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NPD Program Manager, Commercial

_Work Mode: Hybrid_

**Location:** Hybrid - Kohler, WI

Opportunity

The Program Manager – Commercial North America will lead and manage new product development (NPD) and product migration programs within the Commercial Category, with a strong focus on timely execution and cross-functional alignment. This role ensures product launches are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in line with strategic goals across global manufacturing locations. The ideal candidate is a proactive, detail-oriented leader with a “founder’s mindset” — ownership, customer obsession, and mission-driven execution.

Specific Responsibilities

+ Coordination and Project Management of New Product Development projects/ Migration Projects.

+ Act as Program Leaderand execute project management duties on New Product Development / Migration projects through the defined D gate process ( KBDP )

+ Support Marketing on prioritization of NPS road maps and resource planning for executing NPD

+ Lead cross functional teams through the development of a project timeline and maintain it throughout the life of the project.Periodically present the status of the project to management.

+ Drive the supporting teams like Engineering , Manufacturing, Sourcing & Supply chain towards on time completion of the pre-production build and pilot build on NPD projects.

+ Facilitate and coordinate project activities to minimize project timelines.

+ Develop and manage the project budget with the team, including development expense, capital tooling and expense tooling for projects and managing North America commercial capital and development spends .

+ Guide the team to develop new products that meet cost targets.Primarily responsible for creating preliminary product cost estimates in conjunction with engineering.Primarily responsible for the accuracy of preliminary cost estimates and final costing of products.

+ Support Marketing and ID team during CR(Concept Review) & DR (Design Review process) by liaising with Engineering and Manufacturing team to drive cost and budget estimates and project feasibility study

+ Provide support to DGM Program Management for managing platform Reviews.

+ Work with Dept Heads and resource managers to get resource allocated for the projects.

+ Manage the collection of project data for NPD process gate exits and release for shipment documents. Provide structure and leadership for solving technically complex design and business problems.

+ Support DGM Program Management for managing North America Commercial Portfolio and work closely with marketing on project prioritization activities.

Change Agent / Process improvement:

+ Regularly provide feedback and actively participate in the improvement of project management practices within the Program Management group.

+ Support Marketing on developing product Roadmaps and Prep for NPS meetings.

Leadership & Mentoring:

+ Assist/mentor less experienced team members, rotation program engineers as needed.

+ Provide development feedback on team members to their functional supervisors.

+ Support on managing Platform meeting and top project reviews in the region

Skills/Requirements

+ Bachelor’s degree in a product development related discipline (e.g. Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing, Supply Chain) with a minimum of 12+ years of experience in project management. Experience in the development of consumer goods preferred.

+ Must demonstrate the capability to build cohesive, high-performance teams that relish the challenge of developing game-changing/disruptive products with unique go-to-market strategies.

+ Experience in managing projects, working in cross-functional team environment, and/or functioning as project team leader required.

+ Strong organizational and communication skills required

+ Be flexible to address project management needs for any projects within Global Commercial Products as they arise and can work under high pressure situations

+ Strong leadership and analytical skill

+ Experience on MS Project / Teams / Project Online or other Project Management software.

+ MBA / PMP / Prince 2 certification would be added advantage.

+ Ability to travel 10-20% including international.

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\#LI-Hybrid

_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 $113,000 - $143,950. 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. 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.