Global IT Category Lead

Global IT Category Lead

Full-Time 70000 - 90000 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Kimberly-Clark Corporation

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global IT procurement strategies and drive innovation in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Join Kimberly-Clark, a leader in consumer goods with iconic brands.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible work, competitive salary, and comprehensive health benefits.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a diverse and inclusive workplace.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on global care while shaping the future of IT services.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in procurement with strong negotiation and strategic skills.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € 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.

In this role, you will lead IT Procurement categories globally. You will shape global category strategies and execution plans, assessing supplier landscapes and market trends to deliver sustained value. Building strong partnerships with stakeholders will be essential to align with business priorities and ensure adherence to procurement policies and financial governance.

This role will be responsible for but not limited to:

  • Identify and lead strategic initiatives such as tail-spend optimisation and supplier-driven innovation within IT services.
  • Coordinate and implement category strategies across regions, ensuring consistency and scalability.
  • Monitor supplier performance indicators and initiate reviews to drive improvements and mitigate risks.
  • Manage, track, and report on IT spend / sourcing initiatives & savings in the internal tool in collaboration with regional procurement teams.
  • Lead the development of global category strategies for IT services including software, hardware, infrastructure, cloud services, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives.
  • Demonstrate experience managing IT procurement categories and delivering long-term value through strategic thinking and category planning.
  • Develop and manage global supplier relationships for IT services, ensuring continuity, performance, and innovation.
  • Drive global category strategies to deliver top-tier results through structured negotiations.
  • Coach Regional Category Managers on key negotiations and leverage digital sourcing capabilities to deliver value efficiently.
  • Support the creation and maintenance of category knowledge and processes to ensure strategies remain informed and relevant.

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

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of procurement and category management experience, ideally within a CPG company.
  • Strong category strategy, negotiation, and delivery skills, with a track record of achieving results.
  • Strong problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
  • Ability to work effectively across global regions, cultures, and matrix organisations while balancing diverse business needs.
  • Working knowledge of COUPA, MS Office, and other procurement tools.

This role requires the ability to travel up to 25% 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.

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.

This role is available for local candidates already authorised to work in the role’s country only. Kimberly-Clark will not provide relocation support for this role.

Global IT Category Lead employer: Kimberly-Clark Corporation

At Kimberly-Clark, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive benefits, including market-leading pension contributions, flexible work models, and extensive health coverage options. Located in Walton Oaks, you will be part of a global team dedicated to making a meaningful impact while enjoying the support and resources necessary for your success.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Contact Detail:

Kimberly-Clark Corporation Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Global IT Category Lead

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you answer questions more effectively and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role in a concise and engaging way. Highlight your experience in IT procurement and how you can drive value for the company.

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 the team at Kimberly-Clark.

We think you need these skills to ace Global IT Category Lead

IT Procurement
Category Management
Strategic Thinking
Negotiation Skills
Stakeholder Management
Supplier Relationship Management
Data Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Global IT Category Lead 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 seeing how you’ve turned problems into opportunities in your previous roles!

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 mission. Understand their iconic brands and how they align with your experience in IT procurement. This will help you connect your background to their goals and show that you're genuinely interested.

Showcase Your Strategic Mindset

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led category strategies or optimised procurement processes in the past. Be ready to discuss specific initiatives you've implemented and the results achieved, as this role requires a strong strategic approach.

Build Rapport with Stakeholders

Since this role involves collaboration across various regions and teams, think of ways to demonstrate your stakeholder management skills. Share stories about how you've built relationships and influenced decisions in previous roles, highlighting your communication prowess.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the future direction of IT services at Kimberly-Clark or how they measure success in procurement. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.