Program Manager – NPD Projects

Kohler Co. • Kohler, WI

4d • 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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.
• competitive total rewards package to support your health and wellbeing
• access to career growth and development opportunities
• a diverse and inclusive workplace
• a strong culture of innovation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level