Global Direct Materials Associate Director

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.

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.

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. 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.

This role will be responsible for but not limited to:

• Lead a global team of 7 Procurement professionals responsible for all direct spend (Packaging, Chemicals, Adhesives & Non Wovens) across all accountable business units (excluding APAC).
• Responsible for driving all Cost and Cash targets for the Direct category globally.
• Develop & 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 & 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 category area.
• People leadership to include talent development, performance management, compensation planning and organisational effectiveness.

To succeed in this role, you will need the following 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.

This role will require 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.

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.

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.