Program Manager – NPD Projects

Sterling Kohler; Kohler (WI); On-site; USD 129,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

Kohler is seeking a Program Manager for NPD Projects to lead a portfolio of new product initiatives onsite in Kohler, WI. You will manage cross-functional teams, coordinate schedules, and drive the New Product Schedule to deliver high-quality products on time.

The role requires extensive experience in program management, strong collaboration with engineering, marketing, design, and supply chain, and the ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Five+ years of increasing responsibility for project and team management (matrix management ok).
• Bachelor’s degree in product development related discipline required.
• Project Management Professional Certificate preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of new product development projects through the NPD process.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure on-time delivery and alignment with business goals.
• Develop and manage project budgets including cost targets and tooling expenses.
• Provide executive-level status updates and strategic insights to leadership.
• Drive portfolio reviews, prioritization, and governance processes.
• Coach teams on program management best practices to improve outcomes.
• Maintain relationships with senior management to remove obstacles.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional teamwork

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in product development related discipline

Job description

Program Manager – NPD Projects

Work Mode:Onsite

Location: Onsite 4 –Kohler, WI

Opportunity

Accountablefor the project management and implementation of a portfolio of new projectsand activities that together align with the business needs and achieve outcomes/ realize benefits that are of strategic importance. Responsible for executing the New ProductSchedule utilizing cross-functional resources and the NPD process for newproduct development projects.

Servesas a trusted partner to Engineering, Category Strategy Marketing, IndustrialDesign, Supply Chain, and Operations leaders to drive cross-functionalexecution and consistent processes across regions. Facilitates collaborationbetween teams to ensure effective prioritization, resource alignment, andsuccessful delivery of strategic programs.

Thescope of responsibility includes a portfolio of product, platform, and other initiativesof moderate to high complexity, requiring coordination across multiplefunctions, categories, and potentially geographies.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage cross-functional teams through adefined and gated NPD process to include project timelines and maintainingit through the life of the project.Ensure high quality products are developed, built and shipped ontime as defined by the commitments documented in the New Product Schedule.
• Autonomously manage the developmentprocess and communicate to senior management on a variety of processes andtechnical issues within each program.Has respected knowledge of major system components. Anticipates and manages tasks/riskswithin each project.
• Defines decision-making process forproject teams. Coaches project teampersonnel to develop and implement cross-functional solutions to complexissues.
• Makes informed decisions in the eventthat the project team cannot.Decisions made are critical and have significant financial andschedule impact to the program/company.
• Manages multiple projectssimultaneously (i.e. Program) and communicate progress to executivemanagement.
• Establish and maintain relationshipswith senior management for the purpose of aligning NPS objectives andremoving obstacles for project completion.
• Drive each Program to defined metrics.
• Provide performance expectations andevaluation for cross-functional resources on project teams. This input will be provided to theappropriate supervisor and will have equal weight with that of functionalperformance expectations and evaluations.
• Work with senior management tocontinually improve the NPD process and organization.
• Develop and manage the project budgetwith the team including development expense capital tooling and expensetooling. Guide the team to developnew products that meet cost targets.
• Regularly provide feedback andsolutions for process improvements including the New Product Developmentprocess and manufacturing processes.
• Facilitate portfolio reviews, resourceplanning, and governance processes to support informed decision-making byleadership.
• Provide executive-level reporting,program status updates, and strategic insights to category and enterpriseleaders.
• Support organizational planning throughportfolio analytics, prioritization recommendations, and strategicresource allocation.
• Coach project teams and stakeholders onprogram management best practices to improve execution effectiveness andbusiness outcomes.

ROLECOMPETENCIES Business Insight

• Applies knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals. For example, ensures that the team understands and discusses relevant industry changes. Gives strong messages about how people's efforts make a difference to the broader organization.

Persuades

• Uses compelling arguments to gain the support and commitment of others. For example, states position with conviction and persuasive rationale. Negotiates skillfully; wins concessions without the other party feeling harmed or frustrated. Achieves a good balance between defending own position and adapting to others' needs.

Strategic Mindset

• Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies. For example, is a strong big picture thinker; makes frequent, clear references to the organization's vision and strategy and the efforts required to drive them forward. Effectively integrates long-term opportunities and challenges with day-to-day activities.

Balances Stakeholders

• Anticipates and balances the needs of multiple stakeholders. For example, provides guidance so that others understand the needs of different stakeholders and can balance them appropriately. Makes sure people understand and adhere to ethical standards when working with stakeholders; models and ensures cross-cultural sensitivity.

Plans and Aligns

• Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals. For example, strengthens alignment and coordination between own work and others', providing well-sequenced activities and exact time frames. Foresees and resolves many potential bottlenecks and delays.

Cultivates Innovation

• Creates new and better ways for the organization to be successful. For example, motivates others to find new and better ways to address challenges; provides support and resources for promising ideas. Encourages people to incorporate varied perspectives to strengthen the innovation process.

Interpersonal Savvy

• Relates openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people. For example, picks up on group interpersonal dynamics and finds ways to work effectively within these parameters; resolves difficult interpersonal situations within the team; works to build greater group harmony. Coaches team members on interpersonal skills.

Drives Engagement

• Creates a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives. For example, shares insight into the purpose of the work, involves others appropriately and gives them credit for their contributions. Praises the successes of others.

Optimizes Work Processes

• Knows the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement. For example, encourages and rewards continuous improvement and quality outcomes. Equips others to handle day-today tasks effectively on their own. Integrates systems to improve quality and service.

SKILLS

Data Collection and Analysis

• Determine and analyze trends from data that is collected to assist in compiling reports that will help in decision-making.

Action Planning

• Review and evaluate recommendations and requirements and to develop appropriate plans or deliver actions required. Typically known as a subject matter authority.

Adaptive Mindset

• Shift into and out of a mental mindset associated with assessing the facts and circumstances of the current situation and/or environment, and making the appropriate/innovative adjustments to thinking and work habits to thrive in any scenario. Typically known as a subject matter authority.

Managing Change

• Demonstrate a change mindset as well as plan, execute and monitor activities during times of change whilst keeping performance levels up.

Planning and Organizing

• Plan, organize, prioritize and oversee activities to efficiently meet objectives.

Verbal Communication

• Express ideas, request actions, formulate plans, & policies by means of clear and effective verbal communications.

Commercial Acumen

• Use understanding of the business environment and objectives in developing solutions.

Effectively Presents Solutions

• Works at an advanced level to communicate and articulate potential resolutions or strategies in a clear, compelling, and tailored manner to address specific challenges or meet organizational needs. Typically works independently and provides guidance.

Skills/Requirements

• Bachelor’sdegree in product development related discipline (e.g.,Engineering/Manufacturing, Marketing, and Design) with Five+ years ofexperience in product development.
• 5+years of increasing responsibility for project and team management (matrixmanagement ok) involving a broad range of technologies and processes. Resultsmust demonstrate an ability to build teams, make sound decisions, and driveaction cross functionally.
• Project management Professional Certificate preferred.

#LI-SC2 #LI-Onsite

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

We believe in supporting you from the moment you join us, which is why Kohler offers day 1 benefits. This means you’ll have access to your applicable benefit programs from your first day on the job, with no waiting period.The salary range for this position is $128,950 - $200,550. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location. In addition, this position is eligible for a performance bonus/variable incentive compensation.

Why Choose Kohler?

We empower each associate to #BecomeMoreAtKohler with a competitive total rewards package to support your health and wellbeing, access to career growth and development opportunities, a diverse and inclusive workplace, and a strong culture of innovation. With more than 30,000 bold leaders across the globe, we’re driving meaningful change in our mission to help people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives.

About Us

It is Kohler’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail]. Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.