Senior Scientist - Projects

Kimberly-Clark • Neenah, WI

89d • $105,740 - $130,620

About The Position

The Senior Scientist - Projects will lead Research and Development (R&D) projects specific to Child Care Develop and Commercialize (D&C) tea, for Pull-Ups® and Goodnites® projects and innovation initiatives for Kimberly-Clark, North America (KCNA). As a member of the R&D Team, this individual will collaboratively lead projects through the Innovation Management Framework (stages and gates process), building on consumer insights to develop and launch. This role will work in conjunction with R&D Baby and Child Care (BCC) Product, Process, Materials, and Engineering team members and cross-functional partners from Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality and Manufacturing. The incumbent reports to an R&D Manager and receives work direction from the Manager, Director and Technical Leaders. This role is largely self-direction but will give work direction, coaching, and mentoring to 3-10 indirect team members. Lead cross-functional R&D teams to deliver upon project goals. Work with Project Team to identify and drive learning plans, manage and drive adherence to timelines, manage a budget, drive adherence to success criteria and escalate as appropriate to ensure projects are on-track. Work with cross-functional partners to deliver programs with strong business cases through the Innovation Management Framework and regularly present to Senior Leaders in committee forums. Works closely with Marketing, Manufacturing, and Finance teams, among others, to achieve project goals; significant influence without authority required. Provide work direction, coach, and mentor members of the cross-discipline R&D team. Ensure all work complies with Corporate Safety, Regulatory, Product Safety, and Quality requirements. Protect and defend Kimberly-Clark proprietary product and technology through the appropriate use of patents and trade secrets. Document key learnings and significant research findings in a searchable, retrievable format and coach project teams in documentation practices. Interface effectively with the other work stream teams to ensure business success. Ensure all work complies with corporate safety, regulatory, product safety, and sustainability requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or relevant scientific or project management discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in product development and/or project management.
• Proven track record of effectively communicating to and influencing leaders and team members.
• Prior experience leading projects from idea to execution.
• Demonstrated ability to provide work direction to team members not in a direct reporting relationship.
• Up to 10% travel.

Nice To Haves

• 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience in project management/product development, particularly D&C.
• Work experience across a range of R&D or Marketing disciplines.
• Experience in executing consumer or technical/scientific studies.
• Strong understanding of Child Care Garments products, brands, business, and technologies.
• Strong mentoring skills.
• Financial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects specific to Child Care D&C tea for Pull-Ups® and Goodnites®.
• Collaboratively lead projects through the Innovation Management Framework.
• Work with R&D BCC team members and cross-functional partners.
• Provide work direction, coaching, and mentoring to 3-10 indirect team members.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and success criteria.
• Present project updates to Senior Leaders in committee forums.
• Ensure compliance with Corporate Safety, Regulatory, Product Safety, and Quality requirements.
• Document key learnings and research findings.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options with no waiting periods.
• Access to an on-site fitness center and occupational health nurse.
• Flexible Savings and spending accounts.
• Diverse income protection insurance options.
• Programs and support for education, adoption, relocation, or temporary childcare.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Paper Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree