Stephen
Degree: MMath Mathematics with study in Europe (Spanish)
Scheme: Finance
Job title: KCP Wipers Business Analyst
Joined: August 2004
Career so far
I came through the three-year Finance Graduate Scheme, working in Northfleet Mill as a Cost Analyst, then in a management accountancy role in Brighton. My third year was in Madrid in Consumer Regional Business Analysis.
Since the graduate scheme, I've spent 18 months as a Product Supply Analyst and the last two years as a Business Analyst for the KCP Wipers Business Unit.
What do you do in your current role?
I provide insights and analysis on the trends and monthly results for the business unit. I'm the finance support for the decision-makers in Wipers and I also look to the future to see where our plans will take us and where we need to develop if we're to improve our results.
I also get involved in global projects and cross-functional project teams, often working to find ways to improve our profitability.
What's your greatest achievement?
I've had the chance to be involved in many project teams in my Kimberly-Clark career. I've led projects to improve our processes, working with internal departments and external suppliers. Plus I've implemented the value & pricing process across Europe and helped to roll it out into North America.
But my greatest personal achievement was relocating to Madrid and working in the Spanish office. It was a fantastic way to experience a new culture, language and different ways of working.
What have you been most surprised by?
I was surprised at how many world-class brands we have. And also how easy it was to fit into the organisation.
What's been the biggest challenge?
The graduate scheme allowed me to see many different sides of the Kimberly-Clark organisation. But it was a steep learning curve in each role. I had to be quick to adapt.
Where do you see yourself in three years?
More involved in the business, but maybe another aspect of the work. There are many opportunities to move in and outside of finance at Kimberly-Clark.