Opportunity
Kohler Company, a global
leader in kitchen and bath products for over 150 years, is seeking a Manager
for our Wisconsin Product Labs. This role will oversee the daily operations of
our Faucet, Fixture, Acoustic, and Bathing Labs ensuring impartial testing that
meets internal and industry standards. As the Manager of Wisconsin Product
Labs, you will lead a talented team of technicians and analysts and play a
critical role in Kohler's product development process, while ensuring that our
products meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and regulatory
compliance.
Specific Responsibilities
Strategic Laboratory Operations Management: Direct daily operations across all laboratory facilities, implementing efficiency improvements, optimizing workflow processes, and maximizing productivity through data-driven decision making.Team Leadership & Development: Build and mentor a high-performing team through effective hiring, comprehensive training programs, strategic scheduling, and performance management systems that drive professional growth and technical excellence.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with engineering, product development, and manufacturing teams to align laboratory testing priorities with business objectives, ensuring timely delivery of critical data to support product initiatives.Quality Assurance Oversight: Lead and participate in comprehensive laboratory audits, implementing corrective actions and preventive measures to maintain the highest standards of testing integrity.Regulatory Compliance Management: Develop and deliver detailed technical reports and documentation for regulatory agencies, ensuring all submissions meet stringent compliance requirements and industry standards.Capital Planning & Implementation: Identify strategic opportunities for laboratory infrastructure and equipment improvements, develop compelling business cases for investment, and successfully manage implementation of approved capital projects.Equipment Management Program: Establish and oversee a proactive maintenance program for all laboratory equipment, ensuring optimal performance, minimizing downtime, and extending asset lifecycles through scheduled calibration and preventative maintenance.LIMS Optimization: Participate in the implementation of a Laboratory Information Management System to streamline data collection, enhance analytical capabilities, and improve reporting efficiency across all laboratory functions.Resource & Budget Management: Strategically manage laboratory resources, develop and control departmental budgets, and optimize procurement processes to ensure cost-effective operations without compromising quality.Statistical Analysis Leadership: Conduct and oversee comprehensive capability studies to validate testing methods, analyze measurement systems, and quantify process capabilities to support continuous improvement initiatives.Safety & Compliance Excellence: Champion a culture of safety and regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to all applicable standards, developing comprehensive SOPs, and implementing rigorous quality control protocols.Continuous Process Improvement: Lead the development, implementation, and refinement of standard operating procedures and quality control protocols, driving continuous improvement through systematic analysis and innovation