Packaging Category Lead and EMEA CM

Packaging Category Lead and EMEA CM

Full-Time 60000 - 75000 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Kimberly-Clark Corporation

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead packaging strategies and sourcing activities across EMEA 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 and collaboration in a diverse environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on global brands while driving sustainability and innovation.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement with strong negotiation and strategy skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € 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 be an experienced, self-driven and agile individual, who will lead selected spend areas within the Packaging Category in EMEA. You will make a difference by developing regional category strategies, leading local execution and partnering with the technical teams to influence multi-functional internal stakeholders – from peers to senior leaders - to deliver winning solutions to be the best at shelf, assure cost efficiency, service excellence, high standard quality, innovation, sustainability & regulatory compliance.

This role will be responsible for but not limited to:

  • Manage Packaging sourcing activities for the EMEA region (including but not limited to flexibles and stretch wrap)
  • Responsible for driving all procurement targets for the EMEA Packaging categories in scope.
  • Develop & manage supplier relationships
  • Develop category strategies and execution plans based on input from benchmarking activities, analysis of supplier landscape and market dynamics, assess supplier landscape and category trends
  • Collaborate with Finance to provide financial forecasts for Packaging
  • Ensure quality & risk management, including Supplier Code of Conduct and Social Responsibility, compliance per defined internal controls and policies in category area
  • Facilitate effective communications between suppliers and internal business partners to ensure near and longer-term Business needs (quality, service, innovation and cost to use) are met ongoing
  • Develop and maintain expertise on vendor selection and translating this to competitive vendor strategies and objectives which lead to a more favourable business position than competition or other competitive advantage for the company.
  • Ensure compliance with established corporate financial controls within the department by providing operating management direction and support to the implementation and maintenance of financial policies, instructions, and internal control procedures.

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

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, or a related field
  • 5+ 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 organisation’s 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.

And finally, the fine print....

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.

Packaging Category Lead and EMEA CM 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 savings accounts, and private medical insurance, all designed to support your well-being. Located in Walton Oaks, you will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a positive impact on the world, while enjoying a flexible work model that balances remote and in-person collaboration.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Contact Detail:

Kimberly-Clark Corporation Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Packaging Category Lead and EMEA CM

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at Kimberly-Clark or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their mission of Better Care for a Better World.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in procurement and category management can drive results for the Packaging Category. Keep it concise and impactful—think of it as your personal brand statement.

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, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there, so keep checking back!

We think you need these skills to ace Packaging Category Lead and EMEA CM

Procurement Skills
Category Management
Supplier Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Stakeholder Management
Analytical Skills
Financial Forecasting

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Packaging Category Lead role. Highlight your procurement and category management experience, especially in CPG, 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 problem-solving skills can help us drive continuous improvement in packaging.

Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your achievements! Quantify your successes in previous roles, like cost savings or successful supplier relationships, to demonstrate your impact.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our careers website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!

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

Know Your Packaging Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into the packaging industry trends, especially in EMEA. Familiarise yourself with the latest innovations and sustainability practices. This will not only show your passion but also your commitment to driving continuous improvement.

Master the Art of Storytelling

Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to influence stakeholders. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easier for the interviewer to see your impact.

Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit

Since this role involves working across various teams, be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight instances where you’ve built strong relationships with suppliers or internal partners to achieve common goals.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about Kimberly-Clark's strategic partnership with Suzano and how it impacts the packaging category. This demonstrates your interest in the company’s future and shows that you’re thinking critically about your potential role within it.