EMEA ECM Category Lead | Hybrid & Global Impact

EMEA ECM Category Lead | Hybrid & Global Impact

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Kimberly-Clark Corporation

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global category strategies and manage supplier relationships for iconic brands.
  • Company: Join Kimberly-Clark, a leader in innovation and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible work, competitive salary, and comprehensive health benefits.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a collaborative environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on global care while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and 5-7 years in procurement or related fields required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Join the team behind iconic brands like Huggies, Kleenex, Andrex, Scott, Kotex, Poise, and Kimberly-Clark Professional. At Kimberly-Clark, it’s all here for you—innovation, growth, and the chance to make a real impact.

You were made to create Better Care for a Better World: as a person, you’re a problem-solver – a connector – someone who thrives on creating order from complexity and driving continuous improvement. You see the big picture while mastering the details, ensuring that every product, process, and partnership flows with precision and purpose. You live your life in alignment with the highest values of integrity, efficiency, and collaboration, always working to turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s success stories. In this role, you’ll help us deliver better care for billions of people around the world.

This role will be part of Kimberly Clark's International Family Care and Professional (IFP) business—an organization rooted in purpose and innovation that has built a legacy with global impact. As Kimberly-Clark forms a strategic partnership with Suzano to create a world-class international tissue and professional products company, this role is proposed to transfer to the new venture once the transaction closes, anticipated in mid-2026, subject to consultation and other applicable legal requirements. This is a rare opportunity to help shape a new global leader backed by two industry powerhouses. You’ll be part of a high-potential business that combines Kimberly-Clark’s iconic brands and commercial excellence with Suzano’s industrial and sustainability leadership.

About You

In one of our Supply Chain roles, you’ll focus on winning with consumers and the market, while putting safety, mutual respect, and human dignity at the center. Reporting into the ECM Procurement Leader, you will be a critical member of the Global ECM Procurement team, this role manages regional and global ECM categories, working cross‐functionally with ECM Ops and Business Stakeholders to drive value.

This role will be responsible for but not limited to:

  • Develop & execute global category strategies based on market dynamics, supplier landscape, business needs within focus area
  • Manage Global and regional supplier relationships within focus area (e.g., sub-category, cluster / country)
  • Support Global and regional sourcing events and support execution of category strategic initiatives
  • Coordinate with global and regional business stakeholders on category needs and strategy (e.g., collect business requirements)
  • Manage supplier relationships, escalate and resolve supplier continuity issues
  • Create and maintain category management knowledge and processes to ensure the category strategies are informed, relevant and up to date.
  • Monitor supplier performance indicators and initiate supplier reviews as required or in accordance with agreed programs to drive improvement and reduce risk across the regional enterprise.
  • Ensure compliance to Corporate Policies and internal controls.
  • Collaborate with operations and finance to provide financial and market forecasts for ECM
  • Optimize inbound supply chains by working with operations
  • Maintain an effective business relationship with all suppliers and stakeholders based on clear, concise group and personal communication.

To succeed in this role, you will need the following qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in business, supply chain, or a related discipline
  • People leadership experience
  • 5–7 years of experience in procurement or a related field
  • Expert negotiator with strong results orientation and deep category knowledge
  • Innovative problem-solver with the ability to reconcile diverse business strategies and challenges
  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across global regions, cultures, and multiple levels of a matrix organization
  • Highly strategic, with a demonstrated ability to deliver results in complex global environments
  • Excellent communication skills (Both written and oral) and ability to communicate across multiple levels of the organization, including executive leadership
  • General working knowledge of COUPA, MS Office, and other relevant procurement tools and systems
  • Ability to travel up to 20% of the time

Total Benefits

We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we're committed to providing them with the resources they need to be successful. If you're looking for a rewarding career with a company that cares about its employees, then Kimberly-Clark is the place for you.

  • Market-leading pension contribution.
  • Bonus scheme.
  • Flexible Savings and spending accounts to maximise health care options and stretch pounds when caring for yourself or dependents.
  • Private Medical Insurance, great support for good health with medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
  • Diverse income protection insurance options to protect yourself and your family in case of illness, injury, or other unexpected events.
  • Additional programs and support to continue your education, adopt a child, relocate, or even find temporary childcare.

Flex That Works at Kimberly-Clark

We believe great work happens when people come together with purpose. That’s why we offer a flexible work model that blends remote work with intentional in-person collaboration — helping you connect, grow, and innovate while maintaining the balance you value.

To Be Considered

Click the Apply button and complete the online application process. A member of our recruiting team will review your application and follow up if you seem like a great fit for this role. In the meantime, please check out the careers website.

For Kimberly-Clark to grow and prosper, we must be an inclusive organization that applies the diverse experiences and passions of its team members to brands that make life better for people all around the world, which is why we seek to build a workforce that encompasses the experiences of our consumers. When you bring your original thinking to Kimberly-Clark, you fuel the continued success of our enterprise. We are a committed equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

EMEA ECM Category Lead | Hybrid & Global Impact employer: Kimberly-Clark Corporation

At Kimberly-Clark, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being. Our hybrid work model fosters a flexible environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally, while our commitment to employee growth is supported by comprehensive benefits, including market-leading pension contributions and private medical insurance. Join us in Walton Oaks, where you can make a meaningful impact with iconic brands and be part of a purpose-driven team dedicated to creating Better Care for a Better World.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Contact Details:

Kimberly-Clark Corporation Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land EMEA ECM Category Lead | Hybrid & Global Impact

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and values.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You should be able to clearly explain who you are, what you do, and why you’d be a great fit for the role in under a minute.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us!

We think you need these skills to ace EMEA ECM Category Lead | Hybrid & Global Impact

Category Management
Supplier Relationship Management
Global Sourcing
Stakeholder Management
Negotiation Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the ECM Category Manager role. Highlight your procurement experience and any relevant achievements to catch our eye!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team at Kimberly-Clark.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you've tackled complex challenges. We love innovative problem-solvers who can drive continuous improvement!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our careers website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into Kimberly-Clark's values and their iconic brands. Understand their mission of creating 'Better Care for a Better World' and think about how your experience aligns with this purpose. This will help you connect your skills to their goals.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

As a candidate for the ECM Category Lead role, be ready to discuss specific examples where you've tackled complex challenges. Prepare stories that highlight your innovative problem-solving abilities and how you've driven continuous improvement in past roles.

Master Stakeholder Management

This role requires strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated across teams or regions. Be prepared to explain how you navigated diverse business strategies and built effective relationships.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the future of the ECM category at Kimberly-Clark or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.