Kao EMEA & Americas

We operate EMEA & Americas with main hubs in London (UK), Darmstadt (Germany), Amersfoort (the Netherlands), and Cincinnati (USA). We focus on our Beauty Care business, which includes premium brands across three sectors: Consumer Care, Salon, and Molton Brown.

Our Consumer Care business includes skin and hair care brands such as John Frieda, Guhl, Bioré, Bondi Sands, Curél, and Jergens. Our Salon Business supports stylists and salons with brands like Goldwell, Oribe, KMS Hair, Kerasilk, and Varis. Molton Brown, a London-based luxury brand, makes fragrance, body, and bath products available in exclusive stores, high-end department stores, travel retail, and five-star hotels.

Globally, we are a Japan-based manufacturer of personal care and household products, cosmetics, and specialty chemicals, founded in 1887. Our operations involve developing and executing commercial strategies for sales across omni-channel environments, including mass, prestige, specialty, e-commerce, and drug channels. Our roles include managing internal controls, overseeing forecasting and obsolescence, leading global pricing strategy, and driving digital commerce strategies across platforms like Amazon, TikTok Shop, and Direct-to-Consumer channels. Washing Systems, LLC (WSI), which provides technical sales and solutions, is also part of our family.

We aim to create a Kirei life for people, society, and the planet through creation and innovation that enables more sustainable lifestyles. The Japanese word ‘kirei’ means ‘clean, well-ordered, and beautiful.’

Globally, we want to deliver value through high-quality products and services that care for people and the planet.

We cultivate an environment where our employees can grow and contribute to making life beautiful. Our culture is collaborative and values-driven, focusing on building trust both internally and externally. We value new ideas, encourage entrepreneurial thinking and innovation, and ensure employees feel heard and valued.

Many roles offer a hybrid work schedule, and we prioritize work-life balance. We also give employees the chance to deliver tangible results.

We offer full medical and dental benefits, with some starting on day one. We provide a 401(k) with company match. Employees get 36 or 40 total days off, including vacation, holidays, and sick days.

Other benefits include competitive salaries, a bonus for some roles, and a monthly auto allowance and home/mobile office supplies for certain positions. We also have a comprehensive development plan, which includes training, coaching, work experience, and access to technology, tools, and resources.