Hybrid Senior Director, R&D Chief of Staff

at Kimberly-Clark

• Job title: Senior Director, R&D Chief of Staff
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Senior
• Salary: $215,900 - $279,100 per year
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Atlanta, United States

About the role

• Senior Director, R&D Chief of Staff at Kimberly-Clark overseeing global R&D initiatives and operational excellence for popular consumer brands. Strategic partnership with executives to drive innovation and growth.

Responsibilities

• The Senior Director, R&D Chief of Staff and Capabilities serves as a strategic partner to the Chief Research & Development Officer, driving operational excellence, cross-functional alignment, and execution of key initiatives across the global R&D organization.
• This role acts as a force multiplier for R&D leadership, enabling focus on innovation, talent development, and long-term growth by managing strategic planning, communications, governance, and special projects.
• The Chief of Staff will lead and coordinate high-impact programs, facilitate decision-making processes, and ensure seamless collaboration across R&D, Global Growth Organization and Corporate functions.
• This individual will also serve as a trusted advisor, helping to shape the R&D agenda, monitor progress against strategic goals, and foster a culture of accountability, agility, and innovation.
• The role is also responsible for developing capability and talent development strategy and initiatives, like digitization of work, technical Learning & Development within R&E University, and more.
• Lead the coordination and oversight of the global R&D budget planning process, ensuring financial discipline, transparency, and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Partner with Finance and R&D leaders to manage budget governance and optimize resource allocation.
• Develop and maintain innovation performance metrics and impact tools to assess R&D effectiveness across the portfolio.
• Collaborate with the Central R&D team to ensure the long-term research pipeline is robust and aligned with the Enterprise growth agenda.
• Manage capital planning processes for R&D, including investment prioritization, governance frameworks, and alignment with strategic growth initiatives.
• Serve as the primary liaison between R&D and the Strategy & Transformation Office, supporting strategic planning cycles, enterprise initiatives, and executive-level deliverables (e.g., Board of Directors presentations, major cross-functional projects).
• Ensure consistent messaging, effective engagement, and alignment across the R&D organization.

Requirements

• 15+ years of strategic leadership experience within large complex global companies; ideally within CPG or manufacturing industries.
• Proven ability to work in or alongside R&D, Engineering, Product Development, QRC and/or innovation teams.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives, managing complex projects, and driving execution across global teams.
• Ability to synthesize complex information, anticipate challenges, and advise the Chief R&D Officer on strategic decisions.
• Financial acumen, understanding of corporate governance, strategic planning, and performance metrics; comfort with data analysis, dashboards, and performance tracking.
• Ability to connect people and create networks - align teams around strategic priorities and foster collaboration (e.g., marketing, supply chain, finance).
• Exceptional program management, prioritization and process optimization skills.
• Familiarity with scientific processes, product lifecycle management, and regulatory environments.
• Clear thinker, who is focused and demonstrates attention to detail, organization and high drive for results.
• Demonstrated operational intensity via simplification.
• Good judgment and high EQ to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.
• Willingness to provide Senior Leaders with advice and counsel that challenges.
• Comfort with ambiguity & complexity.
• Experience driving transformation, cultural change, or organizational redesign in fast-paced environments.
• Agile, fluid and comfortable with change management.
• International and multicultural experience desired.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Life Sciences or related field; Advanced Degree is an added benefit.

Benefits

• Great support for good health with medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
• 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.