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.

Lead Industrial Designer

Job Description:
Title: Lead Ind Designer-Decorative Prod & Color

BASIC FUNCTION
Develop and manage a world-class design team that continually sets new standards for surface decoration and color in the Bathroom and/or Kitchen. While working collaboratively with manufacturing, challenge convention when it comes to process, ideas, and materials with motivation toward maintaining a leadership position in color, surface and decoration in the Industry. Ensure that the staff is visionary with an eye towards efficiency. Lead in the creation and understanding of business strategies, aesthetic trends, product strategies, and trend research.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Share in the vision of the Company. Align with the business leaders and the VP of Industrial Design regarding global development of surface decoration and color.
Work with global manufacturing and sourcing to develop capability in the parts of the world that will bring growth via improved cost positions and regionally targeted products.

Working across the business teams and NPD platforms, develop a responsible business aptitude that is strategic and supports long term visionary growth for Surface Decoration and Color. Actively pursue and influence the strategic direction for products, including: Artist Editions, Natures Chemistry, Glass products (including Doors), Vikrell, Stainless Steel, and New Ceramics capability (like Engobe on Sinks). Be responsible to develop the content for the NPS as it related to surface decoration, materials and Color annually.

Develop, teach, and champion associates so they may perform to their creative potentials.

Recruit and hire design and technical support resources as appropriate to responsibility.

Provide performance expectations and evaluation for design and technical support resources relative to design skill, discipline, and growth. Acquire input from Program Manager for expectations/evaluation relative to teamwork and project results. Conduct formal performance management (quintiles, succession planning, maximizing performance).



RELATIONSHIPS AND CONTACTS
Supervisory Relationships:

Directly report to VP - Industrial Design K&B North America

Supervises designers, and technical support staff.

Organization Relationships:

Frequent collaborative association with Business Teams, and Platforms including: Program Managers, Engineering, Designers, Marketing Personnel, and Industrial Designers.

External Business Relationships:

Frequent collaborative association with suppliers, consultants, and industry professionals.


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Masters Degree in Industrial Design and/or Fine Arts with emphasis in materials, decoration, and color development from an accredited university or other appropriate field i.e. Graphics, Ceramics, Furniture. Relevant Continuing Education; Masters in ID, Project Management, or Business. Must have previous experience proactively teaching/coaching less experienced designers in quality techniques and tools of design.

Minimum Education Required: Masters

Expected Travel Time: None

This company may offer relocation assistance.

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