Jobs at Henkel in Germany

About this Position The Head of the Packaging Center of Excellence (CoE) will lead the global strategy, innovation, and development of packaging across all packaging and product categories. This role is pivotal in driving harmonization, optimization, and innovation within the packaging portfolio. The successful candidate will oversee packaging innovation scouting, supplier collaboration, packaging development, mold asset management, optimization programs and engagement in complex projects in collaboration with regional implementation teams.
What you´ll do

• Own and manage the global strategic packaging category portfolio, ensuring alignment with business goals through harmonization, standardization, and continuous improvement
• Lead the scouting of packaging innovations and emerging technologies. Develop global packaging roadmaps aligned with future market trends, technical advancement, and sustainability goals
• Identify, develop, and maintain strategic technical relationships with global packaging suppliers. Ensure effective collaboration to support innovation, quality, and supply continuity
• Provide technical leadership and packaging development support for critical, cross-functional initiatives. Leverage deep category knowledge to deliver optimal solutions in design, performance, cost, and sustainability
• Partner with regional project implementation teams on the development and execution of complex packaging projects owning new packaging development part. Ensure feasibility, scalability, and successful deployment of solutions aligned with business requirements
• Oversee the full lifecycle and utilization of packaging molds globally. Ensure efficient resource allocation and strategic investment in tooling to support business agility and cost-effectiveness
• Lead and inspire a centralized, high-performing team based in Europe (7 direct reports). Foster strong collaboration internally across functions (operations, sub-business units, regional packaging teams, compliance, sustainability) and externally with strategic suppliers, research laboratories, technical partners and other stakeholders
• Champion an integrated, cross-boundary approach to packaging excellence globally

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Design, or a related field
• Minimum 8 years of experience in packaging development and innovation, including at least 5 years in a leadership or Center of Excellence role
• Strategic and Technical Expertise: Proven ability to lead global packaging portfolios, mold design, and innovation pipelines with strong knowledge of materials, technologies, and lifecycle management
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Demonstrated success in managing complex, cross-functional programs and supplier partnerships, with a proactive, results-driven, and sustainability-focused mindset
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Excellent leadership, collaboration, and negotiation skills, with high adaptability and strong global business acumen
• Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus

The position can also be filled in either Amsterdam or Dublin, with a frequent presence in Düsseldorf required.

• 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
• Globally 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.