Innovation Program Manager, Irvine, CA

What you´ll do

Embark on a journey as a Program Manager, where you will become part of a dynamic work environment, collaborating with diverse colleagues to enhance overall efficiency, problem-solving, and creativity within the workplace.

Would you dare to make an impact? This is how:

• Lead projects end-to-end, managing both strategic and operational levels
• Set strategic goals for the project and define the program structure and governance framework
• Work closely with cross-functional teams in R&D, Engineering, Marketing, Operation & Supply Chain, and Regulatory to drive structure, accountability, and momentum across the entire portfolio 
• Lead and motivate cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and ensuring all team members understand their roles and responsibilities
• Measure, track, and report on project or program performance, including key milestones
• Proactively identify risks, bottlenecks, and dependencies, and drive corrective actions with relevant teams 
• Develop and execute a comprehensive communication plan for project or program updates 
• Implement quality control measures to ensure that project deliverables meet established standards and fulfill client or organizational needs
• Conduct thorough post-project evaluations to analyze outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and incorporate lessons learned into future projects

What makes you a good fit

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Chemistry, or a related field, MBA is a plus
• Strong strategic and operational project management skills, including goal setting, governance, and team leadership
• 10+ years of experience in project management within a product development, R&D, or innovation environment — ideally in adhesives, electronics, or specialty chemicals
• Solid knowledge of Stage-Gate processes and/or agile project management frameworks
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to measure, track, and report on project performance and milestones effectively
• Excellent communication skills, with a track record of successfully liaising between project teams and sponsors
• Advanced skills in MS Office applications (especially Excel and PowerPoint), with a strong willingness to learn and work with additional software
• Fluency in English and Mandarin is required
• Project Management Professional certification strongly preferred 

Some benefits of joining Henkel

• Health Insurance: affordable plans for medical, dental, vision and wellbeing starting on day 1  
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off including sick, vacation, holiday and volunteer time, flexible & hybrid work policies (depending on role), and vacation buy / sell program  
• Financial: 401k matching, employee share plan with voluntary investment and Henkel matching shares, annual performance bonus, service awards and student loan reimbursement  
• Family Support: 12-week gender neutral parental leave (up to 20 weeks for parents giving birth), fertility support, adoption & surrogacy reimbursement, discounted child and elderly care, and scholarships  
• Career Growth: diverse national and international growth opportunities, access to thousands of skills development courses, and tuition reimbursement 

The salary range for this role is $ 125,000.00 and $ 165,000.00 . This range represents the good‑faith minimum and maximum wages the Company reasonably expects to offer for this role at the time of posting. In addition to base salary, this position may be eligible for incentive pay or other forms of compensation, as applicable.  The Company also offers a comprehensive benefits package as described above. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as the candidate’s skills, experience, education, training, and work location. This posting is intended to comply with all applicable state and local pay transparency laws. 

Henkel does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Unsolicited referrals and resumes are considered Henkel property and therefore, Henkel will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited referral. 

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. Henkel is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories. 

JOB ID: 26096183

Job Locations: United States, CA, Irvine, CA

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