Executive Operations - Chaingers

About the role

Henkel’s Chaingers Operations Leadership Program is a flagship talent track built for experienced professionals who want to fast-track their growth in manufacturing operations. It is aimed at candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience who are ready for broader responsibility, stronger operational influence, and a pathway into leadership.

Located at the Nairobi Plant, this position offers practical exposure across the full operations chain, including production, operational excellence, Smart Factory work, digital transformation, and team leadership. You will own important projects, help deliver measurable shopfloor improvements, and work closely with plant leadership while also participating in regional and global learning opportunities.

What you will do

• Take part in Henkel’s Chaingers Program, an 18-month immersive development experience focused on strengthening operations expertise and leadership capability.
• Build structured knowledge across core functions such as production, engineering, supply chain, quality, lean, strategy, and people leadership.
• Lead and support high-impact initiatives that improve efficiency, safety, optimisation, and overall performance on the shopfloor.
• Contribute to manufacturing-related digital transformation and sustainability efforts.
• Complete Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification and apply the learning in live business situations.
• Learn alongside a global group of high-potential colleagues, exchanging ideas and best practices across regions.
• Begin on a permanent contract with a competitive package, and move into increased people-leadership responsibility after successful completion of the program.

What makes a strong fit

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering, preferably Chemical, Mechanical, Production, or Manufacturing.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in manufacturing operations, production, or plant-based roles, with preference for candidates from manufacturing or chemical environments.
• A practical, execution-oriented approach and strong ability to solve problems.
• Genuine interest in continuous improvement, process optimisation, operational excellence, and leading teams.
• Good communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work across functions and with diverse cultural groups.
• Willingness to work full time at the Nairobi plant, as remote or hybrid working does not apply to this role.
• Clear ambition and potential to develop into leadership positions within operations.

Perks and benefits

• Global wellbeing standards, including health and preventive care support.
• Gender-neutral parental leave for at least 8 weeks.
• Employee Share Plan with voluntary investment and matching shares from Henkel.
• Performance bonus.
• Annual bonus equivalent to 1 month of pay.
• Comprehensive accident and life assurance coverage of 5 to 8 times gross salary.
• Health insurance for the employee plus 4 dependents.

Additional information

Henkel values a workforce made up of different backgrounds, experiences, personalities, and ways of thinking. The company emphasizes inclusion and believes individual uniqueness strengthens the team.

This role is a full-time, plant-based position in Nairobi, and remote or hybrid arrangements are not applicable.