Program Manager – NPD Projects

Kohler Co.•Kohler, WI

1d•$128,950 - $200,550•Onsite

About The Position

Accountable for the project management and implementation of a portfolio of new projects and activities that together align with the business needs and achieve outcomes / realize benefits that are of strategic importance. Responsible for executing the New Product Schedule utilizing cross-functional resources and the NPD process for new product development projects. Serves as a trusted partner to Engineering, Category Strategy Marketing, Industrial Design, Supply Chain, and Operations leaders to drive cross-functional execution and consistent processes across regions. Facilitates collaboration between teams to ensure effective prioritization, resource alignment, and successful delivery of strategic programs. The scope of responsibility includes a portfolio of product, platform, and other initiatives of moderate to high complexity, requiring coordination across multiple functions, categories, and potentially geographies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in product development related discipline (e.g., Engineering/Manufacturing, Marketing, and Design) with Five+ years of experience in product development.
5+ years of increasing responsibility for project and team management (matrix management ok) involving a broad range of technologies and processes. Results must demonstrate an ability to build teams, make sound decisions, and drive action cross functionally.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Project management Professional Certificate preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage cross-functional teams through a defined and gated NPD process to include project timelines and maintaining it through the life of the project.
Ensure high quality products are developed, built and shipped on time as defined by the commitments documented in the New Product Schedule.
Autonomously manage the development process and communicate to senior management on a variety of processes and technical issues within each program.
Has respected knowledge of major system components. Anticipates and manages tasks/risks within each project.
Defines decision-making process for project teams. Coaches project team personnel to develop and implement cross-functional solutions to complex issues.
Makes informed decisions in the event that the project team cannot. Decisions made are critical and have significant financial and schedule impact to the program/company.
Manages multiple projects simultaneously (i.e. Program) and communicate progress to executive management.
Establish and maintain relationships with senior management for the purpose of aligning NPS objectives and removing obstacles for project completion.
Drive each Program to defined metrics.
Provide performance expectations and evaluation for cross-functional resources on project teams. This input will be provided to the appropriate supervisor and will have equal weight with that of functional performance expectations and evaluations.
Work with senior management to continually improve the NPD process and organization.
Develop and manage the project budget with the team including development expense capital tooling and expense tooling. Guide the team to develop new products that meet cost targets.
Regularly provide feedback and solutions for process improvements including the New Product Development process and manufacturing processes.
Facilitate portfolio reviews, resource planning, and governance processes to support informed decision-making by leadership.
Provide executive-level reporting, program status updates, and strategic insights to category and enterprise leaders.
Support organizational planning through portfolio analytics, prioritization recommendations, and strategic resource allocation.
Coach project teams and stakeholders on program management best practices to improve execution effectiveness and business outcomes.