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 Global Packaging Center Of Excellence (d/f/m)
Apply for this role
Head Of Global Packaging Center Of Excellence (d/f/m)
Apply for this role
About this Position
The Head of the Packaging Center of Excellence (CoE) will lead the global strategy, innovation, and development of packaging across all packaging and product categories for our Adhesive Technologies business. This role is pivotal in driving harmonization, optimization, and innovation within the packaging portfolio. The successful candidate will oversee packaging innovation scouting, supplier collaboration, packaging development, mold asset management, optimization programs and engagement in complex projects in collaboration with regional implementation teams.
What you´ll do
- Own and manage the global strategic packaging category portfolio, ensuring alignment with business goals through harmonization, standardization, and continuous improvement
- Lead the scouting of packaging innovations and emerging technologies. Develop global packaging roadmaps aligned with future market trends, technical advancement, and sustainability goals
- Identify, develop, and maintain strategic technical relationships with global packaging suppliers. Ensure effective collaboration to support innovation, quality, and supply continuity
- Provide technical leadership and packaging development support for critical, cross-functional initiatives. Leverage deep category knowledge to deliver optimal solutions in design, performance, cost, and sustainability
- Partner with regional project implementation teams on the development and execution of complex packaging projects owning new packaging development part. Ensure feasibility, scalability, and successful deployment of solutions aligned with business requirements
- Oversee the full lifecycle and utilization of packaging molds globally. Ensure efficient resource allocation and strategic investment in tooling to support business agility and cost-effectiveness
- Lead and inspire a centralized, high-performing team based in Europe (7 direct reports). Foster strong collaboration internally across functions (operations, sub-business units, regional packaging teams, compliance, sustainability) and externally with strategic suppliers, research laboratories, technical partners and other stakeholders
- Champion an integrated, cross-boundary approach to packaging excellence globally
What makes you a good fit
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Design, or a related field
- Minimum 8 years of experience in packaging development and innovation, including at least 5 years in a leadership or Center of Excellence role
- Strategic and Technical Expertise: Proven ability to lead global packaging portfolios, mold design, and innovation pipelines with strong knowledge of materials, technologies, and lifecycle management
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Demonstrated success in managing complex, cross-functional programs and supplier partnerships, with a proactive, results-driven, and sustainability-focused mindset
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Excellent leadership, collaboration, and negotiation skills, with high adaptability and strong global business acumen
- Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus
The position can also be filled in either Amsterdam or Dublin, with a frequent presence in Düsseldorf required.
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
- Globally 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
- Company Pension Plan 100% financed by Henkel
- MEGA Preventive Health Insurance
- CareFlex Supplementary Care Insurance
- Mobility offer: My Henkel Bike and Jobticket
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, generations and disabilities. If there are any specific accommodations or adjustments you require for the interview process or your on-site appointment, please inform us, and we'll do our best to accommodate your requests.
JOB ID: 25082515
Job Locations: Germany, North Rhine Westphalia, Düsseldorf
Contact information for application-related questions: Recruitment-Germany@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
Job-Center: If you have an application already, you can create or log in to your account here to check the status of your application. In case of new account creation, please use your email address that you applied with.
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.