Jobs › Kimberly-Clark

Category Sales Manager

Kimberly-Clark · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 15, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you closed a big gap to a sales or profit target.

What they are checking: Whether they've driven real results through planning and influence.

Tell me about a time you influenced a decision without having authority.

What they are checking: Whether they can lead through data and relationships, which this role relies on.

What would you do

The sales team wants a deeper promotion than the brand team will fund. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can balance customer needs with brand strategy and trade spend limits.

How would you act as the voice of the customer inside Kimberly-Clark?

What they are checking: Whether they can bring retailer needs into brand plans in a useful way.

A plan isn't working halfway through the year. How do you check and adjust it?

What they are checking: Whether they review results often and change course early.

About the work

What does DPSM mean to you, and how would you use it to close a gap in a customer plan?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the distribution, pricing, shelf and merchandising levers the posting names and can use them.

How would you bring category insights into a retailer business plan for Adult and Feminine Care?

What they are checking: Whether they can turn category data into a plan the customer team can sell in.

How do you decide whether a trade promotion was worth it?

What they are checking: Whether they can measure promotion ROI using lift, cost and profit.

Adult care shoppers are often embarrassed in the aisle. How would that shape your shelf and merchandising recommendations?

What they are checking: Whether they think about shopper behavior in sensitive categories like Poise and Depend.

What data sources do you rely on for category analysis?

What they are checking: Whether they use syndicated and retailer data to find growth opportunities.

How do you keep Net Sales, operating profit and share all moving in the right direction?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the trade-offs among these financial objectives.

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The full job description

As published by Kimberly-Clark.

Category Sales Manager Job Description You’re not the person who will settle for just any role. Neither are we. Because we’re out to create Better Care for a Better World, and that takes a certain kind of person and teams who care about making a difference. Here, you’ll bring your professional expertise, talent, and drive to building and managing our portfolio of iconic, ground-breaking brands. In this role, you’ll help us deliver better care for billions of people around the world. It starts with YOU. As the Category Sales Manager, you will serve as subject matter expert and voice of customer/brand supporting Adult and Feminine Care to drive business plan development, DPSM and gap closure with Customer Development Sales teams and Category/Brand partners. Delivers financial objectives of Net Sales, OP, Category Share, DPSM and Trade Management. About You In one of our professional 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: • Influence short- and long-term customer business plans to align with category and brand strategies and deliver financial results • Drive business results as a subject matter expert and “Voice of Customer”, delivering programs grounded in insights and aligned to customer/channel needs • Check & adjust brand and customer business plans in Annual Operating Planning process to close gaps and deliver financial targets • Accountable for DPSM target development and delivery at a national level • Follow an Insights to Execution framework by developing customer communication of category strategies, plans, initiatives and sales fundamentals (DPSM KPI’s – Distribution, Pricing, Shelving and Merchandising) • Ability to assess business dynamics, identify gaps, develop and communicate corrective action plans to address gaps to national targets To succeed in this role, you will need the following qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree • 5+ years Brand, Category and Customer management experience • Strong persuasive, sales and analytical skills • Experience in creating and managing sustainable customer relationships Preferred: • Cross functional CPG experience 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. To Be Considered Click the Apply button and complete the online application process. A member of our recruiting team will review your application and follow up if you seem like a great fit for this role. In the meantime, please check out the careers website . 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 encompasses the 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. Kimberly-Clark will support in-country relocation for the chosen candidate for the role. The benefits provided will be per the terms of Kimberly-Clark’s applicable mobility policies. The benefits/policy provided will be decided at Kimberly-Clark’s sole discretion. #LI-Hybrid Salary Range: 140,320 – 173,360 USD 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 Chicago Commercial Center Additional Locations Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type Regular Time Type Full time

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