Head of Sustainable Packaging

Head of Sustainable Packaging at Henkel Adhesive Technologies

About this Position

The Head of Sustainable Packaging for Henkel Adhesive Technologies leads the development and execution of the global sustainable packaging strategy, ensuring that it aligns with customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and Henkel’s long-term sustainability goals. This strategic leadership role will shape the direction of sustainable packaging innovation, compliance (e.g., PPWR, EPR), performance tracking, and cross-functional integration across the business.

What you’ll do

• Sustainable Packaging Strategy: Lead the creation and evolution of a robust global sustainable packaging strategy for Henkel Adhesive Technologies, ensuring it addresses industry, regulatory, and customer expectations.

• Strategic Roadmap Development: Define and maintain a forward-looking roadmap with clear focus areas, quantitative targets, and long-term ambitions aligned with Henkel’s sustainability framework.

• Regulatory Compliance & Program Deployment: Drive implementation of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) program and ensure full compliance of packaging materials in scope through specific initiatives and stakeholder engagement.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Business Units, Marketing, R&D, Supply Chain, and Purchasing to embed sustainability into packaging development and decision-making processes.

• Metrics & Tracking System Implementation: Define and implement a robust measurement framework for sustainable packaging, including KPIs, data systems, and reporting tools. Ensure consistent and transparent communication to internal and external stakeholders.

• Program Leadership & Reporting: Oversee the execution of Henkel’s Sustainable Packaging Program, driving progress toward key goals and regularly updating sustainability steering committees and executive stakeholders.

• EPR Fee Compliance & Management: Develop and roll out a global process for managing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees, ensuring packaging-related environmental costs are tracked, reported, and optimized.

• Industry Representation & Advocacy: Represent Henkel Adhesive Technologies in internal cross-business sustainability discussions as well as in external forums and regulatory dialogues to advocate for sustainable packaging best practices.

• Market & Regulatory Trend Monitoring: Stay current with evolving sustainability trends, packaging technologies, and regulatory developments to proactively position Henkel as a leader in sustainable packaging.

• Future Target Development: Contribute to the definition and refinement of Henkel’s long-term sustainable packaging targets, actively shaping the vision for circular packaging solutions.

What makes you a good fit

• Master's or Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Sustainability, Environmental Science, Materials Science, or a related technical field
• 10+ years of experience in packaging, sustainability, or regulatory leadership roles within global FMCG, chemical, or industrial sectors
• Deep understanding of packaging regulations and environmental frameworks, including PPWR, EPR, recyclability, and circular economy principles
• Proven track record of leading global strategy and cross-functional sustainability programs
• Strong project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus

Key competencies:

• Strategic and systems-level thinking
• Strong regulatory and technical acumen
• Collaborative leadership and influencing ability
• Clear, structured communication and reporting
• Passion for sustainability and innovation
• High level of accountability and results orientation

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
• 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
• Pension Fund
• Disability Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Canteen

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.

Over Henkel

Voortbouwend op een sterke erfenis van bijna 150 jaar, geven wij de toon aan om het leven elke dag opnieuw te verbeelden en te verbeteren. Vandaag en voor toekomstige generaties. Via onze innovatieve en duurzame merken en technologieën en via onze teams over de hele wereld. Henkel bekleedt leidende posities in zowel industriële als consumentenactiviteiten: Ons portfolio omvat bekende haarverzorgingsproducten, wasmiddelen, wasverzachters en kleefstoffen, dichtingsmiddelen en functionele coatings.