Andre Shartener

About Andre Shartener

I am a strategic and globally experienced procurement leader with nearly two decades of success in capital equipment sourcing, automation technologies, and supply chain transformation. My career spans both direct and indirect procurement, with a specialized focus on the paper and manufacturing industries across North and South America.Currently, I lead global sourcing initiatives for automation equipment at Kimberly-Clark, managing high-impact categories such as ASRS systems, AGVs, AMRs, and industrial controls. I drive supplier strategy, cost optimization, and risk mitigation in alignment with business goals, while collaborating cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and finance.Previously at Voith Paper, I held progressive leadership roles where I pioneered the adoption of Robotic Process Automation (RPA), implemented ERP systems, and led vendor development initiatives across Mexico, Brazil, and Europe. I’ve consistently delivered measurable results in cost savings, supplier performance, and process efficiency.My strengths lie in:Leading cross-regional teams and complex sourcing projectsDriving digital transformation in procurementBuilding resilient, innovative supplier networksAligning procurement strategy with operational and financial objectivesI’m passionate about continuous improvement, ethical sourcing, and leveraging technology to create agile, future-ready supply chains.

Experience

1. Global Procurement Senior Specialist

   Kimberly-Clark

   Jul 2024 — Present · Neenah, WI, US

   As a Global Procurement Senior Specialist in the Indirect Procurement organization at Kimberly-Clark, I lead strategic sourcing and supplier management for automation-related capital equipment, including ASRS systems, AGVs, AMRs, controls, drives, motors, and MCCs. I partner closely with engineering, operations, and regional category teams to align sourcing strategies with business needs and drive value across the enterprise.Key Responsibilities:Lead global sourcing initiatives for automation equipment with annual spend responsibility of $100–$200 million.Manage the full supplier lifecycle—from RFP and selection to performance management and exit planning.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define business requirements, develop sourcing strategies, and execute capital projects.Drive cost savings, risk mitigation, and supplier innovation through strategic negotiations and relationship management.Monitor supplier performance and lead continuous improvement efforts to ensure operational excellence and supply continuity.Support the development and execution of the global capital equipment category strategy, with a focus on automation technologies.Maintain deep market and supplier intelligence to inform sourcing decisions and ensure alignment with long-term business goals.Key Achievements/Contributions:• Led global sourcing events for high-impact capital projects, aligning supplier capabilities with business needs and accelerating project timelines.• Drove supplier innovation by fostering strategic partnerships that introduced next-generation automation technologies to Kimberly-Clark’s global operations.

Education

• University of Copenhagen (Københavns Universitet)

  Certificate, The Sustainable Development Goals

• PwC's Academy Bulgaria

  Certificate, Data-driven Decision Making

• University of Virginia Darden School of Business

  Certificate, Design Thinking for Innovation

• Senai São Paulo

  Technical Degree in Mechanical and Metallurgical Processes, Mechanical and Metallurgical Processes

• Senac

  Spanish Language and Literature

• Universidade Anhanguera São Paulo

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Corporate Financial Management

• Cultura Inglesa

  English Language and Literature, General

• St. Norbert College

  Cohort-based program, Organizational Leadership

• Universidade Anhembi Morumbi

  Associate's degree, Management and Planning in Marketing and Sales

• Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul

  Postgraduate Degree, Organizational Psychology and People Management

• Uninove - Universidade Nove de Julho

  Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA, Business Administration and Management, General