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 and innovation strategy focused on continuous innovation, performance, quality, and cost optimization.
• Lead key R&D and innovation projects, translating consumer and market needs into innovative, marketable, and technically feasible product concepts.
• Identify and leverage new technologies and open innovation opportunities through scientific research, patents, market intelligence, suppliers, startups, and external innovation partners.
• Drive the patent and intellectual property strategy, ensuring freedom to operate while developing and protecting strong proprietary technologies and licensable patents.
• Lead the transfer of technical know-how, technologies, and product specifications to regional teams and manufacturing units, ensuring successful scale-up and implementation.
• Collaborate closely with IMU, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Legal, Market Research, Manufacturing, and global and regional R&D teams to deliver business and innovation objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement through Cost-Chase and Design-to-Value initiatives while representing the organization at scientific congresses, industry committees, and relevant external forums.
• Lead, train, and develop the department while managing budgets and ensuring all activities comply with company guidelines, quality systems, safety standards, and legal requirements.

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 levels.

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.