📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Brand Manager - Brand Growth & Innovation
🔹 Company: Kimberly-Clark
🔹 Location: Chicago, USA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Brand Management, Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: July 28, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and leading innovation plans for multiple brands and categories
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to operationalize innovation programs
- Advocating for superior consumer experiences
- Managing projects using Design Thinking and Agile methodologies
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and project management skills. The ideal candidate will have experience in brand management, innovation strategy, and commercialization within a B2B or CPG company.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop, lead, and gain support for 3-5 years innovation plans enabled by a new, breakthrough innovation platform across multiple KCNA brands and categories
✅ Collaborate with Brand Growth & Innovation Leaders to ensure innovation plans are aligned to brand strategies and integrated within the brand innovation portfolio
✅ Lead and influence cross-functional partners to operationalize innovation programs, delivering on agreed business action standards
✅ Advocate for superior consumer experience relentlessly as K-C teams build first-of-a-kind enterprise capabilities for the breakthrough innovation platform
✅ Collaborate with multi-functional teams to get multiple major innovation programs ready for launch
✅ Leverage knowledge of P&L and collaborate with finance and other partners to bring forward real-time recommendations that protect project goals
✅ Engage with channel and sales strategy teams as an expert in voice-of-the-consumer and innovation subject matter to help them build compelling, customized plans for their channels/retailers
✅ Drive development of channel-specific go-to-market strategies and plans to maximize presence in market
✅ Own project management across multiple innovation programs within the new innovation platform, championing Design Thinking and Agile methodologies for own projects
✅ Lead stimulus creation for consumer research, internal workshops, customer meetings, and internal stakeholder meetings
✅ Help influence Kimberly-Clark NA LT & ELT stakeholders to secure their endorsement through compelling storytelling that highlights how the new innovation platform can deliver on the different needs of consumers, customers, and company
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong leadership, communication, and project management skills. The ideal candidate will be able to work effectively in a matrix organization and influence stakeholders at various levels.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business and/or Marketing. A Master's/MBA with a concentration in Marketing is preferred.
Experience: At least 10 years of experience in marketing with brand management, including experience in the following areas:
- Leading innovation strategy and commercialization
- Strong understanding of brand foundational tools, consumer insight identification, segmentation, and target development
- Experience with brand positioning and brand strategy development
- Concept and brief writing of both product innovation and renovation and commercial news
- P&L management; development and execution of brand marketing; cross-functional knowledge; direct experience in all various aspects of business, including manufacturing, product & technology development, and product supply
Required Skills:
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
- Project management, including Design Thinking and Agile methodologies
- Consumer-centric mindset and understanding of consumer research
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Ability to influence and persuade stakeholders
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with a new, breakthrough innovation platform
- Knowledge of the CPG industry and Kimberly-Clark's brands
- Fluency in multiple languages
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in brand management, innovation strategy, and commercialization within a B2B or CPG company. Experience with a new, breakthrough innovation platform is a plus.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $173,400 - $214,200 USD
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage with no waiting periods or pre-existing condition restrictions
- Flexible savings and spending accounts
- Diverse income protection insurance options
- Additional programs and support for education, adoption, relocation, and temporary childcare
Working Hours: Full-time, hybrid work arrangement with an average of 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is for a fully qualified hire in the United States. Actual pay will depend on several factors, such as location, role, skills, performance, and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Manufacturing, specifically in consumer goods and personal care products
Company Size: 10,001+ employees, providing a large and diverse range of career opportunities
Founded: 1872, with a rich history and established brand portfolio
Company Description:
- Kimberly-Clark is a global leader in personal care, consumer tissue, and professional products
- The company's iconic brands include Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Poise, and Depend
- Kimberly-Clark is committed to creating Better Care for a Better World through its products, workplaces, and communities
Company Specialties:
- Brand management and marketing
- Innovation and product development
- Manufacturing and supply chain management
- Sales and customer management
Company Website: Kimberly-Clark
ASSUMPTION: Kimberly-Clark's large size and global presence offer extensive opportunities for career growth and development. The company's strong brand portfolio and commitment to sustainability make it an attractive employer in the consumer goods industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level role with significant strategic and operational responsibilities
Reporting Structure: Matrix organization with cross-functional collaboration and influence across multiple teams
Work Arrangement: Hybrid work arrangement with an average of 2-3 days per week in the office
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to lead larger innovation programs or teams as the role evolves
- Opportunities to gain experience in different brands, categories, or regions
- Chance to develop leadership and management skills through cross-functional collaboration and influence
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand responsibilities and develop leadership skills over time.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with on-site fitness center and occupational health nurse
Office Location(s): Chicago Commercial Center
Geographic Context:
- Chicago is a major metropolitan area with a diverse population and vibrant cultural scene
- The Chicago Commercial Center is conveniently located with easy access to public transportation and major highways
- The area offers a range of housing options, from urban apartments to suburban homes
Work Schedule: Full-time, hybrid work arrangement with an average of 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday
ASSUMPTION: The Chicago Commercial Center offers a modern, collaborative work environment with easy access to public transportation and a range of housing options. The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility while maintaining a strong team culture.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application review
- Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
- In-depth behavioral and technical interviews with hiring managers and cross-functional stakeholders
- Final interview with the senior leader of the brand growth and innovation team
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and innovation planning
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
- Project management and problem-solving skills
- Consumer-centric mindset and understanding of consumer research
- Communication and presentation skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your experience with innovation strategy, commercialization, and cross-functional collaboration
- Research Kimberly-Clark's brands, products, and recent innovations to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its offerings
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with Design Thinking and Agile methodologies
ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Innovation Strategy, Commercialization, Consumer Research, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Project Management, Design Thinking, Agile Methodologies, Kimberly-Clark, Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Poise, Depend
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, innovation planning, cross-functional collaboration, and project management skills. Demonstrating relevant experience and a strong understanding of Kimberly-Clark's brands and products will be essential for success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Consumer research and analytics tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, SPSS, R)
- Design Thinking and Agile methodologies
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with project management tools, consumer research and analytics tools, and a strong understanding of Design Thinking and Agile methodologies.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Act with Integrity
- Focus on the Consumer
- Collaborate for Impact
- Pursue Continuous Improvement
- Live Our Sustainability Promise
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and consumer-focused
- Adaptable and open to change
- Results-oriented and accountable
- Committed to sustainability and social responsibility
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you align with Kimberly-Clark's company values, particularly "Act with Integrity" and "Focus on the Consumer"?
- Are you comfortable working in a matrix organization and collaborating with cross-functional teams?
- Do you have experience with Design Thinking and Agile methodologies, and are you open to learning and adapting new tools and processes?
- Are you results-oriented and accountable for delivering on business objectives?
- Do you share Kimberly-Clark's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility?
ASSUMPTION: Kimberly-Clark values a diverse and inclusive work environment, with a strong focus on collaboration, consumer-centricity, and sustainability. Candidates who align with these values and demonstrate relevant experience will be strong fits for the company culture.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple innovation programs simultaneously, requiring strong project management and prioritization skills
- Working in a matrix organization, which may require additional stakeholder management and influence
- Keeping up with the latest consumer trends and market insights, demanding continuous learning and adaptation
- Balancing short-term project demands with long-term strategic planning
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on innovation strategy and commercialization within a B2B or CPG company, with a specific emphasis on a new, breakthrough innovation platform
- Compared to other brand management roles, this position requires a higher level of strategic thinking, project management, and cross-functional collaboration
- Career path comparison: This role offers significant growth potential, with opportunities to lead larger innovation programs or teams as the role evolves
ASSUMPTION: This role is distinct in its focus on innovation strategy and commercialization within a B2B or CPG company, requiring strong strategic thinking, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and launching a new, breakthrough innovation platform for a major Kimberly-Clark brand
- Conducting consumer research and analysis to identify unmet needs and develop targeted innovation plans
- Managing cross-functional teams to operationalize innovation programs and deliver on agreed business action standards
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with similar projects, demonstrating a strong track record of success in brand management, innovation strategy, and commercialization.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current innovation pipeline and how this role will contribute to its success?
- How does this role collaborate with other brand management teams and functions within Kimberly-Clark?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the brand growth and innovation team, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Kimberly-Clark support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and provides valuable information to help you make an informed decision.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your experience with innovation strategy, commercialization, and cross-functional collaboration
- Research Kimberly-Clark's brands, products, and recent innovations to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its offerings
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with Design Thinking and Agile methodologies
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your final interview to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
