Senior Quality Project Engineer, Kohler Engines, Wisconsin


Seeking candidate with Bachelor’s degree in engineering. This role is an engineering position in the quality department of Kohler Engines, it will be a quality representative to teams that are designing and developing new engines worldwide. Must understand manufacturer process – machining, assembly, APQP process, control risk, data gathering, continuous improvement tools, root cause analysis, corrective action, collaboration, and leadership.  

As a Senior Quality Project Engineer, this is your unique opportunity to set your mark and live on the leading edge. In this role, you will perform duties as lead quality representative on New Production Development (NPD) teams within Kohler Engines. You will designs, develop, implement, maintain, and improve the quality systems and controls necessary to insure that NPD programs meet specified Engine Division quality requirements and customer application requirements.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE
  • Lead warranty reviews of similar product early in the NPD process. Suggest design changes based upon experience and quality history of Kohler engines.
  • Identify the critical process variables for each design and develop information systems at designated points in the process to monitor those variables.
  • Represent Quality at Design Reviews.
  • Participate actively in planning for engineering qualification testing. Analyze test results to verify and document reliability of new product.
  • Participate in the creation of PFMEAs, DFMEAs, and control plans.
  • Conduct in-depth and onsite evaluation of supplier processes for critical components. Analyze individual product/process quality cost components and advise suppliers and design engineering personnel on cost/quality improvement potential. Assist supplier’s areas in development of meaningful quality measurements.
  • Manage parts for engine builds by selecting which features should be measured by the supplier and by Kohler.
  • Develop and documents the Customer Protection Program at start of production.
  • Participate in the preparation of annual quality improvement plans necessary to perpetuate an effective group quality process.
  • Evaluate requests for deviations from specification, estimate risks/costs associated with it, and recommend disposition to management.
  • Participate in the group quality training efforts including conducting classes in the various quality technologies as required.
  • Develop and issue reports, conduct related meetings, make recommendations, and initiate corrective action for all listed responsibilities.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - WHAT YOU NEED TO QUALIFY
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering
  • 5 or more years previous experience with manufacturing and quality processes
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrate a good understanding of internal combustion engine basics, root cause analysis, corrective action, continuous improvement tools, quality systems, statistics, and leadership. 



To apply online, click here: Senior Quality Project Engineer, Kohler Engines
Contact: kimberly.hughes@rightthinginc.com

Supervisor- Wisconsin Distribution Center, Second Shift - Kohler, WI

Seeking candidate with 5 years experience - supervisory, distribution center, manufacturing, warehouse, process improvement, lean manufacturing, Kaizen, ERP, SAP, budgeting, inventory  cycle time, system flow analysis, prefer Union exposure. Bachelor's degree required. Will relocate.


As a Supervisor - Wisconsin Distribution Center, Second Shift, this is your unique opportunity to set your mark and live on the leading edge. This position will be responsible for directing and coordinating the flow of all fixtures, corporate receiving, faucet components, and service parts into and out of the Distribution Center on a multi-shift basis. This role will supervise and direct all receiving, warehousing, packing and shipping functions within the Distribution Center. This position will be accountable for the inventory accuracy and control procedures for all finished goods SKUs while gaining 10% increase in productivity as measured year over year. In addition, the supervisor will be involved in all projects resulting from the redesign of the WI Distribution Center in 2013 to drive improve costing of $750 K year over year.


HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

• Responsible for directing the activities of all associates, across all shifts in the Fixtures, Pack, Service Parts and Shipping areas. Overall goal is to continually reduce the order to shipment cycle time while at the same time improving the consistency of the cycle time. Delivery on time 100% complete in perfect condition. • Manage daily/weekly shipping and receiving schedules to ensure personnel are utilized to meet truckload and L.T.L. shipments, manufacturing and inter-plant receipts.
• Coordinate the flow of product. Determine where product is to be stored improving efficiencies by improving slotting in the warehouse on a monthly basis from a baseline of 40% in fixtures and 64% in faucets. Monitor and adjust warehouse layout as required to accommodate inventory mix while improving space utilization to allow for elimination of off-site storage.
• Propose and Implement warehouse and shipping methods and procedures necessary to ensure the product is being delivered to the customer complete and in perfect condition.
• Coordinate the movement of product from the manufacturing transfer points into the Distribution Center.
• Direct warehouse and shipping personnel to promote the accurate reporting of all transactions relating to material moves, picking, put away, receiving, replenishment, verifying, inventory accuracy, and location control for all finished Goods in the Distribution Center.
• Responsible for the physical inventory and/or cycle counting system, procedures and counting for finished goods in the Distribution Center.
• Prepare operating budgets and input to capital budgets. Review and analyze monthly reports of same and take necessary action to meet budgetary objectives.
• Verify proper loading techniques are employed when preparing and loading to ensure damage-free delivery to the customer.
• Supervise the checking of products being shipped against shipping documents to ensure correct product, proper quantities, and markings are used to avoid shipping errors. Provide and implement improvement opportunities in loading functions to drive continued improvement in OS&D reports.
• Investigate field claims of shipping errors, damage to products and communicate with Claims Department.
• Participate in safety initiatives such as wall to wall inspections, support program management/updates, incident investigations, safety training and accident prevention, day to day safety and new equipment process approval, safety teams, allocate funds for safety equipment and initiatives and return to work program.
• Analyze current operations, provide and implement opportunities for improvement and act as a change agent to drive these improvements into the culture of the WI Distribution Center.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - WHAT YOU NEED TO QUALIFY

• Four-year college degree required.
• Minimum of five years related supervisory experience in a distribution environment. Must be organized and able to set priorities.
• Must be able to communicate effectively, both written and oral.
• Comfortable and effective in communicating with all levels of management.
• Background in Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, or system flow analysis strongly preferred.
• Experience in Warehouse Management Systems and Enterprise Resource Planning systems including Radio Frequency and automated systems with a customer focus in both quality and customer cycle times are preferred.
• Experience with labor relations in a Union environment a preferred.



Click here to apply: Supervisor- Wisconsin Distribution Center, Second Shift
Contact: kimberly.hughes@rightthinginc.com

HR Manager, Kohler Konnect Customer Service Center - Koher, Wisconsin


Seeking candidate with 3+ years experience in human resources, employee life cycle, compliance, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, integrated systems, prefer SAP. Bachelor's degree and people management experience required.

Under the general direction of the Director – HR, Shared Services, the Manager of Kohler Konnect is accountable for delivering HR services, procedures and processes that are considered value added, measurable, directly tied to business objectives and aimed at increasing employee success and satisfaction. As a people leader, must engage and embed the core competencies specifically driving continuous improvement and setting high standards of performance to ensure processes are lean and efficient and aligned with world class benchmarked standards for a HR Service Center.

This position is accountable within the HR Services Center of Excellence for - the Human Resources Call Center (total Americas accountability and some global processes). The position is a key member in the development and execution of the employee self-service strategy and other key HR operations strategic plans. This individual must be a strong collaborator and a partner with HR professionals in the business units, and Centers of Excellence. Supervises a team responsible for supporting all Human Resources (HR) related inquiries for all associates. Develops financial and operational objectives and ensures operational plans are aligned with corporate objectives.

Specific Responsibilities:
Manage all functions of the HR Kohler Konnect Service Center staff to deliver quality services to support our global organizational framework. Develop, assess, and implement key performance metrics and SLAs to assure the efficient workflow of the Service Center and a high standard of customer service delivery.
Supervises real-time volume management, including but not limited to adjusting schedules, adjusting offline tasks (email, fulfillment, etc.), monitoring queues and tasks to ensure service level; monitors abandon rate and talk/wrap time and ensures that other departmental goals are met.
Embed the core competency of continuous improvement. This is achieved by mapping and streamlining administrative/transactional processes to be lean and efficient and moving those processes from the COE’s or HR Specialists into a Service Center to leverage technology and resources within the transactional expertise of the HR Service Center.
Designs, develops, and generates reports, analyzing the data to ensure accuracy and that the content meets departmental needs and requirements. Compiles work volume statistics and monitors other relevant and business-impacting metrics.
Collaborate with other COEs, HRPD and Corporate IT to create a deployment strategy for U.S. self-services, including budgeting and driving alignment to the strategy. Developing and execute a detailed roadmap, organizational change management (including marketing and communications to embed) and full implementation plan.
Partner with Employee Benefits and Labor Relations to assure U.S. government compliance in all areas which includes a technical expertise in IRS Section 125, COBRA (administration/billing), ERISA, HIPAA, Fair Labor laws, and INS/Homeland Security compliance. Assist with COE - Employee Benefits and Pension with Benefits implementation and ongoing US Benefits management especially on the eligibility side. Oversee the six month cycle EEO/AAP reports and distribution.
Responsible for overseeing the Global SAP HR Governance Committee managing the global HR Master Data workflow processes.
Accountable for the management of budgets, forecasts, and proper staffing ratios as well as staff selection, associate development, engagement and succession management.
Handle complex customer service issues that require management judgment and knowledge. Extensively research, analyze issues and facts, and use standard policies/procedures, to resolve complex cases.

RELATIONSHIPS AND CONTACTS

Supervisory Relationships:
Reports to Director – HR, Shared Services
Direct reports include 2 Group Leaders, process management for 1-2 Customer Service Representatives located in EMEA, 1 AAP/EEO Intern

Organizational Relationships (Extensive contact with):
All HR COE's
HR within the business units
Kohler-WI and subsidiary associates, retirees, former associates, & associates’ family members
Corporate Payroll and IT

External Business Relationships (Frequent to Infrequent contact with):
Various vendors (e.g. insurance carriers,401K providers, recreation)
State/Government Agencies

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

A thorough knowledge of all areas of Human Resources, policies & procedures is required. Past experience in an operational, human resources, or employee life cycle functional role is preferred. A bachelor’s degree is required as is a minimum of 3 years’ experience and solid management experience. This position is not a career position. Incumbent must demonstrate both results and desire for future expanded roles.

Must possess strong process skills. Experience with integrated systems, analytical problem solving skills, and ability to communicate effectively is required. Additionally, the ability to plan, organize and execute multiple tasks while working in a team environment. Previous experience with SAP and Case Management systems preferred.


To apply online, click here: Manager- Kohler Konnect Service Center
Contact me at kimberly.hughes@rightthinginc.com

Associate Channel Manager - Integrated Marketing Planning - Kohler Wisconsin


Seeking candidate with 5 years marketing, advertising, analyst, channel marketing, product development experience. Prefer MBA, P&L, sales, strategic marketing.
Under limited supervision, the Associate Channel Manager is responsible for strategic marketing activities and executing tactics. This would involve developing and implementing marketing strategies, programs, and promotions targeted at Kohler’s customer base. The Associate Channel Manager is responsible for identifying customer needs and business opportunities within the assigned channel and developing programs for customers and consumers to drive sales through the assigned channel. To be successful the incumbent must be strategic, creative and have the ability to follow through with flawless execution. This position will have direct contact to sr. management within the Kohler organization and will be expected to consistently present marketing plans to the executive level. This is an opportunity to present your skills and provide exposure to all levels within Kohler as well as across functional areas. The ideal candidate will possess a keen analytical mind, have strong planning, detail and accuracy and be a demonstrably creative thinker. The Associate Channel will also be required to travel 30% of the time to trade shows and various customer sites as needed.



HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE
• Properly present and protect the Kohler brand in the assigned channel.
• Develop merchandising and point of purchase material that drives sales and is “on brand”.
• Plan, forecast, and implement marketing programs and promotions for the channel. Include special promotions, buying opportunities, rebate programs, and ongoing support programs for product categories and market segments
• Serve as a liaison between sales and product management. Work with product management to analyze and evaluate the performance of product categories.
• Understand trends, potential demand, and competition; make recommendations to develop and introduce new products that increase sales.
• Monitor the success, impact, and contribution of all programs, and communicate this information to management on a timely basis.
• Develop strategies and support programs to increase penetration of Kohler products to include pricing, marketing programs, and communication pieces.
• Develop annual business plan for the assigned channel.
• Monitor competitor promotions for each product group. Apprise product management of competitor activities and changes in the marketplace.
• 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.
• Drive comprehensive category management strategy across all product categories and channels to increase consumer brand satisfaction and awareness and overall product sell-through performance.
• Develop collateral materials and display programs needed in the launch of new products.
• Coordinate and contribute to the establishment of the policies and guidelines to support long-term objectives.
• Actively participate in seminars, professional organization meetings, trade shows, etc. to keep abreast of new marketing concepts or other developments germane to the function.
• 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
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related field required.
• Minimum five years’ experience in marketing, channel marketing and/or product development is required. Equivalent experience in a marketing or sales role within Kohler Company may be considered.


SKILL PREFERENCES – HOW YOU CAN STAND OUT • MBA is preferred.
• P&L experience is preferred.
• Experience with sales is preferred.


Apply online here: Associate Channel Manager - Integrated Marketing Planning:

Contact me at kimberly.hughes@rightthinginc.com

Kohler Sales Executive, New York City


Seeking local candidate with 3+ years proven sales experience preferably calling on construction market - architects, designers, and homebuilders. Other preferences include engineering degrees with sales experience or award-winning sales. Bachelor's degree required.

As a Sales Executive - New York City this is your unique opportunity to set your mark and live on the leading edge. This position will drive market share for Kohler, Kallista & Sterling brands with key specifiers by developing Kohler, Kallista & Sterling commitment in the NYC specification and construction market. This role is responsible for developing and owning the relationships with channel influencers including designers, architects, and developers.


HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE
• Builds relationships with architect targets and designers at all levels.
• Drive implementation of Kohler, Kallista and Sterling construction and hospitality programs and promotions.
• Will assist in educating customers on new products, market trends, plumbing codes as needed.
• Working as a consultant to key specifiers, help to create/convert plumbing specifications in the NYC area.
• Develops specific sales plans, proposals, and strategies for new construction channels.
• Drives the implementation of Kohler Co. programs and promotions in the builder channel.
• Drives the positioning of Kohler as the preferred supplier to new residential and commercial construction channels.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - WHAT YOU NEED TO QUALIFY

Bachelor’s degree in business management, marketing or sales required. A minimum of three years sales experience with a solid understanding of two-step distribution processes. Individual will preferably have experience working with designers/architects. Knowledge of residential construction industry would be a plus. Good communication and presentation skills are key.

Apply online here: Sales Executive - New York City

You may contact me at kimberly.hughes@rightthinginc.com or 866-203-8227 ext.5028