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.
Lean Manufacturing Expert (Henkel Production System)
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About this position
About this Position
As a Lean Manufacturing Expert (Henkel Production System), you will play a critical role in driving operational excellence across Henkel's global manufacturing network. You will lead the deployment and continuous improvement of the Henkel Production System (HPS), partnering with regional and site leadership teams to enhance productivity, eliminate waste, optimize processes, and build a sustainable culture of continuous improvement. Through your expertise in Lean Manufacturing and change management, you will enable sites to achieve world-class operational performance and support Henkel's long-term growth ambitions.
What you´ll do
- Lead the deployment, governance, and continuous evolution of the Henkel Production System (HPS) across global manufacturing sites.
- Conduct operational assessments, identify performance gaps, and develop improvement roadmaps aligned with HPS standards and business objectives.
- Drive Lean transformation initiatives through the implementation of Daily Management, Visual Management, Standard Work, 5S, Kaizen, and performance management systems.
- Facilitate value stream optimization initiatives to improve material flow, reduce waste and inventory, and increase operational productivity.
- Lead OEE improvement programs and structured problem-solving activities to eliminate losses and improve manufacturing performance.
- Develop, standardize, and continuously enhance HPS methodologies, tools, training materials, and implementation guidelines to ensure global consistency.
- Collaborate with regional and site leadership teams to deploy best practices, strengthen Lean maturity, and accelerate operational excellence.
- Train, coach, and mentor site leaders, operators, and Lean practitioners to build long-term continuous improvement capabilities.
- Support the Operational Excellence framework through KPI analysis, performance reviews, governance processes, and strategic roadmap development.
- Partner with Digital and IT teams to leverage data analytics, digital solutions, and real-time performance management tools that accelerate business results.
What makes you a good fit
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing environments, with a proven track record of leading Lean transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Daily Management Systems, Standard Work, Visual Management, Continuous Improvement methodologies, and Structured Problem Solving.
- Experience facilitating Kaizen events, workshops, and capability-building programs while coaching manufacturing teams and site leadership.
- Strong analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate operational challenges into sustainable improvements.
- Experience driving performance improvements through operational excellence tools, KPI management, and loss elimination methodologies.
- Knowledge of production system deployments such as Toyota Production System (TPS), Danaher Business System (DBS), Henkel Production System (HPS), Unilever Manufacturing System (UMS), or similar frameworks.
- Experience working within multinational manufacturing organizations; exposure to digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies is considered an advantage.
- Demonstrated change leadership, strong facilitation skills, shop-floor credibility, and the ability to influence stakeholders across functions and organizational levels.
- Willingness to travel extensively globally and ability to collaborate effectively across cultures and diverse manufacturing environments.
Some perks of joining Henkel
- Flexible work scheme with flexible hours, hybrid work model, and work from anywhere policy for up to 30 days per year
- Diverse national and international growth opportunities
- Global wellbeing standards with health and preventive care programs
- Gender-neutral parental leave for a minimum of 8 weeks
- Employee Share Plan with voluntary investment and Henkel matching shares
- Pension Fund
- Disability Insurance
- Health Insurance discount
- Canteen discount
At Henkel, we come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe the uniqueness of all our employees is the power in us. Become part of the team and bring your uniqueness to us! We welcome all applications across different genders, origins, cultures, religions, sexual orientations, disabilities, and generations.
JOB ID: 26101555
Job Locations: Netherlands, North Holland, Amsterdam
Contact information for application-related questions: recruitment.benelux@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.