Regulatory and Sustainability Manager

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

About this Position

The position plays a key role in shaping and driving the R&D and innovation strategy, with a strong focus on developing sustainable, high-performing, and cost-effective product solutions. The role is responsible for translating consumer and market needs into innovative concepts, identifying new technologies and external innovation opportunities, and ensuring the successful transfer of technical solutions into manufacturing.

What you´ll do

• 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.

What makes you a good fit

• 5-7 years of relevant professional experience in R&D, Product Development, Innovation, Regulatory Affairs, or a related technical function, preferably within a multinational or manufacturing environment.
• Strong expertise in Regulatory Affairs, including regulatory requirements, industry standards, and compliance frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience in sustainability management, integrating sustainability principles into product development and innovation strategies.
• Proven experience leading innovation and product development projects, including technology transfer and implementation within manufacturing environments.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with experience working across R&D, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Legal, Marketing, and other business functions.
• Proven ability to work effectively with global and remote teams, including influencing and leading stakeholders without direct or solid-line reporting relationships.
• Experience engaging and building relationships with external partners, suppliers, startups, governmental bodies, regulatory authorities, and industry associations.
• Strong stakeholder management, project management, communication, influencing, and presentation skills, with the ability to operate effectively across different functions, cultures, and seniority level

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.