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.
Packaging Category Manager/Expert (d/f/m)
Apply for this role
Packaging Category Manager/Expert (d/f/m)
Apply for this role
About this position
What you´ll do
- Act as the global technical authority for a specific packaging category (e.g., rigid plastics, foils, flexible films, metal packaging), maintaining in-depth expertise on materials, production technologies, performance characteristics, and supplier landscape
- Lead standardization and rationalization efforts across global packaging specifications within the assigned category, identifying opportunities to reduce complexity, cost, and inefficiencies
- Develop packaging solutions for projects requiring new packaging, working closely with the Packaging Project Implementation team, which owns the end-to-end project execution
- Ensure timely delivery of robust, “first-time-right” packaging specifications that meet technical, regulatory, and functional requirements
- Monitor and evaluate emerging technologies, materials, and category trends. Translate opportunities into actionable development or optimization initiatives in alignment with strategic priorities and sustainability targets
- Contribute technical leadership to packaging development in innovation, renovation, or sustainability-driven projects. Ensure category-specific feasibility, manufacturability, and performance throughout project lifecycles
- Identify strategic suppliers and converters for the category. Manage technical relationships, lead qualification processes, and ensure materials and components meet performance, quality, and sustainability standards
- Ensure developed packaging solutions in the category support Henkel’s sustainability targets and comply with global packaging regulations, including recyclability, circularity, and materials compliance
What makes you a good fit
- University degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in packaging development or category management, with strong expertise in one or more specific packaging categories
- Deep technical expertise in packaging innovation, material optimization, and regulatory compliance (e.g., PPWR, recyclability, food contact)
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects in global, matrixed environments with strong collaboration and stakeholder influence
- Strategic yet detail-oriented mindset with strong analytical, communication, and project coordination skills
- Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus
This position can also be filled in Dublin or Barcelona, with a frequent presence in Düsseldorf required.
Some perks of joining Henkel
- 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: 25082523
Job Locations: Germany, North Rhine Westphalia, Düsseldorf | Ireland, Leinster, Dublin | Spain, Catalonia, Barcelona
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.