Chaingers Trainee Program at Henkel

About this Position

• Henkel’s CHAINGERS – Young Professionals Program in South Africa is designed for early-career engineers with 3–5 years of experience who are ready to take the next step in their professional journey. This 18 month full-time rotational program provides immersive exposure to Henkel's manufacturing operations, supply chain systems, and leadership culture at our Alrode production site. 

What you´ll do

• Rotate across key departments such as Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering
• Gain hands-on experience on the shopfloor by supporting day-to-day manufacturing activities
• Analyze and improve production processes to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability
• Collaborate cross-functionally with teams from different functions to understand the full value chain
• Contribute to a cross-functional strategic project with measurable business impact
• Engage with site leadership through regular coaching, mentoring, and feedback sessions
• Support continuous improvement initiatives using lean and digital tools
• Demonstrate ownership by taking the lead on smaller improvement initiatives or tasks
• Prepare yourself for a future leadership role in Henkel’s operations or supply chain function

What makes you a good fit

• Educational Background: BSc degree in chemical engineering 
• Work Experience: 3 to 5 years of full-time work experience in a relevant field such as production, operations, manufacturing, process engineering, or supply chain
• Technical Skills: Strong foundation in engineering principles and plant operations
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Exposure to manufacturing systems, process improvement, or lean methodologies
• Fluent in English 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong problem-solving and analytical mindset
• Demonstrated initiative and sense of ownership
• Adaptability and resilience in dynamic environments
• Passion for learning and continuous development
• Comfortable working on-site in a production setting
• Interest in building a leadership career in operations or supply chain