Global Sustainability & Regulatory Innovation Lead

Henkel group; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Henkel in the United Arab Emirates seeks a senior leader to shape and drive its R&D and innovation strategy. The role focuses on sustainable, high-performing, cost-effective product solutions and translating market needs into concepts, with transfer to manufacturing.

You will guide global product strategy, collaborate across functions, and build external partnerships to advance technology transfer and value creation. The position requires strong leadership across global teams.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of relevant professional experience in R&D, Product Development, Innovation, Regulatory Affairs, or a related technical function.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive a sustainable global product strategy focused on continuous innovation, product performance, quality enhancement, and cost optimization.
• Collaborate with IMU to define product briefs and lead strategic innovation projects, ensuring market-ready solutions that meet consumer needs.
• Identify and implement emerging technologies by leveraging scientific literature, patents, market insights, industry conferences, and open innovation networks.
• Execute patent strategies to ensure freedom to operate, protect intellectual property, and identify licensing opportunities.
• Facilitate the transfer of technical knowledge, innovations, and product specifications to regional R&D teams and manufacturing facilities.
• Partner with IMU, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Legal, Market Research, and global and regional R&D teams to deliver business objectives.
• Build strategic collaborations with suppliers, startups, manufacturers, research institutions, and other innovation partners.
• Represent Henkel at scientific conferences, industry committees, and professional forums, strengthening its reputation as an innovation leader.
• Initiate and lead cost-saving and Design-to-Value initiatives while maintaining product quality and performance.
• Lead, coach, and develop the R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor departmental expenditures and ensure effective management of annual budgets and cost centers.
• Ensure all departmental activities comply with Henkel guidelines, quality management systems, safety standards, and applicable legal regulations.

Skills

R&D

Product development

Innovation

Regulatory affairs

Sustainability

Job description

Henkel in the United Arab Emirates seeks a senior leader to shape and drive its R&D and innovation strategy. The role focuses on sustainable, high-performing, cost-effective product solutions and translating market needs into concepts, with transfer to manufacturing.

You will guide global product strategy, collaborate across functions, and build external partnerships to advance technology transfer and value creation. The position requires strong leadership across global teams.