Executive Operations - Chaingers at Henkel

About the job

• About this Position Chaingers: Operations Leadership Program is one of Henkel’s flagship talent programs - a high-impact opportunity for professionals with 3–5 years of experience ready to accelerate their careers in manufacturing operations. This role is designed for experienced professionals who are ready to take on bigger responsibilities, deeper operational impact, and a clear leadership path.
• Based at our Nairobi Plant, this role enables you to develop deep, hands-on expertise across end-to-end operations, including production, operational excellence, Smart Factory initiatives, digital transformation, and people leadership. You will lead critical projects, drive tangible improvements on the shopfloor, and collaborate closely with plant leadership, while engaging in regional and global upskilling opportunities.

What You´ll Do

• Join Henkel’s Chaingers Program - an 18-month immersive journey designed to deepen your operational expertise and accelerate your leadership growth.
• Gain structured exposure across key operational areas, including production, engineering, supply chain, quality, lean, strategy and people leadership.
• Lead and contribute to high-impact projects driving optimisation, efficiency, safety, and performance on the shopfloor.
• Contribute to Henkel’s digital transformation and sustainability initiatives through impactful work in manufacturing.
• Earn Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification and apply it in real business contexts.
• Be part of a global cohort of high-potential talent, working alongside peers from across regions, sharing diverse perspectives, and learning best practices from Henkel’s worldwide operations.
• Start with a permanent contract and competitive package, with enhanced responsibility into a people leadership role upon successful completion.

What makes you a good fit

• Bachelor’s/ Master’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Production/ Manufacturing)
• 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing operations, production, or plant-based roles (manufacturing/chemical industry preferred)
• Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on, execution-focused mindset.
• Passion for continuous improvement, process optimization, operational excellence & leading people.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across functions, teams, and diverse cultural environments.
• Comfortable working in a full-time, plant-based role at Nairobi. (remote/hybrid work not applicable for this program)
• Clear aspiration and potential to grow into leadership roles within Operations.

Some perks of joining Henkel

• 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
• Performance Bonus
• Annual 1 month bonus
• Comprehensive Accident and Life Assurance cover of 5yrs - 8yrs Gross salary
• Comprehensive Health Insurance cover for employee+4 dependents