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.
Manufacturing & Process Improvement Manager
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Manufacturing & Process Improvement Manager
Apply for this role
About this Position
The Manufacturing & Process Improvement manager Manager leads the process engineering function at the Scheemda manufacturing plant, supporting the production of adhesives, lubricants, electronic inks, and graphite-milled products. This role is responsible for driving process performance, supporting new technology introductions, and leading continuous improvement initiatives that increase operational efficiency, quality, and scalability.
The manager will act as the key interface between plant operations and the global technology network, ensuring that process design, control, and optimization efforts are aligned with business and operational goals. The role requires strong technical expertise, cross-functional collaboration, and a proactive approach to solving complex process challenges
What you´ll do
1. Process Engineering Leadership
- Lead the development, optimization, and troubleshooting of manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and consistency.
- Support daily operations by providing technical expertise and problem-solving guidance on process deviations and inefficiencies.
- Manage process documentation, including P&IDs, mass and energy balances, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Oversee implementation of process control improvements and advanced automation technologies.
- Lead or support capital projects related to process upgrades, expansions, and debottlenecking.
2. New Technology & Product Introduction
- Serve as the plant’s technical contact for process technology transfers and the scale-up of new products.
- Collaborate with R&D, product development, and global engineering teams to ensure smooth implementation of new processes.
- Coordinate process validation and commissioning activities for new installations or product introductions.
- Ensure readiness of the production environment and documentation to support technology introduction and long-term operability.
3. Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization
- Identify opportunities to reduce cycle times, improve yields, lower energy consumption, and increase plant throughput.
- Apply structured problem-solving and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, root cause analysis).
- Use process data and digital tools to monitor KPIs and implement data-driven process optimizations.
- Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to enhance equipment reliability and process stability.
4. Digitalization & Technical Innovation
- Champion the use of data analytics, digital dashboards, and process monitoring systems to improve process visibility and decision-making.
- Identify and implement advanced automation solutions and control strategies to drive consistency and reduce variability.
- Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in process engineering and apply relevant innovations to plant operations.
5. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
- Work closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and HSE teams to ensure process reliability, compliance, and product quality.
- Act as the primary liaison with global and regional technology functions, ensuring alignment on technical standards, best practices, and innovation roadmaps.
- Communicate process performance updates and project progress to site and regional leadership.
- Support training of plant personnel on new processes, procedures, and technologies.
6. Technical Compliance & Documentation
- Ensure all process engineering work complies with internal standards and external regulations related to manufacturing operations.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date technical documentation for all processes and equipment.
- Support audits and inspections by providing technical information and ensuring process traceability.
What makes you a good fit
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a process engineering role within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience in the processing of adhesives, lubricants, electronic inks, or similar specialty chemicals is preferred.
- Strong expertise in process design, process control, and scale-up methodologies.
- Experience with process modeling tools and digital data analysis platforms is an asset.
- Proven project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.
- Strong analytical thinking, communication, and team collaboration skills.
Key Competencies
- Deep knowledge of process engineering principles and manufacturing systems
- Expertise in process troubleshooting and optimization
- Strong digital mindset and interest in data-driven decision-making
- Effective cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
Work Environment
- This role is based at the Scheemda manufacturing site and includes both office and shop-floor presence.
- Occasional travel to other sites or for training and technical alignment may be required.
Some perks of joining Henkel
- Flexible work scheme with flexible hours, 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
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: 25088149
Job Locations: Netherlands, Groningen, Scheemda
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.