R&D Manager-PACE Center

Job Description

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. 

In this role, you will:

Provide strategic direction and visible leadership for the Product and Consumer Experience Center (PACE) team, ensuring all facilities, resources, and programs continuously enable innovative, consumer-centric product development and testing.Establish and drive a robust operational strategy for PACE, optimizing processes, space utilization, technology platforms, and resource deployment to maximize impact and efficiency.Foster a culture of safety, collaboration, and high performance, developing team members and building organizational capability in product development best practices, consumer research, and data integration.Lead the PACE team (10+ associates) to design, execute, and refine end-to-end consumer and product experience studies, leveraging state-of-the-art methodologies and new digital capabilities to deliver actionable insights.Champion the integration of new testing technologies, digital tools, and workflow improvements that enhance responsiveness, data quality, and the speed of product iteration. Drive reinvention of existing methods to be more consumer and business relevant Oversee the governance, compliance, and operational excellence of PACE; ensure adherence to all company, quality, and safety standards as well as external regulations.Act as primary ambassador for the Center, representing PACE to both internal partners (R&E, Marketing, Quality, Digital, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing) and select external collaborators (vendors, academic partners, innovation ecosystems).Manage the financial and operational aspects of PACE, including annual budget planning, capital investments, and program prioritization in support of KCNA Family Care business strategies.

About Us

Huggies®. Kleenex®. Cottonelle®. Scott®. Kotex®. Poise®. Depend®. Kimberly-Clark Professional®. You already know our legendary brands—and so does the rest of the world. In fact, millions of people use Kimberly-Clark products every day. We know these amazing Kimberly-Clark products wouldn’t exist without talented professionals, like you.

At Kimberly-Clark, you’ll be part of the best team committed to driving innovation, growth and impact. We’re founded on more than 150 years of market leadership, and we’re always looking for new and better ways to perform – so there’s your open door of opportunity. It’s all here for you at Kimberly-Clark.

Led by Purpose. Driven by You.

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.

In one of our professional roles, you’ll focus on winning with consumers and the market, while putting safety, mutual respect, and human dignity at the center. To succeed in this role, you will need the following qualifications:

A minimum of a bachelor's degree is required, preferably in a scientific or engineering discipline.

7+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ year of technical/people leadership in R&D, innovation, or product experience roles. Exp

Proven ability to serve as a visionary leader and change agent.

Demonstrated success in leading multidisciplinary teams and achieving results through influence and collaboration in complex, cross-functional environments

Deep expertise in consumer research, product testing, or experience center operations, with a proven ability to drive innovation and deliver consumer-relevant solutions.

Exceptional business acumen with demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, operational leadership, and financial oversight.

Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder engagement skills at multiple organizational levels

Experience modernizing labs or experience centers, including digital platform integration and change management, preferred.

Total Benefits

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.
 

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.

And finally, the fine print….

For Kimberly-Clark to grow and prosper, we must be an inclusive organization that applies the diverse experiences and passions of its team members to brands that make life better for people all around the world, which is why we seek to build a workforce that encompasses the experiences of our consumers.  When you bring your original thinking to Kimberly-Clark, you fuel the continued success of our enterprise. We are a committed equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position. 

Employment is subject to verification of pre-screening tests, which may include drug screening, background check, and DMV check. 

Veterans and members of the Reserve and Guard are highly encouraged to apply.

Kimberly-Clark will support in-country relocation for the chosen candidate for the role. The benefits provided will be per the terms of Kimberly-Clark’s applicable mobility policies. The benefits/policy provided will be decided at Kimberly-Clark’s sole discretion.

Grade 08 / M2: grade level and / or compensation may vary based on location

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 - South Office

Additional Locations

Worker TypeEmployee

Worker Sub-TypeRegular

Time TypeFull time