Innovation Project Manager

Henkel•Mentor, OH

About The Position

The Innovation Project Manager is the operational backbone of the innovation pipeline for Henkel’s Consumer and Construction Adhesives business in the Americas. The role ensures innovation projects are planned, tracked, and delivered on time, on budget, and on scope, from early-stage ideation through commercial launch. Working closely with the Director of Innovation Strategy and cross-functional teams in R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Regulatory, the Project Manager drives structure, accountability, and momentum across the portfolio.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Chemistry, or a related field.
At least 4 years of project management experience in a product development, R&D, or innovation environment.
Knowledge of Stage-Gate processes and/or agile project management frameworks.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with comfort working across functions and levels.
Proficiency with project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Jira, or equivalent.
Fluency in English.

Nice To Haves

Experience in adhesives, coatings, construction chemicals, or consumer goods.
Spanish language skills.

Responsibilities

Manage innovation projects end to end across Consumer and Construction Adhesives, from concept approval through launch.
Maintain and update the innovation portfolio tracker, including status reporting, milestone tracking, and risk identification.
Facilitate Stage-Gate reviews by preparing documentation and coordinating stakeholder input for go/no-go decisions.
Develop detailed project plans covering timelines, resource requirements, budgets, and critical paths.
Identify risks, bottlenecks, and dependencies, and drive corrective actions with relevant teams.
Coordinate with R&D, Marketing, Packaging, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and commercial teams to support alignment and on-time delivery.
Maintain project documentation and support governance and reporting to senior leadership.
Drive continuous improvement in innovation processes and project management tools and templates.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, and wellbeing plans starting on day one.
Paid time off including sick, vacation, holiday, and volunteer time.
Flexible and hybrid work policies, depending on role.
Vacation buy/sell program.
401(k) matching.
Employee share plan with voluntary investment and Henkel matching shares.
Annual performance bonus.
Service awards.
Student loan reimbursement.
12-week gender-neutral parental leave, with up to 20 weeks for parents giving birth.
Fertility support.
Adoption and surrogacy reimbursement.
Discounted child and elderly care.
Scholarships.
National and international career growth opportunities.
Access to thousands of skills development courses.
Tuition reimbursement.