Project Designer/Sales - The Kohler Store - Glenview, IL

Seeking candidate preferably with Bachelor's or Associates degree - Interior Design and strong sales experience as well as knowledge of CAD programs.

Specific responsibilities include: client development and sales generation (80%) and store environment and operations (10%) and outside business development (10%).


HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

1. Client Development and Sales Generation (80%)
• Provide clients with all levels of Kohler Design Services including:
o Individualized product solutions
o Personalized Kohler product catalog, appropriate color chips
o 3-D room and product rendering, utilizing the CAD-assisted Professional Design Tool
o Customized material boards
o Two on site client visits and post project follow up
o Ideas for decorative accessorization and functional storage
o Listing of Kohler authorized contractor referrals
o Placement, tracking and follow up all client quotes and order lead times
o Current home fashion trend information
• Promote
o In-store and in-Home Consult programs for design projects
o Cross selling of products within the Kohler brand family/must be familiar with Ann Sacks tile
o In store events and product introductions and promotions
• Qualify
o All customers and determine fit level for Design Service programs
o Convert and close sales for 50% of all leads provided
• Achieve
o Monthly selling goals
o Average client order size, and up sell products to increase average order by 5%
o High standards on client feedback – project close Scorecard
o At least two customer referrals a month from current clients
o Promote new product introductions and promotions to constitute 15% of personal sales
• Maintain client relationships with
o Follow up thank you, new product introductions and requests for referrals
o Post close “After-care” calls and correspondence at 6 months, 1 years and 3 years
• Manage time by
o Coordinating selling floor time and customer appointments with staff and other store resources
o Developing Designer-Worthy accounts by directing less complex projects to Planners

2. Store Environment and Operations (10%)
• Maintain
o Selling histories and related CRM data
o Store library, material resources, collateral and overall cleanliness of the store
• Promote
o Team atmosphere by assisting at all customer and client levels
o Constructive feedback to Store Manager on all customer comments
o Suggestions for store improvement, product development and client services
• Participate in
o No less than 6 client events and design workshops throughout the year
o Staff meetings

3. Outside Business Development (10%)
• Maintain
o Trade relationships with a minimum 5 outside calls per month
o Relationships with Kohler showroom and distributor affiliates


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - WHAT YOU NEED TO QUALIFY

Candidate will possess pervious high-end sales/client service experience, preferably in the home furnishings industry. Undergraduate degree is preferred, with a specialization in interior design is preferred. Proficiency in CAD programs is required. Must possess strong verbal and written skills, and successfully complete the Kohler Space Planning Certifications program.

Needs to be capable of executing functional design solutions for residential projects of varying difficulty – minor, major or complex. Must possess no less than 2 years’ experience in residential or commercial interiors, bath or kitchen design.


To apply, contact me with a resume:
kimberly.hughes@rightthinginc.com

HR Manager, Kohler, Kohler, Wisconsin

Seeking candidate with progressive HR experience, strategic planning, influencing leaders. Bachelor's degree required, relocation available.

As a Human Resources Manager, this is your unique opportunity to set your mark and live on the leading edge. We are currently looking for candidates to help build our HR organization. Our HR Managers strategically interface in all aspects of their assigned business unit, its customers and especially its associates to bring HR activity into alignment to organization goals and help the organization succeed through progressive and responsive HR practices. You will be a team player in the business unit, a partner with other HR professionals in business units, Centers of Excellence and Shared Services.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

• Acts as principal contact and advisor for Human Resources issues within assigned business units. Works with Kohler Co. Human Resource Centers of Excellence, including HR Shared Services.
• Participate in all unit and HR activities and strategy to link business objectives to HR activity and programs . Drive organizational effectiveness through strategic recruitment, employee engagement, talent development, and retention.
• Working collaboratively with business leaders, develop workforce planning strategies including recruiting strategies to fill key posts within division. Including developing sourcing strategies, partnering with a Recruitment Partner Outsourcing (RPO) vendor and coordinating the total recruiting project ensuring timely action, cost effective strategies, and a professional and positive contact with all candidates. Work with external recruiters, industry associates, national publications and other sources to develop candidates and build a talent pipeline.
• Identify critical positions and develop succession strategies for those positions. Identify high potential associates for development. Recommend and implement developmental assignments for selected associates to ensure exposure to key business areas and senior executives. Link into Kohler Co. overall organizational development and succession planning activity to share and nurture high potential employees.
• Identify and select programs to develop Emerging Leaders and high potential talent for current and future assignments. Work with management to facilitate identification of critical skill and identify cost effective and timely training programs to teach these skills.
• Participates in integrations of new associates, working with the division to provide coaching, mentorship and development opportunities that expedite an associate’s ability to deliver business results.
• Participates in staff meetings to gain insight into HR business and strategic plans to better develop Human Resource strategies and actions to support the business goals.
• Develop and coordinate HR related modules within the Strategic Planning process to ensure that future initiatives undertaken by the division are not restricted by limits in human capital and executive capability.
• Counsel Management on individual HR issues, performance problems, terminations, promotions, position creation, job content, job description, and offer process.
• Counsel exempt and non-exempt employees with performance problems.
• Undertake special projects on behalf of HR Leaders and Business Unit Leaders.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - WHAT YOU NEED TO QUALIFY

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Human Resources Management or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in Human Resources with a track record of results.
• Demonstrated ability to function as a strategic business partner linking achievement of business goals to successful implementation of HR actions, programs, or processes.
• Understanding of Executive Recruiting practices, succession planning, and training and development resources.

Contact me to apply - kimberly.hughes@rightthinginc.com

Associate Channel Manager - Showrooms - Kohler Wisconsin

Seeking a candidate with a Bachelor’s degree or MBA, 4-6+ years in sales, marketing, and merchandising, branded retailer experience, and budget and/or P&L experience. A successful candidate will have created, designed, and implemented successful marketing/merchandising plans and will be metrics-driven.

Responsible for executing tactics and strategic marketing activities to drive traffic and sales within North American showrooms. This includes the development of: local marketing, advertising, and public relations plans for the top 20 MSAs in alignment with national efforts. Responsible for coordinating co-op spending in collaboration with distributor partners, Field Sales, and Communications. This role is responsible for the launch, implementation, and administration of these programs.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE
• Properly present and protect the Kohler brand in the showroom channel.
• Coordinate local marketing and advertising plans by MSA fully utilizing promotional and advertising co-op to drive showroom traffic.
• Work with Digital team to create business-to-consumer marketing including social media focused on driving showroom sales.
• Work with Communications to develop templates for direct mail as well as print and on-line advertising.
• Work with Facilities Engineering on mapping to understand demographic and marketing opportunities.
• Serve as a liaison between sales and product management. Work with product management to analyze and evaluate the performance of product categories.
• Work with Product marketing on incentives, programs, and in-showroom promotions.
• Provide analyses and evaluations of performance of initiatives, trends, potential demand, and competition, making recommendations to increase sales.
• Plan, forecast, and implement marketing programs and promotions for the showroom channel that align with major wholesale initiatives and strategic plan.
• Develop strategies and support programs to increase penetration of Kohler products to include pricing, marketing programs, and communication pieces.
• Provide Product Management with ongoing analyses and evaluations of performance of initiatives, trends, potential demand, and competition, making recommendations to increase sales.
• Provide guidance and assistance to sales associates to promote Kohler products in accordance with established objectives.
• Develop collateral materials and display programs needed in the launch of new products.



MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - WHAT YOU NEED TO QUALIFY
• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in marketing or related field. MBA/MS preferred
• 6+ 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 and previous supervisory or coaching experience preferred
• 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
• Travel to trade shows, and customer visits as needed, approximately 25%

Contact me with a resume to apply - kimberly.hughes@rightthinginc.com