customer audits, product and process qualification of customer products (PPAP) and First Article Inspection (FAI)
• Application knowledge: build in-depth understanding of the application (product portfolio, product performance, customer applications, ...)
• Build in-depth knowledge of the functional requirements, product properties and specifications, customer's product roadmap, technology trends, technical challenges, unmet needs, development needs, production processes and way of working at the customer.
• Map competitors and their product portfolio, analyze & benchmark competitive products - making value curve.
• Provide technical assistance to Commercial and Product & Strategy teams for all application, technical and product related topics.
• Provide input for the Product Roadmap: Provide Application & Customer intelligence to Product Manager for new product developments.
• Inform customers of technical developments and introduction of new products / new features
• Understands the value of products and the strength of the customer need and communicates to Product Manager / NPI Steerco
• Work with the Strategy & Product and R&I teams to develop and implement solutions
• Coordinate communication and actions between customer and internal stakeholders when resolving technical complaints: eg. involve Global Quality, Process, R&D when/if needed, organize joint visits etc.
• Represent Bekaert at fairs, events, conferences, and seminars for marketing communication.
• Network with stakeholders in the market, including peer suppliers, customers, and experts.

About You

Essential skills & competencies

• University Degree in science or engineering, ie chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or other related fields.
• Minimum 5 years of techno commercial experience
• Knowledge or understanding in the domain of electrochemistry (electrocatalysis, fuel cell/electrolyser components, catalyst coating, electrochemical testing, etc) would be a plus.
• Experience in Chemical, Automotive or Energy Industry would be preferred.
• Knowledge of technology, product properties and production processes in general, expertise in solving technical issues and complaints, able to absorb and structure technical information to become an application expert in a new technical domain, technical specification agreements (eg. PPAP etc.)
• Organizes optimal support for customers internally. Is driven to solve key issues adequately, also in difficult circumstances. Sets sharp deadlines. Mobilizes peers and services to offer, as a team, service to customers. Coordinates the approach, evaluates the results, and gives feedback.
• Responds in an alert and positive way to customer questions. Anticipates on possible questions and requests.
• Conducts correct technical analyses and translates them into technical solutions.
• Builds durable trusting relationships. Develops personal relationships that create an atmosphere of open communication and easy exchange of up-to-date and relevant information.
• Strong narrative and presentation skills.

What is in it for you?

• A Competitive salary with Benefits.
• Learning programs developed by our L&D department.
• A great opportunity to play your part in an international growth story.
• A chance to grow along with your responsibilities (national or international).

Will you dare to take the next step?

Join us to unlock your full potential AND have a true impact in pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

We're looking for individuals who are not afraid to take risks and explore new ideas. If you are passionate about personal growth and bringing your authentic self to work, we want you on our team!

At Bekaert, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. To learn more about us and our exciting career opportunities, visit Bekaert Careers

Our Hydrogen BU is a dynamic and innovative scale-up business, part of Bekaert’s Specialty Businesses. We specialize in the Energy Transition, with a focus on Hydrogen generation. Our international team features young and diverse professionals bursting with entrepreneurial spirit. Are you a talented individual passionate about renewable energy? Do you want to be part of a growing, exciting team? Join us in shaping the future of renewable energy!