K

Kimberly-Clark

Global maker of personal care products

Continuous Improvement and Capabilities Manager

Full-Time
$127.6k - $157.6k+ Target bonus
Expert
Bachelor's
Marinette, WI, USA
In PersonRelocation support is available for the selected candidate.
Manufacturing & Process Engineering

About the job

Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree and at least 10 years of manufacturing-related experience.
  • At least 5 years of experience in a high-speed industrial manufacturing environment or plant.
  • Experience in Engineering, Operations, Lean Manufacturing, and Maintenance, with familiarity in applying Lean, continuous improvement, operational excellence, Lean Six Sigma, and adult-learning tools and theory.
  • Six Sigma Black Belt certification or progress toward a Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
  • A strong understanding of the broader business and organization, with the ability to connect the Continuous Improvement and Capabilities organization to it.
  • Ability to organize and lead a multifunctional team and foster a proactive team environment.
  • Availability to work varying scheduled hours based on the needs of a 24/7 operation.
  • Willingness to travel up to 15% for regional benchmarking and best-practice sharing.
  • Ability to work in a manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
  • Provide strategic leadership to direct reports by coaching them in problem-solving methods and tools to identify gaps in processes, capabilities, and culture, uncover continuous-improvement opportunities, and implement solutions.
  • Promote loss control throughout the organization and visibly demonstrate that safety is a core value.
  • Champion site and team safety using operational excellence, Lean Six Sigma, and Training 4 Excellence tools to support education and behavior-based processes.
  • Lead the team in achieving safety objectives and maintaining a safe work environment.
  • Champion and support Continuous Improvement and Training 4 Excellence programs and processes to deliver quality and process-capability improvements.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Manage, develop, and support direct reports, including the Training 4 Excellence Leader and Digital Manufacturing Leader/Engineer, to drive changes and developments throughout the site and its functions.
  • Lead the site organization in developing and executing a site plan aligned with regional strategy to drive cultural transformation and increase team-member engagement and enablement.
  • Build asset-team capabilities to lead and manage organizational transformations.
  • Incorporate organizational-transformation thinking into team processes and tools, including by leveraging Digital Manufacturing resources.
  • Plan and oversee or execute the four key areas of change management for site-specific initiatives.
  • Build partnerships, consult with leadership, and collaborate on success criteria and key performance indicator progress.
  • Develop change-plan roadmaps, communications, and capability-building plans.
  • Identify and escalate issues, solicit feedback, and support project teams with gap analysis and business-process discussions.
  • Manage change networks, ensure participant engagement, and develop and deliver relevant updates.
  • Develop long-term strategies, address resistance, and monitor and adjust the change process.
  • Provide strategy to build site-wide capabilities through the Training 4 Excellence program.
  • Provide leadership support for developing, facilitating, and managing site training strategies aligned with regional strategy, including leading training specialists.
  • Ensure the team participates in regional networks, shares learnings, and adopts and applies standard best practices and processes.
  • Ensure collaboration between Training 4 Excellence and Digital Manufacturing to drive training and usage throughout the site.
  • Provide strategic direction for Continuous Improvement using standard tools and processes across site functions.
  • Provide strategic leadership for the site's Continuous Improvement programs and efforts.
  • Reinforce iOPEX processes and tools to sustain the iOPEX program.
  • Ensure standardization through Continuous Improvement and Culture of Accountability practices.
  • Provide continuous feedback to the leadership team consistent with operational-excellence mindsets, company behaviors, and Culture of Accountability principles.
  • Facilitate, promote, and support Lean cultural development and drive inclusive transformation involving frontline and support organizations.
  • Provide education on Lean tools, processes, and thinking at the site.
  • Ensure consistent application of regional framework standards for management systems and processes.
  • Drive site strategic planning, including developing, communicating, and following up on site strategic activities.
  • Leverage Digital Manufacturing and Change Management to embed tools and processes into workforce culture.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience developing and cascading large-scale strategy, a demonstrated problem-solving mindset, strong project-management skills, and proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite.
  • Experience across multiple plants and product systems, staff experience, and leadership of an exempt workforce.
  • Experience in change management, coaching, and mentoring at all levels to drive collaboration across teams and functions.
  • Change-management certification or designation; Prosci is preferred.

About the company

K

Kimberly-Clark

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Kimberly-Clark makes and sells everyday hygiene and personal care products to people and institutions around the world. Its products include Kleenex tissues, Huggies diapers, Scott paper products, Kotex feminine care, and Depend incontinence products, plus workplace supplies through K-C Professional; they are produced in large factories and distributed through retailers to shoppers or sold in bulk to businesses and healthcare facilities. The company stands out thanks to its wide, globally recognized brand lineup, large-scale distribution, and focus on sustainability and ESG initiatives that guide its operations and partnerships. Its goal is to provide essential hygiene products at scale while expanding social impact, such as improving sanitation in underserved communities and reducing environmental footprint across its value chains.

Company Size

10,001+

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Irving, Texas

Founded

1871

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • October 1, 2026 leadership reset assigns synergy delivery to CFO Nelson Urdaneta.
  • August 4, 2026 results delivered 0.6% sales growth and mid-single-digit operating profit growth.
  • Barrow FID on May 20, 2026 advances lower-cost energy and supply-chain resilience.

What critics are saying

  • Reuters on September 23, 2026 showed EU regulators demanding Kenvue divestitures.
  • August 4, 2026 China diaper rumors cut 2026 sales growth and profits.
  • 2025 free cash flow missed dividends; Kenvue financing can overwhelm balance-sheet flexibility.

What makes Kimberly-Clark unique

  • Kimberly-Clark owns Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, and Depend across 175 countries.
  • Barrow-in-Furness hydrogen project cuts natural gas 50% and 18,300 tonnes CO2.
  • Its Kenvue merger creates a $32 billion consumer-health platform with 10 billion-dollar brands.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
  • Hybrid Work Options
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Profit Sharing
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Company News

Yahoo Finance
Oct 21st, 2026
Cramer calls Kimberly-Clark a "hated" dividend king, but its yield is nearer 4.8% than 5.5%

Jim Cramer called Kimberly-Clark a "hated" Dividend King on CNBC on October 15, 2026, citing a 5.5% dividend yield. The real yield is about 4.8%, based on a $1.28 quarterly payout and a $107.04 share price. The company has raised its dividend for 54 consecutive years, but this year's increase was only about 1.59%. In 2025 it paid out roughly 101% of its free cash flow ($1.639 billion) in dividends ($1.66 billion), as capital spending rose to $1.138 billion from $721 million. Shares rose 8.9% last week after better-than-expected preliminary third-quarter results. The European Commission and Brazilian regulators also approved its $48.7 billion Kenvue acquisition.

Lake Oconee Breeze
Oct 19th, 2026
Kimberly-Clark prices $4.9B senior notes offering to fund Kenvue acquisition

Kimberly-Clark has priced a $4.9 billion private offering of senior unsecured notes. The company will issue them in five tranches, with rates from 5.100% for notes due 2028 to 5.800% for notes due 2036. Closing is expected on October 29, 2026. The money will help fund the cash portion of its planned acquisition of Kenvue, along with cash on hand and commercial paper borrowings. Any remainder will go to general corporate purposes. The offering does not depend on the deal closing, which is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. If the acquisition has not closed by the end of the outside date, or Kimberly-Clark drops it, the company must redeem the notes at 101% of principal plus accrued interest.

Mass Market Retailers
Oct 19th, 2026
Kimberly-Clark launches Big Dreams Diapers and Wipes, exclusively in Amazon's stores.

Kimberly-Clark launches Big Dreams Diapers and Wipes, exclusively in Amazon's stores. New baby care collection delivers premium-quality comfort, dependable performance and everyday convenience at an affordable price so families can keep exploring and dreaming together October 19, 2026. 9:11 AM CHICAGO, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Today marks the launch of Big Dreams(TM) diapers and wipes, a new exclusive collection in Amazon's stores, designed to support parents and caregivers as they navigate the everyday adventures of life with a little one. Developed in collaboration with Amazon, Big Dreams was created for the next generation of parents seeking premium-quality diapers and wipes that deliver reliable performance, comfort and value. Designed for growth and created for comfort, the collection helps families spend less time worrying about everyday essentials and more time focusing on everyday adventures. "Every milestone starts with a first step, a first discovery or a first adventure," said Heather Sorebo, Senior Brand Manager for Big Dreams at Kimberly-Clark. "That's the inspiration behind Big Dreams. We designed a premium diaper that gives parents confidence and babies the comfort and protection they need to explore the world around them. Because every big dream starts small." What Parents Should Know About Big Dreams * Premium-quality essentials at an affordable price. Big Dreams diapers are designed to provide an ultra-comfort, dreamy feel, and all day and night protection and are clinically tested to be safe for sensitive skin. Big Dreams wipes are 99% water, dermatologist tested and made with ingredients selected with sensitive skin in mind. The collection gives families access to premium-quality essentials at an affordable price, without asking them to compromise comfort or performance. * Engineered for adventure. With all-day and night protection, Big Dreams diapers are designed to help babies stay comfortable and protected as they move, grow and explore. Each diaper features a Wonder Dry(TM) liner, blowout blocker and sizes 3-7 have secure tabs and anti-slip grips to help ensure it stays in place while sleeping or on the go. * Convenience that comes to you. Available exclusively in Amazon's stores, Big Dreams diapers and wipes can be delivered directly to families' doors, helping simplify the routine and keep everyday essentials on hand. Eligible products are also available through Amazon programs including Amazon Registry and Subscribe & Save. "For parents on the go, convenience is an important part of making everyday life easier," said Traci Schmidt, Director of Household Essentials at Amazon. "The Big Dreams collection, exclusively on Amazon.com, offers an easy way for customers to discover selection that brings together comfort and performance." Big Dreams Diaper Features * Hypoallergenic, Dermatologist Tested: Big Dreams diapers are fragrance-free and are made without lotion and are clinically tested to be safe for sensitive skin. * All Day and Night Protection: Big Dreams offers all-day and night protection and a blowout blocker that helps stop leaks, so parents don't need to worry about constant blowouts. * Ultra Comfy Dreamy Feel: Big Dreams diapers are made without phthalates, parabens, natural rubber latex or elemental chlorine. * Wonder Dry(TM) Innovation: The Wonder Dry(TM) liner is designed to help keep baby dry day and night and includes a wetness indicator to help parents know when it may be time for a change. * Mass Market Retailers Stay Put, So You (or Baby) Can Keep Moving: Secure tabs and anti-slip grips are on sizes 3-7 and help Big Dreams diapers stay in place, helping families stay ready for any adventure. Big Dreams Wipe Features * Soft and Cloth-Like: Big Dreams wipes are soft and cloth-like for a gentle clean. * Hypoallergenic, Dermatologist Tested: Big Dreams wipes are clinically tested hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin, giving parents confidence with every wipe. * 99% Water, No Harsh Irritants: Made with 99% water and no harsh irritants, Big Dreams wipes effectively clean everyday messages. * Easy One-Handed Dispensing: A convenient dispensing design helps parents grab a wipe with one hand, making quick cleanups easy when they need it most. Big Dreams diapers and wipes are available exclusively in Amazon's U.S. stores in a selection of sizes, pack quantities and formats, with prices starting at $8.99 for diapers and $7.99 for wipes.

Financial Post
Oct 19th, 2026
Kimberly-Clark offers bonds to help fund Tylenol maker takeover.

Kimberly-Clark offers bonds to help fund Tylenol maker takeover. Kimberly-Clark Corp. is looking to help fund its pending acquisition of Kenvue Inc. as it aims to rival Unilever PLC Bloomberg News Brian Smith and Ying Luthra Published Oct 19, 2026 Kimberly-Clark Corp. is selling investment-grade bonds in as many as five parts to help fund its pending acquisition of Tylenol maker Kenvue Inc. The consumer-goods company is offering notes in as many as five parts with maturities of two to 10 years, according to a person with knowledge of the matter, who asked not to be identified because the details are private. Initial price discussions for the longest tenor involve a premium of about one percentage point above U.S. Treasuries, the person added. Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Kimberly-Clark held investor calls on Friday, amid a turbulent period for markets. Numerous companies held off on bringing high-grade bond sales last week as Treasury yields swung sharply on stronger-than-expected U.S. inflation data and worries about the artificial-intelligence trade. Canada's best source for investing news, analysis and insight. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The Kleenex maker's third-quarter report is due on Nov. 5. Companies typically don't issue bonds in the roughly two-week period before disclosing results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. provided US$7.7 billion in bridge financing late last year to help fund the acquisition. The bond sale is expected to replace that temporary borrowing facility. Other banks managing the bond sale are Citigroup Inc. and Morgan Stanley, the person said. The largely-stock acquisition, expected to close by the end of the year, is currently valued at about US$36 billion. Compensation is set to include US$6.7 billion of cash that would in part come from new debt sales, Kimberly-Clark has previously said. Kenvue has struggled financially since being spun off from Johnson & Johnson in 2023, and the company found itself battling with the Trump administration last year over the safety of its biggest product, Tylenol. Its portfolio also includes Neutrogena lotion, Listerine mouthwash, Benadryl allergy medicine and Band-Aid wound care products. Kimberly-Clark said when the combination was announced last year that buying Kenvue would create a company with US$32 billion in revenue and allow it to surpass Unilever PLC to become the second-biggest seller of health and wellness products after Procter & Gamble Co.

Tissue Online North America
Oct 15th, 2026
"When we hear 2035, we might think it's a long way off, but in some ways, we're already there," says Inside Tissue Manufacturing founder.

"When we hear 2035, we might think it's a long way off, but in some ways, we're already there," says Inside Tissue Manufacturing founder. Rob Gusky discussed his 42-year career, the challenge of passing on tribal knowledge to a new generation and what to expect from the Tissue Mill 2035 panel at the Tissue Summit. 10/15/2026 In today's Talk Tissue, Brian Uzcategui spoke with Rob Gusky, founder and host of the Inside Tissue Manufacturing podcast, about his career, the generational shift taking place in the tissue industry and the future of tissue manufacturing. During the conversation, Gusky shared his 42 years of experience in engineering, the last 30 of them at Kimberly-Clark, where he retired in May. He explained that his passion for the industry led him to create the podcast as a way to stay connected and to share the experience of veteran professionals with people around the globe, especially young people entering the industry. Another topic discussed was the wave of retirements in tissue mills. Gusky noted that at the facility where he worked for the last eight years, most employees had more than 25 years of experience, and that attracting and training new people has become one of the industry's toughest challenges. He also talked about how artificial intelligence could reshape tissue manufacturing over the next decade and why the younger generation may be a great fit for that direction. Finally, the conversation turned to the Tissue Summit, which will take place on November 2 and 3 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. At the event, Gusky will host a fireside chat with the director of engineering of Procter & Gamble, Scott Hansen, on "Tissue Mill 2035", discussing what the next ten years of tissue manufacturing will look like and how professionals can prepare for what is coming. Tissue mill employees and converters can attend at no charge, and registration is available at tissuesummitnorthamerica.com.