Senior Director, R&D Chief of Staff, Capabilities
Kimberly-Clark
Senior Director, R&D Chief of Staff
Kimberly-Clark
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Atlanta • Wisconsin • 🇺🇸 United States
Visit company websiteSalary
💰 $215,900 - $279,100 per year
Job Level
Senior
About the role
- 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.
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard skills
strategic planningfinancial acumendata analysisperformance metricsprogram managementprocess optimizationproduct lifecycle managementbudget governanceinnovation performance metricscapital planning
Soft skills
leadershipcross-functional collaborationcommunicationnetworkingorganizational skillsattention to detailjudgmentemotional intelligenceadaptabilityproblem-solving
Certifications
Bachelor’s Degree in EngineeringBachelor’s Degree in Life SciencesAdvanced Degree