Senior Staff Ceramics Engineer - Kohler, WI (relocation within US available)

As a Sr. Staff Ceramics Engineer, this is your unique opportunity to set your mark and apply the knowledge and experience you have gained as an individual contributor in a technical support and problem-solving role. You will use a combination of trouble-shooting skills and ceramic engineering knowledge to support the Global Potteries and Cast Iron Division in optimizing production processes, minimizing defects, and improving the understanding of manufacturing process variables as related to ceramic materials and products. This position will require project management skills for ceramic-related developmental activities and provide engineered ceramic support where necessary. This role acts as the primary Chemical & Metallurgical Laboratory liaison for the Kohler North American and Global Potteries, as well as a liaison with the Cast Iron Division’s Glass Production, Enamel Shop, Glass Lavatory Manufacturing operations. This role also provides as-needed support to Kitchen & Bath Engineering areas for ceramic-type projects. You will have the opportunity to participate in ceramic-related new product and/or process development.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

• Lead investigation activities of production process problems and product defect analysis. This primarily includes analysis for areas such as the Wisconsin or Global Potteries and to a lesser extent for Glass Production, Enamel Shop, Glass Lavatory Manufacturing, Kitchen & Bath Engineering and the Brass Faucet Operation.
• Understand the capabilities of all instrumentation used in ceramic project analysis within the C&M Laboratory. This includes analytical techniques used in the Kohler C&M Laboratory such as Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, X-ray Fluorescence, X-Ray Diffraction, Thermal Analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, 3D Microscopy, Optical Microscopy, Mercury Porosimetry, and Image Analysis.
• The associate will be required to prepare samples using techniques appropriate for the required analytical test and operate multiple analytical instruments. Aiding in the data analyses and interpretation for all ceramic-related testing activities within the C&M Laboratory or any outside vendor or laboratory is also part of the job responsibilities.
• The associate will analyze results, write and issue reports detailing the conclusions, including recommending solutions to a particular issue or problem. The associate will communicate with customers during the analysis with preliminary results and follow-up with customers after the final report is issued.
• Aid in the planning and coordination of C & M Laboratory analyses and activities as they relate to ceramic materials. This includes trouble-shooting of plumbing ware production issues (for both in-process ware and finished products) and raw materials.
• Select the appropriate analytical technique to help Kohler engineers efficiently and effectively solve/identify the cause of a particular production problem. Sometimes a very fast turn-around time is needed due to a “line-down” situation.
• Supply ceramic technical consulting for Kohler Company as needed. This centralized service is available to the Kohler North American Potteries (Wisconsin, Spartanburg, Brownwood and Sanimex), to the Kohler Global Potteries (Foshan, Thailand, India, Zibo and Jacob Delefon), the Enamel Shop, Glass Production and the Glass Lav Manufacturing areas.
• Conduct studies and communicate results (technology transfer) to improve the understanding of ceramic manufacturing variables to increase the A1 yield.
• Perform ceramic formula/formulation research and development activities for the Kohler Potteries and the Cast Iron Division as-requested.
• Investigate improved and novel ceramic manufacturing methods when necessary and keep current with new ceramic materials and process technology.
• Partner with the Kohler Business Units and participate on teams to improve controls in production areas on processes and materials where it is justified by the cost of quality.
• Perform technical literature searches and summarize findings in a technical report.
• Knowledge of specialized analytical techniques available in other Kohler Departments is required such as the Kohler Potteries, Plumbing Engineering, and at outside Contract Laboratories.
• Perform fracture analysis of brittle failures in ceramics and plastic components. This includes interpreting fracture features to identify the fracture origin in order to determine the root cause of failure.
• Participate on project teams for Kohler Company, including Vendor Audits, Developmental, KOS and Kaizen activities.
• Mentor Kohler engineers, technicians and cooperative education students, and assist in developing their technical and professional skills.
• Evaluate and help select new/replacement analytical instrumentation and equipment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - WHAT YOU NEED TO QUALIFY

• Bachelor of Science degree in Ceramic Engineering and a Master of Science degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years combined experience in ceramic engineering, testing and analysis, and problem-solving.
• Willing to travel globally (5%-15%) and work in facilities outside the United States of America.
• Working knowledge of PCs and Microsoft Windows-based software and specialized ceramic software such as Insight.
• Develops and applies advanced theories, methods and research techniques in the investigation and solution of complex technical problems.
• Provides technical direction to, and sometimes coordinates, the efforts of engineers and technical support staff in the performance of assigned projects.
• Uses speaking and writing skills to effectively convey information, express opinions, and motivate others towards the solution of technical problems.
• Be the expert source of technical information in ceramic technology and maintain a current, high skill level through continuing interaction with peers at technical conferences and memberships in appropriate technical organizations.
• Use interpersonal skills to interact with C&M Laboratory customers both in North America and the Kohler Global operations.

SKILL PREFERENCES – HOW YOU CAN STAND OUT

• Enjoy working in a creative & close-knit team environment.
• Coursework/experience in project management, instrumental analysis and data interpretation, computer applications, SPC, experimental design and technical writing.

Kohler Career site application link: Senior Staff Ceramics Engineer
You may also contact me at kimberly.hughes@rightthinginc.com 

Product Manager, Toilets and Bidets (Kohler, WI) relocation within US available

The Product Manager-Toilets and Bidets is responsible for complete management of the assigned products from creation of new products through their removal from the product line and will act as the guiding light for the Toilets and Bidets business line. Decisions made on products produced, manufacturing capacities, marketing strategies and new products will be largely influenced by the data and analysis generated by and recommendations made by the Product Manager.

This position is also responsible for planning and directing the company’s short and long-range marketing programs as well as develop plans and programs, for Plumbing America, wholesale marketing programs, pricing and product line development. The Product Manager will functionally direct the product line promotional activities of branch sales personnel and in addition will coordinate and work closely with all headquarters departments, including Sales, Advertising, Materials, Forecasting, Operations, Engineering, Accounting, Legal and Industrial Design. This position is expected to operate as the recognized central authority on all marketing matters related to Toilets and Bidets and will be responsible for development and implementation of enduring objectives related to product line development with management objectives, both long- and short-term, and develop strategies necessary to achieve objectives over specific time spans.

The ideal candidate for this role will have a heavy analytical background, experience with new product development (NPD) and will be able to lead with persuasion. This is a highly visible position within Kohler and will afford the right candidate an opportunity to work with the biggest product category in the company, excellent upward mobility and a high level of exposure to cross functional teams including executives involved in the NPD process.

Responsibilities include:

· Develop long-term marketing plans for assigned product lines. Incorporate sales, advertising, research and promotional efforts required to meet current and projected market objectives.

· Prepare annual marketing plans for assigned products, including market strategy, incentive promotions, sales forecast, projected market penetration and budget estimates.

· Develop short-term product marketing programs to obtain business in line with product sales forecasts and profit objectives.

· Manage product prices, terms of sale and discounts recognizing our objectives and our competition.

· 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.

· Lead new product development planning and projects as marketing member of cross functional team.

· Review and approve engineering change requests to products.

· Develop plans for introducing and discontinuing products in line with the marketing group’s long-range market objectives.

· 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.

· Maintain high level of communications with branch personnel.

· Relate and recommend changes in established market distribution and strategy as necessitated by market and consumer preferences.

· Provide Materials operations with information on specific changes in product demand so production and inventory levels can be adjusted accordingly.

· Ensure the preparation and distribution of product bulletins, installation instructions, technical publications, general literature and promotional material.

· 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.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

· Bachelors Degree in Marketing or Business. MBA/MS preferred

· Minimum four years of experience in product management with progressively more responsibility and a track record of results. Candidates must be able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for an indefinite amount of time. Ideal candidates will have work experience in a similar industry.

SKILL PREFERENCES – HOW YOU CAN STAND OUT

Analytical rigor

Strong planning, detail and accuracy in work

Strong business acumen

Creative thinking

Strong communication and presentation skills

Strong ego resilience

Excellent presentation skills to both internal and external customers

New Product Development

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

Digital Merchandising Associate Manager - Kohler, WI (relocation within US available)

· Provides the business direction for visual presentation on KOHLER.com and ensures that visual and editorial asset creation within Communications is aligned with Digital Marketing priorities.

· Management of product priorities and features on KOHLER.com.

· Hands-on development of content on KOHLER.com

· Utilize analytics gathered from various sources to make ongoing and immediate changes to KOHLER.com.

· Works closely with communications to create merchandised solutions for online/electronic partners including amazon.com, homedepot.com, etc. This will include syndicated “store within store” concepts.

· Will be held accountable for contributing to profit and growth goals for assigned category

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

· Bachelor’s degree required.

· Minimum of four years marketing experience is required.

· Minimum of two years digital marketing experience is required.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

· Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related field is preferred.

· Merchandising experience is preferred.

SKILL PREFERENCES

· Analytical rigor

· Persistent drive to succeed

· Strong business acumen

· Excellent work ethic

· Strong communication and presentation skills

Contact me @ kimberly.hughes@rightthinginc.com with resume and summary of qualifications to apply!