KOHLER Looking for Director, Advanced Development – Kitchen & Bath Group at Kohler, Wisconsin Full Time

Director, Advanced Development – Kitchen & Bath Group

Work Mode: Onsite

Location:  Hybrid/onsite 3 days per week at Kohler, WI preferred. Candidates working remotely may also be considered. 

Opportunity

The Director, Advanced Development is responsible for leading and driving technical innovation for Kitchen and Bath (K&B) Business Unit globally.  The leader will provide guidance, influence, and hands-on support to develop and implement the advanced development strategy for current and future technologies across various product categories in K&B Business Unit.  This position reports to the Vice President of Global Product Innovation, K&B Group and collaborates closely with other members of Engineering, Category Management, Industrial Design, and K&B leadership team. The individual will drive innovation and research to achieve the long-term business objectives and business growth globally.

Specific Responsibilities

• Manage K&B core technologies including materials & coatings, water technologies (including other fluids and chemistry) and electronics, smart and immersive technologies (including wellness and medical applications).
• Spearhead Kohler’s enterprise innovation program, ensuring the application of innovation best practices.
• Establish technical strategies and technology roadmaps for the Enterprise Technology Advanced Development organization. 
• Identify, assess, and execute advanced development projects for successful transition into New Product Development teams. Continuously monitor and analyze project performance relative to key project parameters.
• Identify, assess, establish, and maintain strategic technology partnerships including technology centers, other technology companies, universities, external consultants, vendors, national laboratories and academic partners where necessary to understand technology trends and increase organization’s technical capabilities.
• Maintain a deep understanding of competitor products and technical capabilities.  Keen awareness of emerging technologies to assure Kohler maintains and enhances its reputation as the leader in innovation, product design, functionality, and quality.
• Act as subject matter expert and champion for innovation and innovation-related processes and working to increase a culture of innovation across the organization.
• Guide Innovation team in transforming pre-discovery concept ideas into business incubation proposals, complete with identified milestones, metrics, and required resources.
• Combine a startup mindset, product development/customer insights expertise, and a passion for transformative innovation, while excelling in creative problem-solving, analysis, and strategic collaboration.
• Create an environment to inspire and motivate team to boldly innovate with technology to achieve excellence while driving accountability and ownership.
• Develop best-in-class innovation and advanced technical capability through organizational assessment, coaching, career development, and talent acquisition. Ensure strong bench strength through robust succession planning.
• Partner with Human Resources relative to organization staffing, training, performance appraisal, and salary administration of the department.

Skills/Requirements

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering (mechanical, biomedical, electromechanical, electrical, or related field).
• Master of Science (MS) in Engineering is preferred. MBA valued.
• Experienced leader in an advanced development role with demonstrated success in driving innovation, technology advancements, and product execution.  
• Demonstrated knowledge in a technical domain (preferably materials, chemistry, fluid-flow, medical technology, IOT, or smart technology).
• Strong technical judgement and technical communication.
• Ability to think strategically.
• Excellent collaboration, influence, and negotiation skills.
• Executive presence.
• Sound understanding of technology trends.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Experience in corporate innovation or related function.
• Strong understanding of market research techniques and their applications for innovation.
• Proven capacity to be effective in a complex global business environment.
• Ability to forge solid relationships and manage across broad and geographically dispersed businesses.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Deep and holistic understanding of the innovation process, from ideation to commercialization.

Travel

• Willingness to travel as needed (Approximately 25%).

The salary range for this position is $210,450 – $279,450. 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 Work at Kohler Co.?

Kohler Co.’s mission is to contribute to a higher level of gracious living for those who are touched by our products and services. We understand that it takes investment in our associates’ development to make that happen.  So, we offer ongoing investment in each individual’s personal development and the opportunity to collaborate with others across functions and roles at Kohler.  

In addition to the investment in your development, Kohler offers a benefits package including a competitive salary, health, vision, dental, 401(k) with company matching, and more!

*Important update for candidates applying to roles within Kohler Energy, including Power Systems, Engines, Home Energy, Kohler Uninterruptible Power, Clarke Energy, Curtis Instruments, and Heila Technologies.

On November 6, Kohler Co. announced the strategic decision to establish Kohler Energy as a separate, independent business with Platinum Equity as the majority investment partner. Kohler will continue to stay invested in the Energy business following the closing and remains committed to supporting the acceleration of long-term growth strategies for both organizations. Talent and operational transition plans are underway, and Kohler Co. and Platinum Equity expect the agreement to close in the first half of 2024.Thank you for your interest in joining our growing team as we embark on the next phase of growth!

About Us

Beyond the competitive benefits and compensation, Kohler proudly offers a rich history, steeped in creativity and a commitment to our associates and communities.  We invite you to learn more about our culture and company at (url removed).

It is Kohler’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified personnel in all job classifications 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 (url removed).  Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.  

We invite you to learn more about equal employment opportunity by reviewing the Federal EEO is the Law and the EEO is the Law Supplement .