Global Direct Materials Associate Director

Global Direct Materials Associate Director – a senior role within Kimberly‑Clark’s International Family Care and Professional business, focused on driving procurement excellence for direct material spend.

In this Supply Chain role you will focus on winning with consumers and the market, while putting safety, mutual respect, and human dignity at the center. You will be a critical member of the Procurement leadership team, leading the Global Direct Material Procurement categories, aligning cross‑functional stakeholders and supplier partners to drive value across the segment, reporting directly to the IFP Procurement Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a global team of 7 procurement professionals responsible for all direct spend (Packaging, Chemicals, Adhesives, and Non‑Wovens) across all accountable business units (excluding APAC).
• Drive all cost and cash targets for the Direct category globally.
• Develop and manage global supplier relationships (e.g., supplier scouting, raise supply risks/issues from Operations/Planning, provide feedback on supplier performance).
• Identify and manage execution of strategic category initiatives (e.g., innovation), design and lead strategic sourcing events and negotiations.
• Manage cross‑regional executive‑level engagement with business stakeholders on category needs and strategy.
• Develop global category strategy and execution plans based on input from global benchmarking activities, analysis of supplier landscape and market dynamics, assess supplier landscape and category trends.
• Collaborate with Finance and Category Managers to provide financial forecasts.
• Optimize inbound supply chains, specifications, total delivered costs by working with manufacturing and regional category managers.
• Ensure quality & risk management, including Supplier Code of Conduct and Social Responsibility, compliance per defined internal controls and policies in the category area.
• People leadership including talent development, performance management, compensation planning and organisational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in business, supply chain or other related discipline.
• At least 10+ years of experience in broader procurement, supply chain or product supply roles with demonstrated track record of achievement and growth in leadership, preferably in a CPG company with at least 5 years of broad and extensive team management experience.
• Technical knowledge of contract negotiation strategies and global contracting nuances.
• Strong skills and experience with diagnosing and resolving complex issues and identifying transformational opportunities.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) and ability to communicate across multiple levels of the organization, including to executive leadership.
• Understanding and ability to work on a global scale with ability to influence across cultural boundaries.
• Demonstrated record of delivering proven business results through collaboration, influence and partnership with key category managers and key stakeholders.
• Highly strategic, strong problem‑solving, innovation & communication skills.
• General working knowledge of COUPA, MS Office, and other relevant procurement tools and systems.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

Location & Travel

Primary Location: Walton Oaks. This role is available for local candidates already authorised to work in the role’s country only. Full Time.

Benefits & Compensation

• Market‑leading pension contribution.
• Bonus scheme.
• Flexible savings and spending accounts to maximise health care options.
• Private medical insurance with coverage for medical, dental, and vision.
• Diverse income protection insurance options.
• Additional programs and support for continuing education, adoption, relocation or temporary childcare.
• Flexible work model blending remote work with intentional in‑person collaboration.

EEO Statement

Kimberly‑Clark is a committed equal‑opportunity employer. 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.

Additional Notes

Kimberly‑Clark will not provide relocation support for this role. The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position. Employment is subject to verification of local policies.