Building on a strong legacy of almost 150 years, we are leading the way to reimagine and improve life every day. Today and for generations to come. Through our innovative and sustainable brands and technologies, across our teams around the world.
Henkel holds leading positions in both industrial and consumer businesses: Our portfolio includes well-known hair care products, laundry detergents, fabric softeners as well as adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings.
Head of Corporate Communications, Japan
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About this Position
We are looking for candidates with strong strategic communications capabilities and the ability to operate independently in a matrix organization.
What you´ll do
- Lead and execute Japan Corporate Communications strategies aligned with global and APAC business priorities
- Manage both internal and external communications activities, including media relations, corporate storytelling, executive communications, and crisis communications
- Act as a strategic communications advisor to senior leadership, including the Japan President and Executive Committee
- Drive stakeholder engagement and cross-functional alignment with business units, marketing teams, APAC, and global stakeholders
- Support change management, internal communications, and reputation management initiatives
- Handle issues and crisis communications in collaboration with regional and global teams
- Develop digital communication strategies to strengthen stakeholder engagement
- Manage external agencies, contractors, budgets, and communication resources effectively
- Operate independently as the key Corporate Communications lead in Japan across business and functions at local, regional, and global levels
What makes you a good fit
Must Have
- Native-level Japanese and business-level English
- 8–12 years of Corporate Communications experience, including media relations, executive communications, issues and crisis management, corporate reputation management, and internal/change communications
- Strong executive communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to communicate effectively with regional and global teams
- Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership
- Calm, resilient, and capable of handling sensitive or high-pressure situations
- Strong strategic communications capability
- In-house Corporate Communications experience
- Ability to operate independently in a matrix organization
Nice to have
- Experience in multinational companies (MNCs)
- Experience in both in-house and PR agency environments
- PR agency experience followed by in-house Corporate Communications experience
- Experience handling large/global brands or well-known companies
- Industrial / FMCG industry experience
- Strong social media and digital communications experience
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
- Retirement Pension Plan (Corporate DC and CB composition)
- Sick Leave
- Group Term Life Insurance
- Supplementary Workers' Accident Insurance
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.
JOB ID: 26095521
Job Locations: Japan, Tokyo-To, Shinagawa
Contact information for application-related questions: recruitment.jp@henkel.com
Please do not use this email address for sending your application or CV. To apply, please click on the "Apply for this role" button below. Applications sent via e-mail will not be accepted.
Application Deadline: As long as the vacancy is listed on our Career Site, we are happy to receive your application
Job-Center: If you have an application already, you can create or log in to your account here to check the status of your application. In case of new account creation, please use your email address that you applied with.
About Henkel
FAQ
I am interested in several jobs. Can I apply for multiple positions at the same time?
Yes – simply fill out your profile in our online application system. Once your online profile is complete, you can apply for multiple positions.
The job offer is written in English. Should I write my application in English as well?
Yes, please. As Henkel is an international company, you will be working with colleagues from all over the world, and English is our official company language. Generally, our recommendation is to please write the application in the same language as the job ad.
Do I get feedback during the application process about the state of my application?
Each position that we have open with Henkel is unique, and finding the right candidate is important for both the hired candidate as well as for Henkel. We want to make sure that both the candidate and the company are a good fit for each other. We will provide feedback to the candidates throughout the entire process.
Can employees move between business areas and/or to a different country?
Yes, in fact, it is our expectation that Henkel employees will want to grow and explore different career paths during their time with us. This helps to support the company on a broad, global level.
Our “Triple Two” philosophy promotes this expectation, by allowing you to work in at least two different roles, in two different business areas and in two different countries. The reason behind this philosophy is that we believe working in different roles, business units and functions is good for your personal development and improves your understanding of Henkel as a global company.
If I have questions regarding my application, who do I contact?
Our recruiting team will help you with all requests regarding your application. Contact the team here.