Lead Scientist Materials

Kimberly-Clark • Neenah, WI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

You were made to do this work: exploring uncharted questions, engineering innovative solutions, advancing scientific understanding, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. You want to be part of a performance culture dedicated to solving real-world problems with purpose and precision. You want to work in an environment that promotes sustainability, inclusion, wellbeing, and career development. In this role, you’ll help us shape the future and improve lives for billions of people around the world. It starts with YOU. In this role, you will: Be a member of the Research and Development (R&D) Absorbent Development Technology team, developing and implementing material, product, technology or product concepts. Work with fast moving Personal Care consumable products across diapers, training pants, and adult garments and pads. Report to a Team Leader and receive direction in the form of specific project and innovation pipeline objectives. Collaborate with product teams to understand business innovation plans, and translate those needs to lead material development specific to the absorbent system. Work with product developers, process engineers, corporate research and other materials scientists to develop for commercialization new and/or improved materials for the absorbent system. Provide project leadership in the design, development, and optimization of non-woven and absorbent materials for consumer product solutions, supporting the Kimberly-Clark brand plans. Manage relationships with key material suppliers, internal and external, to develop materials and application technologies that accelerate innovation to our consumers. Coordinate material development activities with key suppliers and production locations with mainly North American implementation, but also internationally, as required. Mentor less experienced material scientists across R&D. Ensure all work complies with corporate safety, regulatory, product safety, and sustainability requirements. Work independently and progress with limited instruction and as part of a larger cross functional team. Interact daily across the R&D community consisting of product, process, and material experts. This team is accountable for the development of improved or new materials that deliver on consumer needs and improved performance in personal care absorbent products. Provide leadership and decision making from the material perspective to advance projects through the business stage and gate approval process. Weekly influence suppliers and partners across corporate research, procurement, supply chain, safety, regulatory, and legal as required by project needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in related scientific or engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of industry experience in research or engineering, product/material development, project management roles or other related experience.
• A demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and across functional boundaries to complete projects within required timeframes.
• Exceptional skills effectively communicating/translating complex technical concepts to others.
• Travel up to 15% if needed, including some international travel.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of materials and structural/performance relationships between primarily non-woven and absorbent systems to drive hygiene garment performance.
• Experience analyzing material properties and impact on product performance.
• Experience in materials development including translating material development needs from prototype to commercial scale.
• Experience in supplier management.
• Experience leading material and product commercial launch activities with external suppliers and global manufacturing partners.
• International experience in a global organization.

Responsibilities

• Be a member of the Research and Development (R&D) Absorbent Development Technology team, developing and implementing material, product, technology or product concepts.
• Work with fast moving Personal Care consumable products across diapers, training pants, and adult garments and pads.
• Report to a Team Leader and receive direction in the form of specific project and innovation pipeline objectives.
• Collaborate with product teams to understand business innovation plans, and translate those needs to lead material development specific to the absorbent system.
• Work with product developers, process engineers, corporate research and other materials scientists to develop for commercialization new and/or improved materials for the absorbent system.
• Provide project leadership in the design, development, and optimization of non-woven and absorbent materials for consumer product solutions, supporting the Kimberly-Clark brand plans.
• Manage relationships with key material suppliers, internal and external, to develop materials and application technologies that accelerate innovation to our consumers.
• Coordinate material development activities with key suppliers and production locations with mainly North American implementation, but also internationally, as required.
• Mentor less experienced material scientists across R&D.
• Ensure all work complies with corporate safety, regulatory, product safety, and sustainability requirements.
• Work independently and progress with limited instruction and as part of a larger cross functional team.
• Interact daily across the R&D community consisting of product, process, and material experts.
• Provide leadership and decision making from the material perspective to advance projects through the business stage and gate approval process.
• Weekly influence suppliers and partners across corporate research, procurement, supply chain, safety, regulatory, and legal as required by project needs.

Benefits

• Great support for good health with medical, dental, and vision coverage options with no waiting periods or pre-existing condition restrictions.
• Access to an on-site fitness center, occupational health nurse, and allowances for high-quality safety equipment.
• Flexible Savings and spending accounts to maximize health care options and stretch dollars when caring for yourself or dependents.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees