PD Manager

About this Position

• Lead the development, scale-up, and commercialization of PU/Silicone/MS adhesive technologies across APAC.
  
• This role is responsible for bridging laboratory innovation and commercial manufacturing by driving process development, technology transfer, and scale-up activities. The successful candidate will lead projects from laboratory development through pilot trials and commercial production, proactively identifying and mitigating scale-up risks to improve project success rates and accelerate commercialization.
  
• The position requires strong understanding of process engineering, manufacturing scale-up, and polymer reaction systems. Experience in simulation and modeling is highly valued to support process optimization and reduce development risks.
  

What you´ll do

• Technology Development & Commercialization:
  •Lead PU/PUR technology development projects from laboratory formulation through pilot-scale and commercial production.
  •Drive successful technology transfer and scale-up activities, ensuring a smooth transition from R&D to manufacturing.
  •Support innovation projects and commercialization activities across APAC.
  
• Process Development & Scale-up:
  •Develop robust manufacturing processes and operating windows to ensure product quality, production efficiency, and process reliability.
  •Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve process-related challenges during scale-up and production, including:
  o Reaction control
  o Mixing efficiency
  o Heat transfer
  o Material handling
  o Product consistency
  o Manufacturing robustness
  •Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions to minimize production risks and project delays.
  
• Manufacturing Support:
  •Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to improve process reliability and accelerate commercialization.
  •Support plant trials, new product introduction, and manufacturing optimization programs.
  •Establish best practices for scale-up, industrialization, and technology transfer.
  
• Process Modeling & Simulation:
  •Support process simulation, scale-up modeling, and engineering evaluation to improve process predictability and reduce scale-up risks.
  •Utilize engineering tools and simulation methodologies to optimize manufacturing processes and improve project success rates.
  
• Technology & IP:
  •Contribute to strengthening Henkel's intellectual property portfolio and technical competitiveness.
  
  

What makes you a good fit

• Master's degree or above in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related disciplines.
  
• Minimum 5 years of industrial experience in polymer, adhesive, polyurethane, or related chemical industries.
  
• Strong understanding of chemical process development and manufacturing environments.
  
• Experience working in cross-functional teams involving R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain.
• Fluent English communication skills.
• Must Have:
  •Proven experience leading projects from laboratory development to pilot-scale and commercial manufacturing.
  •Strong understanding of process scale-up principles, including:
  o Mixing
  o Reaction kinetics
  o Heat transfer
  o Fluid flow
  o Process control
  •Hands-on experience troubleshooting scale-up and manufacturing challenges.
  •Demonstrated capability to bridge laboratory innovation and commercial production.
  •Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured, data-driven mindset.
  
• Preferred:
  •Experience in process simulation, scale-up modeling, or engineering calculations related to manufacturing process development.
  •Familiarity with engineering simulation software such as:
  o ANSYS Fluent
  o COMSOL Multiphysics
  o Aspen Plus
  o or equivalent tools
  •Ability to utilize simulation approaches to predict scale-up risks, optimize process conditions, and improve commercialization success rates.
  •Knowledge and experience in PU/PUR adhesive technologies, including:
  o Polyurethane reaction mechanisms
  o Formulation development
  o Reactive hotmelt systems
  o Moisture-curing polyurethane technologies
  o Manufacturing scale-up
  

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
• 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
• Comprehensive Group Insurance Scheme
• Annual Physical Examination
• Flexible Benefits cover for dependents
• Company Products Discount

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.