Manager, Product Lab

Work Mode: Onsite

Location: Onsite – Kohler, WI

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
  
  
  

Skills/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering related field
• Minimum of five years of experience in product testing and reliability engineering
• Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills
• Collaborative mindset, capable of building trust and creating an engaging environment
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and influence at all levels
• Experience in new product development
• Experience with capacity planning and resource management
• Pragmatic and creative approach to problem solving
• Knowledge of lab certification processes, regulatory requirements and compliance standards
• Financial budgeting skills
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the plumbing industry
• Experience in simulation testing
• Knowledge of hyper-accelerated testing
• Experience implementing LEAN Principles and Continuous Improvement initiatives
  
  
  

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

The salary range for this position is $88,000 - $111,150. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision & 401k.

Why Choose Kohler?

We empower each associate to #BecomeMoreAtKohler with a competitive total rewards package to support your health and wellbeing, access to career growth and development opportunities, a diverse and inclusive workplace, and a strong culture of innovation. With more than 30,000 bold leaders across the globe, we’re driving meaningful change in our mission to help people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives.

About Us

It is Kohler’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact kohlerjobs@kohler.com . Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.