• Sr. Director, KOS & Global Lean Manufacturing

    Kohler Co. (Kohler, WI)


    Sr. Director, KOS & Global Lean Manufacturing

    _Work Mode: Hybrid_

    **Location: ** Hybrid - Kohler WI

     

    Opportunity

     

    The Senior Director, KOS & Global Lean Manufacturing is a strategic enterprise leader responsible for developing, deploying, and governing Kohler’s global management system (KOS) and leading a high-impact team of 21 CI professionals across key global plants. This role sets the vision, standards, and governance for KOS while driving Lean transformation across global operations. The ideal candidate brings proven experience in building enterprise operating systems, leading CI deployment at scale, and developing people and culture across complex, matrixed environments.

    Specific Responsibilities

    + Design, build, and evolve the Kohler Operating System (KOS) as a globally consistent, flexible, and high-impact management system

    + Lead global deployment and sustainment of KOS through standards, training, and governance models

    + Oversee a global CI team of 21, including roles in Lean Strategy, VSM/Process Optimization, Problem Solving, Standardization, Lean Tools, Flow Optimization, Systems & Analytics, Regional Deployment, and Industrial Engineering

    + Embed CI and KOS methodologies into daily management systems, tiered accountability, and leadership routines

    + Serve as a transformation partner to executive leadership across Operations, Supply Chain, HR, and Quality

    + Drive enterprise-wide Hoshin Kanri (strategy deployment) and develop the CI maturity roadmap

    + Promote alignment and consistency through global coaching, training, and capability development

    + Govern the success of site and regional Lean deployments, ensuring measurable impact on safety, quality, cost, delivery, and employee engagement

    + Monitor global performance metrics, audit adherence to the management system, and communicate progress to senior leadership

    Skills/Requirements

    + Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, or business; master’s preferred or 20+ Years of Lean Manufacturing / CI and Management systems experience

    + 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in Lean, CI, or enterprise operational excellence

    + Proven success designing and deploying business or operating systems across multiple regions/sites

    + Strong background in Lean tools and systems (Hoshin Kanri, VSM, tiered management, daily accountability, leader standard work)

    + Exceptional leadership, influencing, and coaching skills at all organizational levels

    + Experience building and scaling high-performing CI teams across global manufacturing environments

    + Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt

    + Enterprise transformation experience in global manufacturing, supply chain, or regulated industries

    + Familiarity with smart factory, digital Lean, or integrated MES/BI platforms legislation/regulation preferred.

    + Able and willing to travel, domestically and internationally up to 35 – 50%

     

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

     

    _The salary range for this position is $187,000 - $245,450. 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. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision & 401k._

     

    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 [email protected] . Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.