At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead packaging sourcing activities and develop category strategies for EMEA.
- Company: Join Kimberly-Clark, home to iconic brands like Huggies® and Kleenex®.
- Benefits: Enjoy a market-leading pension, bonus scheme, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that shapes global sustainability and innovation.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement with strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € 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. 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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
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.
Travel
This role requires the ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
Benefits
- 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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.
Primary Location: Walton Oaks
Worker Type: Employee
Worker Sub‑Type: Regular
Time Type: Full time
Packaging Category Lead and EMEA CM in Tadworth employer: Kimberly-Clark
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, private medical insurance, and diverse income protection options. Located in Walton Oaks, you will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on global health and sustainability, while enjoying the opportunity to shape the future of our iconic brands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Packaging Category Lead and EMEA CM in Tadworth
✨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 values. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who aligns with their mission of creating Better Care for a Better World.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills can solve their problems. Remember, they want to know how you can make an impact in the Packaging Category.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Packaging Category Lead and EMEA CM in Tadworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Packaging Category Lead. Highlight your procurement experience and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
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 skills can help us create Better Care for a Better World. Keep it engaging and personal, so we get a sense of who you are.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to highlight your problem-solving abilities. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in procurement or category management. We love seeing how you think on your feet!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
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 creating 'Better Care for a Better World' and think about how your experience in procurement and category management aligns with this vision.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've tackled complex challenges. Highlight how you created order from chaos and drove continuous improvement, as these are key traits they’re looking for.
✨Master the Art of Collaboration
Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated across teams. Share instances where your communication skills influenced decisions at different levels within an organisation.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Trends
Stay updated on current trends in the packaging industry, especially in EMEA. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could impact Kimberly-Clark’s strategies and how you can contribute to developing innovative solutions.