Program Manager – NPD Projects

Work Mode: Onsite

Location:  Onsite 4 –Kohler, WI

Opportunity

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.

SPECIFIC 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.

ROLE COMPETENCIES
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’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.
Project management Professional Certificate preferred.

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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 . Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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