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 are a problem‑solver, a connector, and someone who thrives on creating order from complexity and driving continuous improvement. Your goal is to deliver Better Care for a Better World.
Role Summary
As part of Kimberly‑Clark’s International Family Care and Professional (IFP) business, you will lead the Global Direct Material Procurement categories, aligning cross‑functional stakeholders and supplier partners to drive value across the segment. You will report directly to the IFP Procurement Director and manage a global team of seven procurement professionals (excluding APAC) across Packaging, Chemicals, Adhesives & Non‑Wovens.
Responsibilities
* Lead a global team of seven Procurement professionals responsible for all direct spend (Packaging, Chemicals, Adhesives & Non‑Wovens) across all accountable business units (excluding APAC).
* Drive all Cost and Cash targets for the Direct category globally.
* Develop & manage global supplier relationships—scouting, raising supply risks/issues, providing performance feedback.
* 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 benchmarking, supplier landscape analysis, and market dynamics.
* Collaborate with Finance and Category Managers to provide financial forecasts.
* Optimize inbound supply chains, specifications, and 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.
* Lead people management, including talent development, performance management, compensation planning, and organisational effectiveness.
Qualifications
* Bachelor’s Degree in business, supply chain or a related discipline.
* 10+ years of procurement, supply chain or product supply experience with a demonstrated track record of leadership growth, preferably in a CPG company.
* Technical knowledge of contract negotiation strategies and global contracting nuances.
* Strong skills in diagnosing and resolving complex issues and identifying transformational opportunities.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
* Ability to work on a global scale and influence across cultural boundaries.
* Proven record of business results through collaboration, influence and partnership with key category managers and stakeholders.
* Highly strategic and innovative problem‑solving skills.
* General working knowledge of COUPA, MS Office and other relevant procurement tools and systems.
Travel Requirement
Requires up to 25% travel time.
Benefits
* Market‑leading pension contribution.
* Bonus scheme.
* Flexible savings and spending accounts to maximise health‑care options.
* Private medical insurance, including dental and vision coverage.
* Diverse income protection insurance options.
* Additional programs and support for education, adoption, relocation and 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Kimberly‑Clark is a committed equal‑opportunity employer. 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 or any other characteristic protected by law.
Additional Notes
Employment is subject to verification of local policies. This role is available for local candidates already authorised to work in this 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
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