R&D Perfect Clean Liquid Manager

Henkel Jebel Ali FZCO; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consumer goods company in Dubai is seeking a skilled R&D role focused on developing laundry liquid formulations. The candidate will lead a team of chemists while ensuring safety and compliance with company standards. Ideal applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, extensive formulation experience, and a passion for innovation in consumer products. This position offers the opportunity to impact R&D in a dynamic market.

Benefits

Diverse team environment

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in detergent or cleaner formulation development.
• Minimum 2 years of managerial or supervisory experience.
• Strong technical knowledge in laundry liquid formulation and raw materials.

Responsibilities

• Develop laundry liquid formulations within the assigned category.
• Plan and manage laboratory activities according to Good Laboratory Practices.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of chemists.

Skills

Laundry liquid formulation expertise

Project management

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field

Post-graduate studies preferred

Tools

MS Office

SAP

Job description

Consumer Brands R & D, United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Full Time Regular

Responsibilities

• Develop laundry liquid formulations within the assigned category, ensuring formula design and performance excellence.
• Plan and manage laboratory activities and data management according to Good Laboratory Practices.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of chemists while ensuring safety and compliance with Henkel standards.
• Drive cost optimization and formulation margin improvement initiatives across MEA markets.
• Support marketing, sales, and legal teams with technical expertise and product knowledge.
• Generate consumer insights and conduct performance testing to validate product superiority.
• Monitor competitors’ formulations and market trends to support innovation.
• Manage formula specifications, raw material compliance, and master data creation in SAP.
• Conduct formula audits and ensure alignment with Henkel’s local and global R&D standards.
• Coordinate with supply chain and co‑manufacturing teams to ensure seamless production implementation.
• Plan and execute product and market research tests to understand consumer needs.
• Support sustainability, SHE, and regulatory initiatives in laboratory operations.
• Oversee calibration, maintenance, and SOP updates of laboratory equipment.
• Ensure proper lab resource planning to prevent delays or out‑of‑stock situations.
• Lead ideation sessions, cross‑functional collaborations, and project updates within R&D.
• Manage training and onboarding of new lab staff, ensuring continuous skill development.
• Develop test methods and demos to highlight product superiority versus competitors.

What makes you a good fit

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field; post‑graduate studies preferred.
• 5‑8 years of experience in detergent or cleaner formulation development.
• Minimum 2 years of managerial or supervisory experience.
• Strong technical knowledge in laundry liquid formulation, raw materials, and testing methods.
• Experience in project management and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proficient in MS Office; English fluency required (Arabic, French, or German is a plus).

Some perks of joining Henkel

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 look for a diverse team of individuals who possess different backgrounds, experiences, personalities and mindsets.

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.