Building on a strong legacy of almost 150 years, we are leading the way to reimagine and improve life every day. Today and for generations to come. Through our innovative and sustainable brands and technologies, across our teams around the world.
Henkel holds leading positions in both industrial and consumer businesses: Our portfolio includes well-known hair care products, laundry detergents, fabric softeners as well as adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings.
Head of Innovation for Infrastructure, Protection & Repair
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About this Position
At Henkel, you’ll be part of an organization that’s shaping the future through innovation, sustainability and collaboration. With our trusted brands like Persil®, ‘all®, Loctite®, Snuggle®, and Schwarzkopf® and our cutting-edge technologies, you’ll have countless opportunities to explore new paths and grow.
This position is with our Adhesive Technologies business unit – where we empower our people to transform industries and provide our customers with a competitive advantage through adhesives, sealants and functional coatings.
Dare to learn new skills, advance in your career and make an impact at Henkel.
What you´ll do
As the Head of Innovation for Infrastructure Protection & Repair (IPR), you will lead our global product development teams across coatings, composite repair, adhesives, and protective technologies. You will be the driving force behind shaping our innovation strategy, building a strong technical culture, integrating teams, and enabling the next generation of market‑shaping solutions.
- Lead the integration of technical teams into one unified IPR innovation organization.
- Build a collaborative, high‑trust culture across diverse backgrounds.
- Drive the execution of IPR’s global innovation strategy.
- Manage and prioritize the global product development and technology portfolio.
- Lead key technology programs across coatings, composite repair, corrosion protection, and thermal/structural solutions.
- Lead and coach ~35 product development & technical experts across regions.
- Retain and develop talent during the integration phase.
- Set and monitor KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
- Build strong relationships with customers in core segments.
- Support customer visits, technical decisions, and major opportunities.
- Build partnerships with external suppliers, research institutions, and industry experts.
- Ensure strong collaboration across regional technology and PD hubs.
What makes you a good fit
- Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
- 10+ years industry experience in adhesives, coatings, sealants, composites, or protective coating technologies.
- Strong product development or engineering experience within industrial applications.
- Proven track record leading large technical teams (~15+; ideally 30+).
- Experience leading organizational transformations or building new teams.
- Strong people leadership: motivation, coaching, conflict management.
- Strategic mindset with ability to connect innovation to business value.
- Strong commercial orientation and customer understanding.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to influence across organizations.
- Collaborative mindset and ability to unify diverse teams.
- Process-focused and data-driven.
Some benefits of joining Henkel
- Health Insurance: affordable plans for medical, dental, vision and wellbeing starting on day 1
- Work-Life Balance: Paid time off including sick, vacation, holiday and volunteer time, flexible & hybrid work policies (depending on role), and vacation buy / sell program
- Financial: 401k matching, employee share plan with voluntary investment and Henkel matching shares, annual performance bonus, service awards and student loan reimbursement
- Family Support: 12-week gender neutral parental leave (up to 20 weeks for parents giving birth), fertility support, adoption & surrogacy reimbursement, discounted child and elderly care, and scholarships
- Career Growth: diverse national and international growth opportunities, access to thousands of skills development courses, and tuition reimbursement
The salary for this role is $140000.00 - $170000.00. This is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.
Henkel does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Unsolicited referrals and resumes are considered Henkel property and therefore, Henkel will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited referral.
Henkel is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.
JOB ID: req81333
Job Locations: United States, TX, Dallas, TX | United States, TX, Houston, TX
Contact information for application-related questions: talent.acquisition@henkel.com
Please do not use this email address for sending your application or CV. To apply, please click on the "Apply for this role" button below. Applications sent via e-mail will not be accepted.
Application Deadline: As long as the vacancy is listed on our Career Site, we are happy to receive your application
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About Henkel
FAQ
I am interested in several jobs. Can I apply for multiple positions at the same time?
Yes – simply fill out your profile in our online application system. Once your online profile is complete, you can apply for multiple positions.
The job offer is written in English – should I write my application in English as well?
Yes, please. As Henkel is an international company you will be working with colleagues from all over the world and English is our official company language. Generally, the ‘rule’ is: please write the application in the same language as the job ad.
Do I get feedback during the application process about the state of my application?
Each position that we have open with Henkel is unique, and finding the right candidate is important for both the hired candidate as well as for Henkel. We want to make sure that both the candidate and the company are a good fit for each other. We will provide feedback to the candidates throughout the entire process.
Can employees move between business areas and/or to a different country?
Yes, in fact it is an expectation within Henkel that our talent is flexible and mobile. This helps to support the company on a broad, global level.
Our “Triple Two” philosophy promotes this expectation, by allowing you to work in at least two different roles, in two different business areas and two different countries. The reason behind this philosophy is that we believe working in different roles, business units and functions is good for your personal development and improves your understanding of Henkel as a global company.
Here you will get further information on our training programs.
Whom do I contact if I have questions concerning my application?
Our recruiting team will help you with all requests regarding your application. Contact the team here.