Skip to main content Skip to primary navigation

Pieter Arickx

Commercial Manager
Olen, Belgium
Electro-Optic Materials
Working for Umicore since 2013
"Umicore gives you plenty of opportunities to grow and develop, and cares about their employees and their opinions"

Can you describe your role/position at Umicore?

I am responsible for selling all Germanium-related products in our portfolio on the European and Asian markets, as well as purchasing raw materials and developing recycling loops. I also manage the back-office team, which ensures that all contact with our customers and partners are as smooth as possible.

What do you like about your job?

The combination of both purchasing and selling makes the job diverse. We sell very technical products so you really need to have the right technical knowledge. It is also great to work constantly with people from the inside and outside of the company; it keeps the job interesting. This role offers plenty of challenges too, especially given the fact that the market and requests are changing all the time.

What do you like about working at Umicore?

Umicore gives you plenty of opportunities to grow and develop, and cares about their employees and their opinions. You can be part and contribute in different projects that are not necessarily under your role, which broadens your overview and offers new challenges.

Why did you want to work at Umicore?

When I was at University, I was already convinced about Umicore’s sustainable story and its contribution to the future. For me, this makes a difference and means a true 'way of life'.

What do you look forward to when you set off to work in the morning?

Rising to the daily challenges, smooth and friendly communication with colleagues and interesting discussions.

What has been the highlight of your time at Umicore so far?

In 2016 I got the chance to participate in the Junior Umicore Managers Programme (JUMP). After an intensive introductory week, I spent a month on exchange at Umicore Brazil, working and learning alongside with our colleagues there. And I can say, hand on heart, that I am still friends with the other people who participated on the programme.

Any advice for newcomers?

Don’t be shy about coming up with your own ideas and volunteer to participate in all sorts of side projects. You’ll see that many doors are open at Umicore. It is a great way to discover and develop your own strengths.