Senior Ceramic Project Engineer - Advanced Development (Kohler, WI) relocation available

Seeking candidate with 6+ years in ceramics manufacturing

• Execute new development projects from concept through lab trials, cost and yield evaluation, vendor evaluations, pilot trials, capital requests, plant trials, scale up and support in all areas of process introduction.
• Undertake assigned projects relating to Vitreous ware manufacturing operations and problem-solving to improve the quality control of various plant processes. Develop benchmarks to measure each project’s contribution to yield, productivity, or other categories of cost reduction.
• Coordinating with engineers, recommend to appropriate supervision additional projects, which should be targeted for implementation.
• Provide technical assistance and training as required to operating departments.
• Develop and maintain an awareness of innovations in technology, which might be adapted to manufacturing operations.
• Assist in the development of improved procedures for new process introduction.
• Engage in process improvement using available problem solving.
• Work on special projects to support other Kohler Co. potteries when needed and requested.
• Maintains awareness of relevant product technologies and improves technical skills.
• Perform all other duties as required by supervisor.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - WHAT YOU NEED TO QUALIFY


• Bachelor of Science Degree in Ceramic Engineering (or equivalent) is required with at least 6 years of manufacturing experience in traditional ceramic manufacturing.
• Experience with Capital Equipment Projects, Process implementation, Research and Development of materials for molds, body and glazes preferred.
• Travel up to 25% annually in North America, with possible global travel involved.

To apply:
Sent resume & summary of qualifications to kimberly.hughes@rightthinginc.com

Senior Product Manager, Kitchen Sinks

• Provide senior management with information and recommendations on the most profitable strategies for the business via annual marketing plan presentations and longer-term business plans.
• Manage product prices, terms of sale and discounts recognizing our objectives and our competition.
• Monitor current, and anticipate future, consumer and customer needs and preferences on a worldwide basis by working closely with Field Sales and Market Research.
• Manage all products in assigned line throughout all stages of their life cycle, developing strategies for development, introduction, continuing contribution, and discontinuance, while maximizing their profitable existence and synergism with all products of the business.
• Provide Market Research with market demand projections to guide the preparation of forecasts.
• Work with Operations to ensure needed product supply at the lowest possible product cost while maintaining quality standards.
• Work in close contact with Advertising to develop promotional plans, advertising campaigns, catalogs, brochures, displays, exhibits, and other support materials.
• Create, execute, and maintain a product strategy to guide new product development efforts for each product line. Full responsibility for coordinating the new product development process across all functional areas.
• Closely monitor and steer all Engineering and Manufacturing activities concerned with new product or new technology development and product maintenance activities related to products.
• Prioritize the efforts of Group Materials through necessary forecasts and product information as they relate to customer service. Work with Materials to monitor activities of critical vendors.
• Develop “Authorized Corporate Transaction” reports for new product introduction.
• Develop a personal expertise on assigned product markets including a complete intelligence file on competitors’ products, pricing, field activity, customer service channels of market distribution and end user preferences. Become familiar with product materials, manufacturing, packaging, transportation and promotions.
• Review and approve engineering change requests to products.
• Coordinate the development of effective packaging, advertising, sales and incentive programs, sales displays, trade show displays, and publicity programs.
• Provide Product Engineering with market preference and trends on products considered for development or redesign.
• Relate and recommend changes in established market distribution and strategy as necessitated by market and consumer preferences.
• Coordinate the interpretation of plumbing codes and distribution of this information to the field sales organization.
• Seek legal advice from corporate counsel to ensure propriety of pricing mechanism, trademarks, product labeling, policies and contractual agreements.
• Demonstrate appropriate level of competency in the following areas: Drive Continuous Improvement, Set High Standards of Performance, Leadership, Teamwork, Communication, Business Acumen, Management of Self, Management/Development of Others, Focus on the End Customer, and Build Trust.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - WHAT YOU NEED TO QUALIFY
• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in marketing or related field.
• 8-10 years of prior experience in sales, marketing, channel management, and/or product development with progressively more responsibility and a track record of results are required.
• At least 1-year experience with P&L and/or budgeting is required.
• Previous supervisory or coaching experience required.
• Must possess a keen analytical mind, be strong on planning, detail, and accuracy, and be a demonstrably creative thinker.
• Must possess substantial skills in written and oral communication with all levels of management and with outside contacts.

SKILL PREFERENCES – HOW YOU CAN STAND OUT

• MBA/MS preferred
• 3 or more years of P&L and bugeting experience.
• Cross-functional experience and post graduate training in marketing or management preferred.


To apply:
Send resume and summary of qualifications to kimberly.hughes@rightthinginc.com

Manufacturing Engineer/Project Engineer/Process Engineer, plastic - Spartanburg, SC (relocation available)

Now accepting entry-level candidates! Must be local with Mechanical Engineering or ABET degree.

Interpret product performance requirements and identify key inputs in the 
manufacturing process.
• Be involved as a team member in the material selection/optimization, product designs, and tooling used in the operation.
• Develop process control documentation measurement systems and tracking
of key inputs.
• Define equipment specifications and material and operating parameters to
achieve desired process outputs.
• Define and document the bill of materials and routings for the process.
Drive performance improvements utilizing Lean
Manufacturing methods.
• Actively participate in New Product Launches.
• Previous experience with automation installation projects and/or
experience in sustaining automation equipment strongly preferred.
• Additional experience in composites products and processes, tooling
creation, and lean manufacturing encouraged. A demonstrated track record
with major project management is required.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - WHAT YOU NEED TO QUALIFY

• Bachelor’s Degree from an ABET accredited school in an Engineering field
required preferably in Mechanical Engineering.
• Master’s Degree in technical field is a plus.
• Robotic (preferably Fanuc) and PLC experience is preferred.

Contact me with resume & summary of qualifications to apply:
kimberly.hughes@rightthinginc.com

Purchasing/Supply Chain Category Leader - Accessories - Hickory, NC (relocation available)

Seeking candidate with Bachelor's degree, 8 years experience (at least 3 in purchasing) and fine furniture. CPM or related certifications preferred.

The position has basic responsibility for financial and operational performance within a specific spend category. Position is responsible for negotiating materials, equipment, and/or services agreements globally for a given business unit or at the company level. Accountable for all supplier selection decisions within category. Prepares and evaluates supplier quotations and services to determine most competitive solution based upon a total cost of ownership. Familiar with a variety of purchasing concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of complicated tasks. Responsible for setting performance objectives and strategy within category. Conducts multi-functional supplier performance management reviews. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is required.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the design and implementation of category strategies to attain year over year material cost reduction (PPV/MPV), material quality/delivery improvements and inventory reduction targets through the use of appropriate supply chain tools.
• Lead the strategic sourcing process of team formation, research, evaluation, and structure. To include RFQ development, quotation reviews (traditional and on-line reverse auctions), supplier/contract negotiations and supplier development. Lead sourcing meetings with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing etc. to reach consensus on sourcing strategy.
• Own the supplier relationship for key suppliers in designated spend category while leading negotiations with suppliers to deliver stated objectives.
• Maintain a working knowledge of world-class supply chain processes to ensure that existing processes are targeted to attain excellence versus industry benchmarks. Lead best cost country sourcing for the appropriate sub-categories for year over year net cost reductions. Lead the supply base in implementation of eCommerce tools to automate transactions, bring flexibility and transparency to the supply chain.
• Work closely with strategic and preferred suppliers to identify and resource productivity/cost down initiatives through the use of VA/VE tools.
• Work with Supplier Quality and Engineering to develop new suppliers as required. Drive leading edge procurement by working closely with the supply base and the material planning group to actively integrate the suppliers into Kohler plants through the appropriate use of Kanbans, VMI or related tools.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Business/Technology

• Understand Legal Interpretation of contract T&Cs and proficient in working with Domestic & International Law. Involved in the Acquisition and/or re-sale of Intellectual Property. Understanding potential differing needs between Internal & External customers. Consistently exceed customer expectations by dealing with internal complexities across multi or global organization in a manner invisible to customers.
• Ability to construct and manage complex, sophisticated commercial arrangements; Capable of creating pre-negotiation strategy including company BATNA. Experienced in negotiating/managing point-to-point purchase agreements. Ability to construct value stream (profit margin) industry maps, utilize advanced financial techniques (commodity hedging), and build market comparable cost analysis. Skilled in multi-tier supply chain analysis. Ability to create spend category strategy with the understanding of interdependences, risks, and impact of strategy by business unit. Able to develop & implement contingency planning processes.
• Proficient in managing/leading multi-location/global projects with expanded domestic awareness of culture, currency, geography, political and limited international exposure. Experience utilizing freight forwarding/customs clearance services. General understanding of computer network technology & B2B applications. Demonstrated methods for streamlined supplier connectivity.
• Provides solution/alternatives to improvement ideas. Takes initiative to undertake improvement opportunities that are global in scope and complexity, setting strategies for process improvements that impact the work product of the department. Drives one company one process initiatives. Skilled in implementing continuous improvement opportunities within the supply base.

Interpersonal

• Communicates departmental vision and goals, creating atmosphere of open communication. Provides presentation opportunities for developing talent visibility with senior management. Issues undertaken are significant in scope and complexity. Actively supports change opportunities to maximize personal, departmental and/or company performance. Influences relationships, proficient in market research and capable of reacting to the speed of the industry. Recognizes and capitalizes on team dynamics, seeking out both internal and external opportunities for a team environment. Identifies critical relationship building opportunities.

Managerial

• Leads multi-location projects and actively participates and supports professional development, for both associates and department as a whole. Develops strategic plans and goals while understanding industry direction and influences that force change. Shares the vision both internally and externally.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business or Engineering.
• Minimum eight years professional experience and three years purchasing experience with an emphasis in fine furniture.
• Previous Oracle and/or SAP experience desirable.
• 20% travel or more may be required.

To apply: 

Send resume and summary of qualifications to kimberly.hughes@rightthinginc.com

Senior Supplier Quality Project Engineer - NPD (new product development) - Kohler, WI (relocation available)

Provide comprehensive purchased product Quality support to the Strategic Sourcing teams. Completes professional engineering assignments of moderately broad scope. Executes projects by using off-the-shelf (existing and within the same industry) technology with minimum guidance. Contributes to minor technical work of consumer innovation projects and other strategic business initiatives. Makes appropriate decisions using decision support tools and critical thinking including risk/reward ratios and critical pathing. Mindful of business impact. As part of a team, demonstrates and acts on innovative traits (curiosity, continuous questioning, open mind, and investigative).

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS – WHAT YOU NEED TO QUALIFY:

• Bachelor’s Degree in an Engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited program required; advanced Degree is preferred.
• 5 years of previous quality and engineering experience required. Ideal candidate to have an excellent understanding of quality systems, product qualification & manufacturing processes, basic statistical methods, improvement methodologies and program management.
• ASQ and/or other Quality certifications are desirable, such as Certified Quality Auditor/Engineer and Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.
• Travel: This position may require up to 20% travel domestically and internationally to support Procurement and Quality initiatives.

SKILL PREFERENCES – HOW YOU CAN STAND OUT:

• Establish and implement consistent supplier selection and assessment processes, including input in to the Qualified Supplier/Finisher List. Conduct quality assessments of potential suppliers, drive recordable improvements based on results and assist Procurement in determining appropriate suppliers to quote for purchased products. Conduct on-site audits of existing key regional suppliers on a regular or as requested basis.
• Implement the Quality portion of the Supplier Scorecard for assigned suppliers. Monitor monthly performance and take ownership of results including initiating appropriate corrective actions and assisting suppliers as necessary.
• Lead the cross-functional Print & Process Review process for purchased products for local market product including organizing attendees, defining timelines, understanding of key characteristics and GD&T callouts, expected process controls and recording of decisions and agreements.
• Conduct PPAP’s for local market purchased products/drawings changes including process flow, FMEA, MSA, capability studies, dimensional conformance, AAR, performance testing and documented control plans in accordance with the Product Policy requirements.
• In accordance with the Product Policy requirements approve or work with Plant Quality Manager’s to obtain approval for local market purchased products. Assign and follow-up appropriate CAR’s for interim approved PPAP’s to achieve full PPAP approval, including communicating additional controls, as necessary, to provide conforming product during this temporary acceptance timeframe.
• Utilize existing data (warranty & shop floor) to assist in the prediction and reduction activities of UFR for local market purchased products.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for supplier development in quality systems, products, and processes. Utilize proven methodologies such as ISO, SPC, Lean and Six Sigma to drive recordable improvements in quality, cost and delivery.
• Take ownership of receiving inspection and shop floor discovery of non-conforming purchased products including investigation, sorting, analysis, disposition, deviation and corrective action. Monitor and communicate supplier response and follow-up activities.
• Assist New Product Development teams as necessary with technical purchased part issues.

To apply: Send resume and summary of qualifications to kimberly.hughes@rightthinginc.com

Accounting Project Leader-Payroll Sales/Use Tax - Kohler, WI (relo available)

Responsible for the tax compliance and preparation of the payroll and sales and use tax returns for Kohler Co. and all subsidiaries. When this function is not absorbed at Kohler coordinate comparable filing responsibilities handled by subsidiaries.

• Supervise and accumulate the data necessary for the preparation of tax returns, develop tax return schedules and forms for reporting and filing of tax returns.
• Maximize use of EDP systems to improve reporting efficiencies and accuracy at Kohler Co. and Subsidiaries for payroll and sales and use taxation and information return reporting.
• Monitor all changes in tax rates and laws to assure compliance in area of responsibility and supervise sales and use tax compliance in Kohler Co. and Subsidiaries.
• Review approvals for new capital projects to compute and remit applicable use tax.
• Assist Purchasing and Accounts Payable Departments with sales tax compliance.
• Establish systems for and control the filing of sales and use tax returns to maintain compliance with state laws for all U.S. entities.
• Represent the company in payroll and sales tax examinations by various agents.
• Work with auditors to determine the applicable audit period and work with business unit personnel to obtain appropriate documentation.

Responsible for the supervision of non-exempt positions and review of payroll and miscellaneous tax returns.

• Maintain surveillance on changing payroll tax laws and notify responsible persons.
• Review employee transfers to ensure proper state withholdings.
• Prepare the year-end W-2 payroll proof and liability workpapers for year-end closings for all U.S. entities.
• Supervise the collection of data for and the preparation of 1099's for all U.S. entities.
• Review all tax returns prepared by subordinates.
• Represent the company in payroll and sales and use tax and other examinations as required.
• Assist in the preparation of the Kohler Co. federal and state income tax returns on an assigned basis.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - WHAT YOU NEED TO QUALIFY

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Related Field.
• 10 years of experience with sales and use tax along with payroll tax experience.
• At least 3-4 years of supervisory experience is preferred.

SKILL PREFERENCES – HOW YOU CAN STAND OUT

• Enjoy working in a creative & close-knit team environment
• Previous Audit Experience

To apply:
Send resume & summary of qualifications to kimberly.hughes@rightthinginc.com

Hiring: Diversity Strategy Lead - home office/USA

Seeking a candidate with a progressive career in HR - strong diversity & inclusion experience, a recruiting background, experience in sourcing plan development & implementation and process mapping/program building.

Position Summary: The Diversity Strategy Lead will use expertise and knowledge of best practices in the area of diversity to effectively design, develop and implement initiatives to improve the diversity of the workforce for our clients. This individual with lead the development, implementation and monitoring of programs and processes that promote and sustain inclusion and diversity throughout our clients. The Diversity Strategy Lead will provide strategic solutions to implement and execute diversity programs. Essential Functions: * Executive communications and presentations around strategies and efforts to grow workforce diversity and inclusion. * Research and educate recruitment team and clients on diversity programs and best practices. * Prepare executive diversity and inclusion functional strategy and ad hoc meeting presentations. * Staying abreast of social media and diversity by utilizing websites, views, articles and other related relevant material. * Ability to develop metrics to monitor diversity, as well as track the success of the diversity strategy in place and monitor on an ongoing (i.e., weekly, monthly) basis. * Plan and facilitate diversity scorecards, ad hoc reports, benchmarking, and functional diversity strategy meetings. * Submit data for industry standard benchmarks (e.g., Diversity Inc. Top 50). * Assist in determining benchmarks to participate in as an employer of choice. * Build and implementing sourcing strategy for the account team down to the tactical level, for recruiters to leverage and use on clients * Targeted Recruiting: Help determine target schools and job fairs/recruiting events to build relationships that increase diverse representation in entry level job pipeline * Workforce Inclusion: Research partnerships in an effort to ensure all programs are inclusive (i.e., hiring/recruiting, training/mentoring, leadership development, and succession planning activities) * Consistent monitoring of diversity initiatives and refreshing as needed to meet the core diversity goals of the client(s). * Provides support, advice and consultation to business unit leaders in the overall efforts to enhance inclusion and diversity within the client. * Develop and consult with both internal and external clients on advanced diversity recruitment strategies and techniques is critical for success in this role. * Prepare and present reports to business unit leaders and other key stakeholders, both internally and externally on the client side. * Source and identify diversity candidates for key openings within the client organization

Requirements * Bachelor's degree, preferred focus of business, psychology, or education. * Minimum of 4 years of related human resource experience including, with 2 years (+) associated directly with developing and driving diversity and inclusion initiatives in a corporate environment) * 2years (+) of experience sourcing and recruiting diversity candidates for key openings * Excellent communication skills * Must be able to demonstrate successful and creative use of social, professional and internet networking site to identify and source candidates. Effective Internet skills to include Boolean search expertise, AIRs search techniques, and creative/innovative researching knowledge. * Effective PC/Microsoft Office skills -- technically savvy. * Previous use and knowledge of ATS systems and other recruiting tools. * Strong business acumen. * Strong commitment to client/candidate service (e.g. responsive to emails, phone calls, proactive in providing feedback and maintaining communications with candidates and client). * High degree of flexibility, self-motivation and drive. * Ability to work in a highly functioning team environment. * Certified Diversity Recruiter (CDR) Certification is highly preferred. Overnight travel: Up to 30% Send resume & summary of qualifications to me - kimberly.hughes@rightthinginc.com