Since 1873, Kohler Co. has been improving the lives of its customers with exceptional products and services.

Our diversity of products and powerful portfolio of brands lead the way in design, craftsmanship and innovation.

We offer a breadth of products and services, including plumbing fixtures, furniture, tile and stone, and primary and backup power systems, as well as award-winning hospitality and world-class golf destinations.

Director - Global Indirect Purchasing

Job Description:
A key leadership opportunity exists in Global Procurement at Kohler Co. as a Director - Global Indirect Purchasing supporting our corporate purchasing group. Kohler Co. is a worldwide leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, engines and power generation systems, fine home furnishings, and resort and recreation services. Unparalleled product design and innovation have led the way to a diverse portfolio of respected brand names with operations on six continents. We are dedicated to excellence in the products and services we provide. Just as importantly, we are dedicated to providing a challenging, interesting and rewarding work experience.

BASIC FUNCTION
Directs and oversees the global indirect purchasing organization, company-wide global category managers for direct material and Wisconsin campus mailing services. High level of competence in a variety of purchasing's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of procurement tasks. Leads and directs the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is required. Visionary in predicting future business needs and determining objectives to achieve them. Educates and promotes procurement across Kohler Co. businesses.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic and operational responsibility for Indirect supply-base network with significant spend and high degree of category complexity.

Accountable for preparing annual departmental budget.

Develop short and long-term plans including five year strategic plans for corporate purchasing. Link strategic plans to the Business Unit or Group wide vision and growth plan, and prioritize organization-wide efforts to implement strategies. Evaluate the implementation of programs to achieve plans. Lead change on procurement initiatives that have company-wide impact.

Responsible for all aspects of supplier management to ensure cost-effective products and services are provided to Kohler Co. with consistent quality and delivery levels. Coordinate with cross-functional resources to specify strategy, identification, selection and performance of supply base.

Responsible for all supplier contracts to ensure that the required legal terms, conditions and cost/service components are in place to meet company requirements.

Responsible for monthly reporting regarding purchasing activity and supplier quality performance. For example, cost savings and avoidance, supplier delivery, supplier quality, days payable outstanding

Implement flexible supply strategies within every major geographic region, for example, electronic catalog procurement and reverse auctions, as well as, supplier collaboration through web-based portal communications, supplier EDI and quarterly business reviews.

Prepare business case(s) as required to support make-versus-buy decisions.

Capable of managing/leading multi-location projects marshalling adequate project resources. Demonstrates expanded global awareness of culture, currency, geography and political topics. Some experience utilizing freight forwarding/customs clearance services. General understanding of computer network technology & B2B applications. Demonstrated methods for streamlined supplier connectivity.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Materials Management or related field is required. A Master's Degree in Business or a Technical field is preferred.

Minimum of 10 years professional work experience with three (3) years purchasing work experience in a global manufacturing company with increasing responsibilities in a multi-site, multi-product environment is required. International experience and previous global travel required. Previous SAP experience desirable. Professional Purchasing Certification highly desirable.

Minimum Education Required: Bachelor

Years of Experience Required: More than 5 years

Expected Travel Time: About 25%

This company may offer relocation assistance.