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 HPS and Maintenance
Apply for this role
Head of HPS and Maintenance
Apply for this role
About this position
About this Position
We are seeking a visionary and hands-on leader to design, deploy, and sustain a world-class Henkel Production System (HPS) and Maintenance strategy across all global sites. This role drives operational excellence, continuous improvement, and a high-performance, people-centric culture.
What you´ll do
- Set the vision & roadmap for the Henkel Production System and Maintenance strategy, aligned with Adhesives Operations objectives.
- Lead global teams of lean and maintenance experts, mentoring regional leaders and building a culture of operational excellence.
- Deploy a global OE framework integrating Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, and modern best practices, tailored to local site maturity.
- Build a culture of CI across the E2E value chain, embedding equipment ownership, structured problem-solving, and lean leadership behaviors.
- Develop people & skills, including global operator skill programs, lean/maintenance training, certifications, and capability roadmaps.
- Standardize daily management systems, problem-solving routines, and workplace practices (5S, Kaizen, visual management).
- Drive focused improvements in value creation, waste elimination, material/information flow, automation, and process simplification.
- Ensure equipment reliability through autonomous & preventive maintenance, CMMS use, structural loss elimination, and spare parts optimization.
- Leverage digital enablers (IoT, real-time dashboards, connected worker platforms) with IT to scale lean and predictive maintenance.
- Collaborate cross-functionally & with leadership, ensuring alignment with operations, supply chain, quality, and engineering, while reporting performance and risks.
What makes you a good fit
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- Minimum of 10–15 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing and continuous improvement roles – ideally at global, regional and local level
- Manufacturing site leadership experience
- Proven success in designing and deploying a global production system or lean transformation program. Experience in successfully designing and deploying an operational excellence framework across global manufacturing operations is a big plus
- Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, and structured problem solving methodologies (e.g., A3, 5-Why, DMAIC).
- Experience with / leading Digital Manufacturing technologies deployment and their application in operational excellence.
- Strong change management and cross-cultural leadership skills; ability to influence at all levels.
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with a hands-on, shop-floor orientation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Lean, Six Sigma certifications
- Certifications such as CMRP (Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional) or PMP (Project Management Professional)
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
- Canteen discount
- 30 days of holidays
- Company car/ car allowance.
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: 25085543
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.