Head of HPS ( Henkel Production System)

About this Position

We are seeking a visionary and hands-on leader to design, deploy, and sustain a world-class Henkel Production System (HPS) strategy across all 100+ global sites. This role drives operational excellence, continuous improvement, and a high-performance, people-centric culture.

What you´ll do

• Set the vision & roadmap for the Henkel Production System and Maintenance strategy, aligned with Adhesives Operations objectives.
• Lead global teams of lean and maintenance experts, mentoring regional leaders and building a culture of operational excellence.
• Deploy a global OE framework integrating Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, and modern best practices, tailored to local site maturity.
• Build a culture of CI across the E2E value chain, embedding equipment ownership, structured problem-solving, and lean leadership behaviors.
• Develop people & skills , including global operator skill programs, lean/maintenance training, certifications, and capability roadmaps.
• Standardize daily management systems , problem-solving routines, and workplace practices (5S, Kaizen, visual management).
• Drive focused improvements in value creation, waste elimination, material/information flow, automation, and process simplification.
• Ensure equipment reliability through autonomous & preventive maintenance, CMMS use, structural loss elimination, and spare parts optimization.
• Leverage digital enablers (IoT, real-time dashboards, connected worker platforms) with IT to scale lean and predictive maintenance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally & with leadership , ensuring alignment with operations, supply chain, quality, and engineering, while reporting performance and risks.

What makes you a good fit

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 10–15 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing and continuous improvement roles – ideally at global, regional and local level
• Manufacturing site leadership experience (is a must)
• Proven success in designing and deploying a global production system or lean transformation program. Experience in successfully designing and deploying an operational excellence framework across global manufacturing operations is a big plus
• Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, and structured problem solving methodologies (e.g., A3, 5-Why, DMAIC).
• Experience with / leading Digital Manufacturing technologies deployment and their application in operational excellence.
• Strong change management and cross-cultural leadership skills; ability to influence at all levels.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with a hands-on, shop-floor orientation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Lean, Six Sigma certifications
• Certifications such as CMRP (Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional) or PMP (Project Management Professional)

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
• Pension Fund
• Disability Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Canteen discount
• 30 days of holidays
• Company car/ car allowance
• Performance bonus based on the company's results (STI).

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, disabilities, and generations.

JOB ID: 25085543

Job Locations: Germany, North Rhine Westphalia, Düsseldorf | Netherlands, North Holland, Amsterdam

Contact information for application-related questions: [email protected]

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