Kohler Co.
Join to apply for the
NPD Program Manager, Commercial
role at
Kohler Co.
Increase your chances of an interview by reading the following overview of this role before making an application. Opportunity
The Program Manager – Commercial North America will lead and manage new product development (NPD) and product migration programs within the Commercial Category, focusing on timely execution and cross-functional alignment. This role ensures product launches are delivered on schedule, within budget, and aligned with strategic goals across global manufacturing locations. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, with a founder’s mindset — ownership, customer obsession, and mission-driven execution.
Work Mode:
Hybrid
Location:
Hybrid - Kohler, WI
Responsibilities:
Coordinate and manage NPD and migration projects.
Act as Program Leader and execute project management duties through the D gate process (KBDP).
Support marketing in prioritizing NPS roadmaps and resource planning.
Lead cross-functional teams to develop and maintain project timelines; present status to management.
Drive engineering, manufacturing, sourcing, and supply chain teams to complete pre-production and pilot builds on time.
Facilitate project activities to minimize timelines.
Develop and manage project budgets, including development and tooling expenses.
Guide teams to develop products meeting cost targets; responsible for preliminary and final cost estimates.
Support concept and design reviews by liaising with engineering and manufacturing teams.
Manage project data collection and support platform reviews.
Work with department heads for resource allocation.
Provide leadership in solving complex design and business problems.
Support portfolio management and project prioritization activities.
Change Agent / Process Improvement:
Participate in improving project management practices.
Support marketing in product roadmaps and NPS meeting preparations.
Leadership & Mentoring:
Mentor less experienced team members and rotation engineers.
Provide development feedback to team members.
Support regional project reviews.
Skills/Requirements:
Bachelor’s in a related discipline with 12+ years of project management experience, preferably in consumer goods.
Ability to build high-performance teams for disruptive product development.
Experience managing projects and leading cross-functional teams.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Flexibility to address various project needs and work under pressure.
Leadership, analytical skills, and proficiency in project management software.
MBA/PMP/Prince2 certification is a plus.
Ability to travel 10-20%, including internationally.
Additional Information:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without sponsorship. The salary range is $113,000 - $143,950, with benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401k. Kohler offers day 1 benefits and promotes diversity and inclusion.
Why Kohler?
We support your growth with a competitive rewards package, career development, and a diverse workplace committed to innovation and sustainability.
About Us:
Kohler is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. For accommodations, contact kohlerjobs@kohler.com.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
NPD Program Manager, Commercial
role at
Kohler Co.
Increase your chances of an interview by reading the following overview of this role before making an application. Opportunity
The Program Manager – Commercial North America will lead and manage new product development (NPD) and product migration programs within the Commercial Category, focusing on timely execution and cross-functional alignment. This role ensures product launches are delivered on schedule, within budget, and aligned with strategic goals across global manufacturing locations. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, with a founder’s mindset — ownership, customer obsession, and mission-driven execution.
Work Mode:
Hybrid
Location:
Hybrid - Kohler, WI
Responsibilities:
Coordinate and manage NPD and migration projects.
Act as Program Leader and execute project management duties through the D gate process (KBDP).
Support marketing in prioritizing NPS roadmaps and resource planning.
Lead cross-functional teams to develop and maintain project timelines; present status to management.
Drive engineering, manufacturing, sourcing, and supply chain teams to complete pre-production and pilot builds on time.
Facilitate project activities to minimize timelines.
Develop and manage project budgets, including development and tooling expenses.
Guide teams to develop products meeting cost targets; responsible for preliminary and final cost estimates.
Support concept and design reviews by liaising with engineering and manufacturing teams.
Manage project data collection and support platform reviews.
Work with department heads for resource allocation.
Provide leadership in solving complex design and business problems.
Support portfolio management and project prioritization activities.
Change Agent / Process Improvement:
Participate in improving project management practices.
Support marketing in product roadmaps and NPS meeting preparations.
Leadership & Mentoring:
Mentor less experienced team members and rotation engineers.
Provide development feedback to team members.
Support regional project reviews.
Skills/Requirements:
Bachelor’s in a related discipline with 12+ years of project management experience, preferably in consumer goods.
Ability to build high-performance teams for disruptive product development.
Experience managing projects and leading cross-functional teams.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Flexibility to address various project needs and work under pressure.
Leadership, analytical skills, and proficiency in project management software.
MBA/PMP/Prince2 certification is a plus.
Ability to travel 10-20%, including internationally.
Additional Information:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without sponsorship. The salary range is $113,000 - $143,950, with benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401k. Kohler offers day 1 benefits and promotes diversity and inclusion.
Why Kohler?
We support your growth with a competitive rewards package, career development, and a diverse workplace committed to innovation and sustainability.
About Us:
Kohler is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. For accommodations, contact kohlerjobs@kohler.com.
#J-18808-Ljbffr