Director Global Strategy - Alumina Raw Materials & Mixes

Vienna | Full time

Your position

In this role, you will own the global product strategy for RHI Magnesita’s Raw Materials and Refractory Mixes portfolio, with a strong focus on alumina-based raw materials and alumina-containing refractory mixes as a core strategic segment. You act as the strategic interface between Supply Chain, Marketing, R&D, operations, and CAPEX stakeholders, translating portfolio strategy into clear, executable roadmaps and driving disciplined execution across the organization. Your scope includes sourcing strategy, manufacturing footprint, portfolio positioning, innovation and CAPEX prioritization, as well as sustainability and decarbonization strategies. You also lead cross-functional and regional governance for strategy execution, ensuring effective decision-making, follow-up, and measurable business impact.

Your tasks

• Defining and driving global product and portfolio strategy, with a strong focus on alumina-based raw materials and refractory mixes, including positioning, scope, and differentiation
• Owning long-term portfolio profitability by steering cost structures, alumina sourcing strategies, and asset competitiveness across regions
• Setting and guiding global R&D and innovation priorities, including optimization of alumina-based systems, new formulations, and alternative raw materials
• Leading footprint optimization and M&A initiatives, including capacity and investment decisions, as well as alumina supply security and partnerships
• Driving cross-functional execution and governance, aligning Supply Chain, R&D, Operations, and Marketing to deliver measurable business impact

Your profile

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline, such as Metallurgy, Materials Science, Process Engineering, or Chemistry (Master’s or PhD is an advantage)
• Extensive professional experience in refractory mixes and/or raw materials, with mandatory deep expertise in alumina-based raw materials and alumina-containing refractory mixes (including material properties, processing routes, supplier landscape, and application performance)
• Deep understanding of the refractory industry and raw material markets (including alumina market dynamics, key cost drivers, sourcing strategies, and contract management)
• Proven leadership experience in senior or expert roles, combining strategic perspective with hands-on execution to shape global portfolio direction and deliver tangible business outcomes
• Demonstrated success in global, cross-functional leadership, steering senior stakeholders and translating market and product strategies into effective execution

Languages: English – fluent; German and other languages are considered an asset

Our offer

The annual gross salary for this full-time position starts at €120,000.00, with a competitive package based on qualifications, experience, and market values.

Flexibility: Possibility of home office and flexible, trust-based working hours

Mobility: Annual public transport pass (Wiener Linien)

Health: Sponsorship of sporting events, platform for mental & physical health (Mavie)

Plus: Our own café and daily food allowance for numerous restaurants (Europlaza), corporate benefits platform

In addition to these local benefits for Vienna, we also offer you many global benefits.

Do you want to take the next step?

Please apply online in English, as applications by e-mail cannot be considered for data protection reasons. Here you can find all the details about our application process.

At RHI Magnesita, everyone is welcome! We embrace diversity in all forms and evaluate applications solely based on qualifications and experience. If you share our passion for shaping tomorrow’s world, we’d love to hear from you, even if you don’t meet all the requirements. We also actively encourage individuals with disabilities to submit their application.

Do you have more questions?

Nina Missethon (Head of Talent Acquisition - Europe & CIS)

E-Mail: talent.europe@rhimagnesita.com

Phone / WhatsApp: +43 699 1870 5465

About RHI Magnesita

As the global leader in refractories, we supply advanced products, technologies and services essential for high-temperature industrial processes in sectors such as steel, cement, and glass. With around 20,000 employees and production sites across the globe, we are committed to fostering innovation, sustainability, and market leadership. By leading the industry in reducing emissions and supporting our customers' transitions to greener solutions, we are shaping tomorrow’s world.

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