Junior Manager - Operational Excellence Europe (d/f/m)— Germany, Düsseldorf, Adhesive Technologies

Henkel Ltda; Düsseldorf; Hybrid; EUR 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Growth opportunities

Wellbeing programs

Parental leave

Share plan

Pension plan

Health insurance

My Henkel Bike

Jobticket

Mobility benefit

Job summary

Henkel is seeking a Junior Manager - Operational Excellence Europe to support ownership and development of OE capabilities across Europe. You will coach sites and drive improvements in OEE, cost, quality, safety, and reliability, acting as a hands-on SME in capability projects and problem solving.

You will collaborate with Global HPS and regional stakeholders to align standards, methods, and learning concepts, while exchanging best practices across the European network and scouting new OE

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering, supply chain, operations, or related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement, Lean, TPM, or Manufacturing / Supply Chain environments.
• Solid knowledge of Lean, TPM and CI tools such as: Standardized Work, OEE, Autonomous Maintenance, 5S, Problem Solving, Value Stream Mapping.

Responsibilities

• Own and develop OE capabilities at European level.
• Coach and advise sites to improve OEE, cost, quality, safety, and reliability.
• Act as a junior SME, supporting capability projects and problem solving.
• Collaborate to align OE standards, methods, and learning concepts with Global HPS and regional stakeholders.
• Facilitate site-to-site exchange of best practices and document lessons learned.

Skills

Lean

TPM

Continuous Improvement

Standardized Work

OEE

Autonomous Maintenance

5S

Problem Solving

Value Stream Mapping

Coaching & training

English & German fluency

Education

Master's degree

Job description

Junior Manager - Operational Excellence Europe (d/f/m)

• Support the ownership and further development of one or multiple Operational Excellence (HPS) capabilities (e.g. Continuous Improvement, Performance Management, Autonomous Maintenance) at European level
• Enable strong execution of Operational Excellence (HPS) capabilities at site level by supporting coaching, training, and advisory activities to drive measurable performance improvements (OEE, cost, quality, safety, reliability)
• Act as a junior subject matter expert, providing hands‑on support in capability‑specific improvement projects, structured problem solving, and capability maturity assessments
• Contribute to the definition, alignment, and continuous improvement of Operational Excellence (HPS) standards, methods, and learning concepts in close collaboration with Global HPS and regional stakeholders
• Support site‑to‑site exchange of best practices and lessons learned, ensuring structured documentation and re‑application across the European network
• Continuously scout and analyze internal and external Operational Excellence solutions, methods, and benchmarks to support sustainable performance improvements
• Support global and regional Operational Excellence (HPS) projects in collaboration with cross‑functional teams (e.g. Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, SHEQ)

What makes you a good fit

• Master’s degree, preferably in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, Industrial Management, or Business Administration
• 1–3 years first relevant professional experience in Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement, Lean, TPM, or Manufacturing / Supply Chain environments
• Solid foundational knowledge of Lean, TPM and Continuous Improvement tools such as: Standardized Work, OEE, Autonomous Maintenance, 5S, Problem Solving, Value Stream Mapping
• Strong communication skills and motivation to coach, train, and influence teams on the shopfloor and at management level
• Fluent English & German skills; additional European language skills (e.g. French, Italian, Russian) are an advantage
• Willingness to travel across Europe (approx. 50%)

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
• Company Pension Plan 100% financed by Henkel
• MEGA Preventive Health Insurance
• CareFlex Supplementary Care Insurance
• Mobility offer: My Henkel Bike and Jobticket

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, generations and disabilities. If there are any specific accommodations or adjustments you require for the interview process or your on‑site appointment, please inform us, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your requests.