Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Global Category Manager, SAM

Kimberly-Clark Corporation$127K — $157K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, engineering, or related discipline; MBA preferred.
  • Over 8 years of experience in supply chain or sourcing roles.
  • Ability to operate with limited direction within a matrix organization.
  • Extensive knowledge and experience in a significant sourcing commodity group.
  • Proven strategic sourcing and negotiation skills in a global procurement environment.
  • Cross-functional collaboration across multiple business lines.
  • Strong project management skills to prioritize multiple deliverables.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute global category strategies aligned with business needs.
  • Negotiate supply contracts, including pre-negotiation strategy formulation.
  • Set annual targets for total value creation focusing on safety, quality, service, and cost.
  • Identify and manage high-impact projects that drive business results.
  • Lead supplier collaboration and innovation aligning with long-term strategies.
  • Conduct supplier risk assessments and manage onboarding activities.
  • Support supply chain initiatives and manage risks around shortages and disruptions.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package for employee well-being and growth.
  • Flexible hybrid work arrangements to support work-life balance.
  • Opportunity for career development in a performance-driven culture.
  • Focus on sustainability, inclusion, and employee support.
Full Job Description
Global Category Manager, SAM

Job Description

Join the team behind iconic brands like Huggies®, Kleenex®, Cottonelle®, Scott®, Kotex®, Poise®, Depend®, and Kimberly-Clark Professional®  At Kimberly-Clark, it’s all here for you—innovation, growth, and the chance to make a real impact. 

You’re not the person who will settle for just any role. Neither are we. Because we’re out to create Better Care for a Better World, and that takes a certain kind of person and teams who care about making a difference. Here, you’ll bring your professional expertise, talent, and drive to building and managing our portfolio of iconic, ground-breaking brands. In this role, you’ll help us deliver better care for billions of people around the world. It starts with YOU. 

You were made to create Better Care for a Better World: as Preventing and fixing problems on technologically advanced, high-speed machines that produce top-notch products for ¼ of the world’s population is no easy feat, but it’s worth it when you’re recognized often by your manager, supported by your team, and see the products you produce being used by your own family at the end of the day.

POSITION OVERVIEW:
This position will manage our Superabsorbent (SAM) spend category, primarily supporting our North American business segment.  This position has direct accountability for the strategic sourcing of $250 million annually from a global supply base. The incumbent must take business requirements into account to develop a category management plan with accompanying sourcing strategies to deliver the best total value for K-C. It requires a high level of competence in a variety of purchasing's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. A wide degree of creativity and business judgement is required. Also, an ability to plan future business needs and determine individual objectives to achieve them. 

The role requires key global stakeholder engagement to develop effective sourcing and supplier management strategies.  The incumbent will lead initiatives that enable revenue growth, margin improvement, supply security, product innovation, risk management and supply chain optimization. 

In this role, you will:

Category Strategy

  • Development and execution of global category strategies aligned to business need(s).  Communicate on a regular basis to all key internal stakeholders.  Provide on-going, expert level, supply category knowledge and insights into each North America accountable business unit (ABU).

  • Commercial negotiation of supply contracts on behalf of Kimberly-Clark.  Experience creating pre-negotiation strategy including company’s Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA).  Able to construct value stream (profit margin) industry maps and build market comparable cost analysis. 

  • Sets annual targets for total value creation including safety, quality, service, capacity, sustainability, social responsibility, and cost objectives for each supplier.  Maintains an understanding of global benchmarks for key operating performance measures and best practices.

  • Identify and execute projects with large potential impact to business results.

Supplier Relationship Management

  • Provide global leadership for supplier collaboration and innovation in alignment with long-term business strategies.  Identify, cultivate, and develop suppliers that can become strategic partners.  

  • Manage supplier risk assessments, qualifications and on-boarding activities in category areas.

  • Partner with business teams to lead “top-to-top” supplier relationships.

  • Ensure quality & risk management, including Supplier Code of Conduct and Social Responsibility, compliance per defined internal controls and policies in category area.

  • Drive overall performance management through the effective utilization of monthly scorecards and supplier corrective action processes.

Project and Business Support

  • Influence and support major supply chain initiatives for product sourcing and moves.

  • Manage category risk around global shortages and supply chain disruptions.

  • Lead the business and stakeholders with commodity analysis and forecasting, financial forecasting, inflation reporting and spend/supplier analytics.  

ORGANIZATION: REPORTING LINE / STAKEHOLDERS

  • This position reports to the Procurement Category Director – SAM.

  • Incumbent will collaborate with global and regional leaders to drive change and deliver improved business results.  He/She will also partner with supply chain leaders, suppliers, and other business functions at all levels to deliver critical business results.

About You

You perform at the highest level possible, and you appreciate a performance culture fueled by authentic caring.  You want to be part of a company actively dedicated to sustainability, inclusion, wellbeing, and career development.


You love what you do, especially when the work you do makes a difference. At Kimberly-Clark, we’re constantly exploring new ideas on how, when, and where we can best achieve results. When you join our team, you’ll experience Flex That Works: flexible (hybrid) work arrangements that empower you to have purposeful time in the office and partner with your leader to make flexibility work for both you and the business.

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

  • A Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, engineering or related discipline. An MBA is a plus.

  • 8 plus years of experience in supply chain cross-functional roles or sourcing.

  • Operates with limited business direction, experience working within a matrix organization and effectively managing through ambiguous situations.

  • Demonstrated knowledge and extensive experience in a major sourcing commodity group.

  • Strong strategic sourcing and negotiation skills, with solid proven experience in global procurement/supply chain organizations.

  • Ability to work cross-functionally across multiple business lines, including a depth of knowledge in category strategy development and implementation.

  • Experience in effectively managing and prioritizing multiple deliverables. 

  • Willingness and ability to travel up to 25%, including occasional international travel

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.​

Here are just a few of the benefits you’d enjoy working in this role for Kimberly-Clark. For a complete overview, see www.mykcbenefits.com​

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.

#LI-Onsite

 Salary Range: 127,600 – 157,600 USD At Kimberly-Clark, pay is just one aspect of our total rewards package, which also includes a variety of benefits and opportunities to achieve, thrive and grow. Along with base pay, this position offers eligibility for a target bonus and a comprehensive benefits suite, including our 401(k) and Profit Sharing plan. The anticipated base pay range for this role is provided above for a fully qualified hire. Actual pay will depend on several factors, such as location, role, skills, performance, and experience. Please note that the stated pay range applies to US locations only.

Primary LocationNeenah - West Office Facility 1

Additional Locations

Worker TypeEmployee

Worker Sub-TypeRegular

Time TypeFull time

About Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Kimberly-Clark is leading the world in essentials for a better life. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with nearly 58,000 employees worldwide and manufacturing operations in 37 countries, Kimberly-Clark posted sales of $21.1 billion in 2012. Kimberly-Clark and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Every day, almost a quarter of the world's population trust K-C's brand and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex®, Scott®, Viva® Towels, Cottonelle®, Huggies®, Pull-Ups®, Goodnites®, U by Kotex®, Kotex®, Poise®, and Depend®, Kimberly-Clark holds the No. 1 or 2 share position in more than 80 countries.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation Careers

Join the Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a global leader in personal care products, and become part of a team that values innovation, leadership, and diversity. At Kimberly-Clark, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that empower you to explore your potential and develop your professional skills.

Work You’ll Do

At Kimberly-Clark Corporation, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the industry. Our team is dedicated to excellence and innovation in everything from consumer goods to essential products that enhance health and hygiene around the world. With a culture that fosters growth and leadership, you will be at the forefront of industry developments, driving change and making an impact.

Innovate and Lead

Join our team and lead projects that transform how people experience our products. With over 40,000 employees worldwide, Kimberly-Clark offers a unique position in the marketplace that combines industry expertise, leadership in innovation, and a commitment to sustainability.

Career Development

Kimberly-Clark is committed to the professional growth of our employees. Whether through leadership training, diversity initiatives, or career advancement opportunities, we support your journey to becoming a leader in your field. Our robust internship programs provide a foundation for success, offering hands-on experience and networking opportunities that build the skills necessary for a thriving career.

Be Part of Our Team

Working at Kimberly-Clark means being part of a global community that values diversity, teamwork, and mutual respect. Our employees enjoy competitive benefits, a dynamic work environment, and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. From research and development to marketing and sales, every position plays a critical role in our success.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re looking to start your career or take it to the next level, Kimberly-Clark offers a range of positions across various functions. Enhance your resume through challenging and meaningful work that contributes to the well-being of millions worldwide.

Stay Connected

Join the Kimberly-Clark team and stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here.

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Explore open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always looking for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Start your journey with us and discover where your career can take you!

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Interview and Resume Tips

Prepare for your future with Kimberly-Clark by accessing resources that help you ace your interview and polish your resume. Our hiring process is designed to identify and attract professionals who are ready to make a difference. Join Kimberly-Clark Corporation today and be part of a company that is as committed to your career as it is to improving the lives of millions.
Learn more about Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Size
45,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.3 billion
Founded
1872
5 Year Trend
+1.2%
Revenue
$19.1 billion
NASDAQ

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