Product Steward

The Product Steward, Fibers is a key link between Eastman's Business Unit (SBU) and the larger global Product Stewardship - Regulatory Affairs (PSRA) organization. In this role, you'll provide global Product Steward leadership for the tobacco and textile segments. You will be responsible for developing /maintaining relationships with Product, 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 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 the business strategies. This role will begin with a focus on the fibers organization with the opportunity to grow into additional areas based on workload.

The position is located in North America, preferably Kingsport, TN or EMEA, preferably Ghent or Rotterdam and reports to the Global Product Steward Manager, CASE/CI/Fibers/SFE

• Regulatory Insights: Work closely with global regulatory functions and regional experts to understand current and changing/emerging regulations impacting the 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 commercialization of new products
  
  
  
  
• Business Relationship Management:Build close relationships with the SBU representatives and the business and technology personnel, which includes clear lines of communication with Product, Marketing and Technology Managers 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
  • Proactively 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 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:
  
  
  
  • Stage Gate project portfolio as a team member and resource, ensuring early and consistent engagement during product/offer development while regulatory considerations are appropriately considered
  • Identifying actions across the different 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
  • Represent Eastman as regulatory expert in Customer, Supplier and End User/Brand Owner meetings
  
  
  
  

• Minimum of Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or related technical degree required
• 3+ years Product Stewardship, regulatory and/or advocacy experience required
• Technical experience in Fibers a plus
• Proven track record in project management
• Experience with cross-functional teams
• Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally <20%

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated bias for action
• Courageous decision making
• Strong team player who is not afraid to ask for help
• Results focused