Research & Engineering Manager

Kimberly-Clark USA, LLC; Neenah (WI); Hybrid; USD 128,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) and Profit Sharing

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Kimberly-Clark USA, LLC is seeking an Research & Engineering Manager in Neenah, WI, to lead a high-performing team focused on delivering innovative product solutions for brands like U by Kotex. The role emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, and strategic product development on a global stage.

You will guide lifecycle management, drive cost optimization, and ensure on-time delivery while fostering a culture of safety and sustainability in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in related field.
• 7+ years of product development/engineering experience.
• Proven leadership of a cross-functional team.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and drive decisions.

Responsibilities

• Leading and developing a high-performing team to deliver innovative product solutions that address customer needs and drive U by Kotex tampon business growth.
• Providing people leadership, including talent development, performance management, succession planning, compensation, and organizational effectiveness.
• Coaching and mentoring team members to execute product development, commercialization, lifecycle management, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Ensuring all work complies with FDA Quality System Regulations and product safety requirements for Class II medical devices.
• Establishing project timelines, learning plans, resource allocation, and budgets to meet milestones and priorities.
• Driving critical business decisions related to product strategy, execution, launch readiness, risk management, and success criteria.
• Fostering collaboration, removing barriers, and communicating progress to ensure successful delivery.
• Championing safety, quality, regulatory compliance, sustainability, innovation, and IP protection.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Influence

Decision making

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Research & Engineering Manager

Job Description

Join the team behind iconic brands like Huggies®, Kleenex®, Cottonelle®, Scott®, Kotex®, Poise®, Depend®, and Kimberly-Clark Professional®. At Kimberly-Clark, it’s all here for you—innovation, growth, and the chance to make a real impact.

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 part ofa 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 Engineering 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:

• Leading and developing a high-performing team to deliver innovative product solutions that address customer needs and drive U by Kotex® tampon business growth.
• Providing people leadership, including talent development, performance management, succession planning, compensation, and organizational effectiveness.
• Coaching and mentoring team members to successfully execute product development, commercialization, lifecycle management, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Ensuring all work is conducted in compliance with FDA Quality System Regulations, internal quality standards, and product safety requirements for Class II medical devices.
• Establishing project timelines, learning plans, resource allocation, and budgets to deliver initiatives against key milestones and business priorities.
• Driving critical business decisions related to product strategy, project execution, launch readiness, risk management, and success criteria.
• Fostering collaboration, remove barriers, communicate project progress transparently, and escape issues as needed to ensure successful delivery.
• Championing a culture of safety, quality, regulatory compliance, sustainability, innovation, and protection of intellectual property through patents and trade secrets.

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

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience developing and executing product development work in Research & Engineering.
• Demonstrated leadership skills providing work direction to a multi-functional team.
• Comfortable navigating through ambiguity and complexity.
• Demonstrated ability to influence people at all organizational levels, drive decision-making and execute complex projects on demanding timelines.
• Ability to operate with a growth mindset and have strong mental fortitude to lead a team through challenges.
• A history of delivering strong results for the business

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience providing coaching and development of team members.
• Proven ability to collaborate across functions/departments to drive balanced business decisions.
• Prior experience working with FDA regulated products or medical devices.
• Prior experience on U by Kotex® or other branded period care products.
• Prior experience as a Research & Engineering project leader.

Led 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

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Salary Range: 127,600 – 157,600 USD
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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 Location
Neenah, WI, USA

## Additional Locations
Roswell, GA, USA

## Worker Type
Employee

## Worker Sub-Type
Regular

## Time Type
Full time