Senior Director, R&D Chief of Staff and Capabilities

Kimberly-Clark

86d • $215,900 - $279,100

About The Position

The Senior Director, R&D Chief of Staff and Capabilities (Chief of Staff) serves as a strategic partner to the Chief Research & Development Officer, driving operational excellence, cross-functional alignment, and execution of key initiatives across the global R&D organization. This role acts as a force multiplier for R&D leadership, enabling focus on innovation, talent development, and long-term growth by managing strategic planning, communications, governance, and special projects. The Chief of Staff will lead and coordinate high-impact programs, facilitate decision-making processes, and ensure seamless collaboration across R&D, Global Growth Organization and Corporate functions. This individual will also serve as a trusted advisor, helping to shape the R&D agenda, monitor progress against strategic goals, and foster a culture of accountability, agility, and innovation. The role is also responsible for developing capability and talent development strategy and initiatives, like digitization of work, technical Learning & Development within R&E University, and more.

Requirements

• 15+ years of strategic leadership experience within large complex global companies; ideally within CPG or manufacturing industries.
• Proven ability to work in or alongside R&D, Engineering, Product Development, QRC and/or innovation teams.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives, managing complex projects, and driving execution across global teams.
• Ability to synthesize complex information, anticipate challenges, and advise the Chief R&D Officer on strategic decisions.
• Financial acumen, understanding of corporate governance, strategic planning, and performance metrics; comfort with data analysis, dashboards, and performance tracking.
• Ability to connect people and create networks - align teams around strategic priorities and foster collaboration.
• Exceptional program management, prioritization and process optimization skills.
• Familiarity with scientific processes, product lifecycle management, and regulatory environments.
• Clear thinker, who is focused and demonstrates attention to detail, organization and high drive for results.
• Demonstrated operational intensity via simplification.
• Good judgment and high EQ to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.
• Willingness to provide Senior Leaders with advice and counsel that challenges.
• Comfort with ambiguity & complexity.
• Experience driving transformation, cultural change, or organizational redesign in fast-paced environments.
• Agile, fluid and comfortable with change management.
• International and multicultural experience desired.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Life Sciences or related field; Advanced Degree is an added benefit.

Responsibilities

• Lead the coordination and oversight of the global R&D budget planning process, ensuring financial discipline, transparency, and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Develop and maintain innovation performance metrics and impact tools to assess R&D effectiveness across the portfolio.
• Collaborate with the Central R&D team to ensure the long-term research pipeline is robust and aligned with the Enterprise growth agenda.
• Manage capital planning processes for R&D, including investment prioritization, governance frameworks, and alignment with strategic growth initiatives.
• Serve as the primary liaison between R&D and the Strategy & Transformation Office, supporting strategic planning cycles, enterprise initiatives, and executive-level deliverables.
• Lead the planning and execution of R&D Leadership Team meetings, global town halls, and internal communications.
• Drive a unified and compelling R&D narrative across segments and sectors, showcasing the value delivered from early-stage innovation through to lifecycle management.
• Oversee governance and reporting of the R&D functional strategic plan, ensuring alignment with enterprise goals, visibility of progress, and accountability across teams.
• Partner with the Global Head of R&D Transformation to evolve the R&D operating model, including organizational design, capabilities, ways of working, and high-performance culture.

Benefits

• Great support for good health with medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
• 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