Lead Product Scientist

Kimberly-Clark; Neenah (WI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kimberly-Clark in Wisconsin invites applicants for an R&E role focused on consumer-centric product development. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovations from scoping through commercialization, ensuring safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. You’ll lead qualification plans, mentor junior members, and partner with Marketing to translate concepts into market-ready products.

Local candidates eligible to work in the U.S. only are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university.
• 3+ years of industry experience in research or engineering, product/material development, project management roles or other related experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and across functional boundaries to complete projects within required timeframes.
• Exceptional skills effectively communicating/translating complex technical concepts to others.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate within project teams to understand business innovation plans and leverage to lead development from a consumer and product design standpoint to meet business and project objectives.
• Lead product development efforts for single or multiple projects from initial scoping and definition of success criteria through commercialization.
• Develop and lead product qualification plans in partnership with Materials, Process, Manufacturing, and Supply teams.
• Lead the interaction with the Marketing team to ensure product design meets concept and aligns with strategy.
• Develop and leverage deep product expertise and leverage knowledge cross-functionally to field questions for LCM, DtV, competitive claims, etc.
• Ensure development and execution of product specifications and quality plans appropriate for phase of project.
• Facilitate discussions with marketing and the brand design team regarding performance attributes, aesthetics, claims and benefits visualizations to bring innovations to life.
• Protect and defend Kimberly-Clark proprietary product and technology through the appropriate use of patents and trade secrets.
• Provides mentorship to junior members of the product development team.
• Communicate and document project plans and results to key customers.
• Develop knowledge and skills to be recognized as an effective implementer of research principles, scientific analysis, and project management.
• Ensure all work complies with corporate safety, regulatory, product safety and sustainability requirements.

Skills

Team collaboration

Project management

Product development

Technical communication

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree

Engineering or science degree

Job description

You were made to create Better Care for a Better World: exploring uncharted questions, engineering innovative solutions, advancing scientific understanding, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. You want to be partoa 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.

About You

In one of our R&E roles, you’ll focus on winning with consumers and the market, while putting safety, mutual respect, and human dignity at the center.

Job responsibilities include:

• Collaborate within project teams to understand business innovation plans and leverage to lead development from a consumer and product design standpoint to meet business and project objectives.
• Lead product development efforts for single or multiple projects from initial scoping and definition of success criteria through commercialization.
• Develop and lead product qualification plans in partnership with Materials, Process, Manufacturing, and Supply teams.
• Lead the interaction with the Marketing team to ensure product design meets concept and aligns with strategy.
• Develop and leverage deep product expertise and leverage knowledge cross-functionally to field questions for LCM, DtV, competitive claims, etc.
• Ensure development and execution of product specifications and quality plans appropriate for phase of project.
• Facilitate discussions with marketing and the brand design team regarding performance attributes, aesthetics, claims and benefits visualizations to bring innovations to life.
• Protect and defend Kimberly-Clark proprietary product and technology through the appropriate use of patents and trade secrets.
• Provides mentorship to junior members of the product development team.
• Communicate and document project plans and results to key customers.
• Develop knowledge and skills to be recognized as an effective implementer of research principles, scientific analysis, and project management.
• Ensure all work complies with corporate safety, regulatory, product safety and sustainability requirements.

To succeed in this role, you will need the following qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university.
• 3+ years of industry experience in research or engineering, product/material development, project management roles or other related experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and across functional boundaries to complete projects within required timeframes.
• Exceptional skills effectively communicating/translating complex technical concepts to others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science related field.
• Experience in product development and launch of consumer-packaged goods (CPGs).
• Experience leading both consumer and technical research studies.
• Experience leading product design changes.
• Work experience across a range of Research & Engineering disciplines.
• International experience in a global organization.

Lead by Purpose. Driven by You.

Total Benefits

We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we're committed to providing them with the resources they need to be successful. If you're looking for a rewarding career with a company that cares about its employees, then Kimberly-Clark is the place for you.

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

Flex That Works at Kimberly-Clark

We believe great work happens when people come together with purpose. That’s why we offer a flexible work model that blends remote work with intentional in-person collaboration — helping you connect, grow, and innovate while maintaining the balance you value.

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 encompassesthe 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 local policies.

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.

This role is available for local candidates already authorized to work in the role’s country only. Kimberly-Clark will not provide relocation support for this role.

#LI-Hybrid

Grade 10: Grade level and / or compensation may vary based on location/country