Research & Development - Sr Manager

Kimberly-Clark

72d • $157,720 - $194,760

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. As the Senior R&D Manager – Child Care Development & Commercialization, you will be responsible for leading a team of up to 20 product/material/process engineers in developing and commercializing the product innovations (and associated materials/technologies) that support our Pull-Ups® and Goodnites® brands. As the R&D leader in this space, this role will work closely with cross functional peers to establish business strategies, prioritize resources, and help guide the team in leveraging the Innovation Management Framework (stages and gates process) and other key forums for appropriate stakeholder management. This position requires a strong passion for innovation and “Focus on Consumer” with the ability to think locally, globally, and inclusively and work in close collaboration across cross functional business partners, significant stakeholder management, and the ability to work and lead in an exciting, fast paced environment. This role reports to the R&D Director of Child Care D&C.

Requirements

• A Bachelors degree in a scientific or engineering discipline
• 10 years or more of experience at a production facility and/or KC business unit in a technical, scientific, or engineering role with at least 5 years or more of research and development experience with emphasis of process/material development
• 1 year or more of people leadership experiences
• Experience with consumer product / technology development for commercialization
• An understanding of Engineering, Process Development and Capital Execution Practices
• Technical knowledge and experience combined with demonstrated ability to lead and direct an R&D team and projects to meet business objectives
• Ability to drive decision making at all levels within the organization
• Ability to lead and facilitate problem solving across teams to achieve desired results
• Excel at mentoring and developing a strong, inclusive technical organization
• Proven ability to coach and develop team members for career development and performance improvement

Nice To Haves

• 5 years or more of people leadership experiences with a technical team
• Experience with partnerships with Technical Service Providers
• Ability to work in a matrix organization and drive collaboration across functions/departments
• Experience in LEAN Implementation, agile methodologies

Responsibilities

• Own the product, process and material development and commercial execution for Child Care product innovations
• Lead a team of R&D engineers and scientists to ensure excellence in delivering product, technology, and execution development for product innovations
• Lead the team to co-develop startup protocols for new machines and commercialization for Child Care product innovations
• Partner with the Brand team as well as Discovery, Innovation Capability, Procurement and Supply Chain teams to ensure full innovation delivery
• Providing effective leadership, determine customer expectations and manage resources
• Partner with key external customers, as necessary including - Technical Service Providers, OEM partners and External Contract Manufacturers
• Lead a team of up to 20 direct reports and 10 indirect members to develop and commercialize material and technology solutions to deliver product innovations that address unmet customer needs in the key segment areas
• Provide people leadership to include talent development, performance management, compensation planning and organizational effectiveness
• Lead, coach, and mentor team members to execute material and technology development work and improve Child Care business results
• Drive key business decisions relative to project launches, success criteria, approach, etc.
• Support the startup protocols for capital projects, problem tracking and issue resolution around these technologies
• Ensure all work complies with corporate safety, regulatory, product safety and sustainability requirements
• Protect and defend K-C proprietary technology and products through appropriate use of patents and trade secrets and effective protection of proprietary information
• Challenge competitive intellectual property to ensure right to practice for K-C technologies and products

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: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees