Global Planning Excellence Manager

Global Planning Excellence Manager

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

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global demand and supply planning processes, driving continuous improvement and system optimisation.
  • Company: Join Kimberly-Clark, home to iconic brands like Huggies® and Kleenex®.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible work options, and comprehensive health benefits.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of global planning.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on global supply chain excellence and innovation.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in demand and supply planning with strong leadership 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.

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. As Global Planning Excellence Team Leader, you will lead the governance and continuous enhancement of global demand and supply planning processes, metrics, systems, S&OP process and organisational capabilities through system optimisation, analytical support and process improvement. This is not a behind-the-scenes role. You will be the primary strategic leader for demand and supply planning processes and system enablement, partnering with and influencing senior executives, operational planning leaders and teams, IT, and external vendors across multiple business units and geographies. You will also lead the Planning Centre of Excellence team, driving system optimization, global best practices, capability building, and performance improvement. In this role, you will fundamentally transform how demand and supply planning are executed worldwide—elevating performance, consistency, and results.

This role will be responsible for but not limited to:

  • Own and lead global demand and supply planning processes and systems, acting as the global process owner and primary authority across forecasting, supply planning, production scheduling, raw material planning, deployment planning, and S&OP.
  • Ensure all processes are aligned with business unit strategies, wider supply chain objectives, and customer requirements.
  • Drive system and process optimisation, providing thought leadership on demand and supply planning tools and methodologies.
  • Partner closely with IT and external vendors to implement, enhance, and continuously improve planning systems that are scalable, future‑ready, and fit for purpose.
  • Own the global Sales & Operations Planning process, supporting business units to achieve and sustain gold‑standard S&OP maturity.
  • Ensure strong cross‑functional integration, robust governance, and effective decision‑making to balance demand, supply, cost, cash, and service.
  • Define, oversee, and communicate key performance indicators for demand and supply planning and S&OP.
  • Drive measurable improvements in forecast accuracy, service levels, inventory performance, cost to serve, and overall supply chain effectiveness.
  • Work closely with the Analytics team to turn data into strategy, developing performance frameworks that convert raw data into actionable insights.
  • Enable smarter, faster decision‑making that directly improves cost, cash, service, and operational performance.
  • Build organisational capability through training and enablement, designing and deploying capability roadmaps, playbooks, standards, and best practices with a strong continuous improvement mindset.
  • Oversee master‑level training, upskilling programs, and system adoption initiatives across regions.
  • Conduct system usage and process effectiveness insights, identifying gaps in adoption, data quality, and execution discipline, and driving targeted actions to improve planning performance and maturity.
  • Lead cross‑functional and cross‑geography transformation initiatives, acting as a visible change leader to modernise planning ways of working and embed consistent, high‑performing global processes and systems.

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

  • Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, mathematics, economics, statistics, engineering, computer software, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of proven success in demand and supply planning, with expertise in commercially available ERPs and forecasting systems, team leadership and ideally also previous experience of leading S&OP processes globally.
  • Experience of implementing new technologies/systems, strong knowledge of statistical modelling, planning optimisation and troubleshooting within demand and supply planning platforms.
  • Experience with deploying large-scale planning processes, or tools.
  • Knowledge of Six Sigma, Lean and other continuous improvement methodologies and experience of project management.
  • Ability to apply complex mathematical and statistical techniques to improve demand and supply plan accuracy and performance.
  • Strong experience of direct people management within supply chain as well as a knack for leading cross-functional teams, influencing stakeholders, and driving collective success, transformation and change management programs.
  • Proactive problem-solver with a strategic mindset, exceptional communication skills, and a collaborative approach.
  • Exceptional ability to engage, persuade, and align teams across all levels of the organisation.

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.

Global Planning Excellence Manager employer: Kimberly-Clark

At Kimberly-Clark, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values innovation, collaboration, and employee growth. Our flexible work model fosters a supportive environment where you can thrive while contributing to iconic brands that make a global impact. With comprehensive benefits, including market-leading pension contributions and private medical insurance, we are committed to your well-being and professional development, making this an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.

Kimberly-Clark

Contact Details:

Kimberly-Clark Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Global Planning Excellence Manager

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! Be ready to explain how your skills align with the role of Global Planning Excellence Manager. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.

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, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.

We think you need these skills to ace Global Planning Excellence Manager

Demand and Supply Planning
Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
System Optimisation
Analytical Skills
Statistical Modelling
Project Management
Continuous Improvement Methodologies

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Global Planning Excellence Manager role. Highlight your expertise in demand and supply planning, and don’t forget to sprinkle in some examples of how you've driven continuous improvement.

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. Be sure to mention your problem-solving skills and your ability to connect with teams across different functions.

Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on measurable achievements. Did you improve forecast accuracy or enhance supply chain effectiveness? Numbers speak volumes, so let us know how you made an impact in your previous roles!

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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!

How to prepare for a job interview at Kimberly-Clark

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into Kimberly-Clark's values and their iconic brands. Understand their mission of 'Better Care for a Better World' and think about how your experience in supply chain management aligns with this vision. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to drive continuous improvement.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Global Planning Excellence Manager, you'll be leading teams and influencing senior executives. Prepare to share stories that highlight your leadership style, particularly in cross-functional settings. Think about times when you successfully led a project or initiative, and be ready to explain how you engaged and aligned diverse teams towards a common goal.

Be Data-Driven

This role requires a strong analytical mindset. Brush up on your knowledge of statistical modelling and planning optimisation techniques. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you've used data to improve demand and supply planning processes in the past. Bring examples of key performance indicators you've defined and how they impacted overall supply chain effectiveness.

Emphasise Continuous Improvement

Kimberly-Clark values innovation and efficiency. Be ready to talk about your experience with methodologies like Six Sigma or Lean. Share specific instances where you've implemented process improvements or new technologies in your previous roles. Highlight your proactive approach to identifying gaps and driving targeted actions to enhance planning performance.