Engineering Manager, New Product Integration

Work Mode: Onsite

Location: Onsite at Sheridan, AR

Opportunity

This is more than a job posting for Kohler Company, one of the oldest and largest privately held companies headquartered in North America. This is an invitation to collaborate and apply your craft in a creative, conscious, and characterful culture.

As a Manager, New Product Integration (NPI) you will lead a team of NPI Engineers and Technicians to engage as a core project team member to drive early manufacturing involvement and execute the manufacturing New Product Development (NPD) deliverables, while synchronizing with project NPI and plant Operations teams to ensure New Products are “Right the First Time,” achieving Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.

• Responsible for fulfilling all Operations Plant Level deliverables for the Kitchen and Bath Development Process, including fulfillment strategies, Plan for Every Part (PFEP), operations certification, cost reduction implementations, capacity evaluations, supply chain integrity, costing, REA initiation, and process development.
• Responsible for developing and achieving scheduled launch date by use of clear project plans, risk management, and task lists with clear deadlines, including, but not limited to the following actions:
  • Gain and maintain alignment from upstream and downstream support areas on dependent milestones.
  • Collaborate in expediting actions and adjusted resource plans to offset upstream slips in schedule.
  • Maintain effective resource loading to support all active projects.
• Work with design engineering to identify, escalate and resolve manufacturing challenges by enforcing DFX principles, including, but not limited to Design for Manufacture (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA) and Design for Delivery (DFD).
• Provide coaching and support to teams in keeping their commitments.
• Regularly provide feedback and ideas/solutions for process improvements including the New Product Development process and manufacturing processes.
• Regularly provide feedback and actively participate in the improvement of project management practices within the New Product Integration group.
• Drive Time to Market Improvements. Ensure Quality and Performance Levels are met for New Product Launches (i.e. launch with no Deviations and match process capability to specifications).
• Applying engineering fundamentals to problem solving & make appropriate decisions, justify risk under critical review. Develop conclusions and recommend actions.
• Operate without need for technical supervision.
• Liaise closely with all levels of production, manufacturing engineering, plant quality, supply chain, safety, NPD, NPI, purchasing, and marketing providing clear information where necessary. Use relationships to maintain a network to support Production Strategies.

Skills/Requirements

• B.S. degree from an engineering discipline from an ABET accredited engineering OR engineering technology program required.
• 8 years’ experience in an industrial, mechanical, manufacturing engineering, project management, or new product development engineering role.
• 2 years directly leading engineering resources.
• Skilled in coaching and holding teams and leaders accountable.
• Must be structured and organized, with proven ability to lead a team independently within a fast-paced environment with minimal task structure.
• Working application of DFSS principles and value engineering.
• Experience interacting with design and manufacturing teams throughout a gated New Product Development process.
• Knowledge and experience of multiple manufacturing processes, including but not limited to, assembly, casting, forging, injection molding, stamping and/or finishing.
• Experience of communicating information at all levels across various functions written & verbally, concisely, and accurately.
• Trained to use DFMA techniques and software.
• Must be skilled in conflict resolution.
• Experience in ProE/CREO is a plus, but not required.

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

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!

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 www.kohlercompany.com.

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 kohlerjobs@kohler.com. Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.