Sr Manager - Channel Marketing, Builder

Location: Onsite, 4 days per week – Kohler, WI

Opportunity

Sr Manager - Channel Marketing, Builder is responsible for leading a team charged with developing and implementing marketing strategies, programs, and promotions targeted at Kohler’s regional and national builder and multifamily customer base, with a focus on Top 25 National Builder Accounts. This includes identifying customer needs and business opportunities within the Builder and Multifamily channels and developing program financials to support the conversion of all product categories with the above customers. 

Additionally, the Sr. Manager - Channel Marketing, Builder is responsible for all aspects of the builder Request for Program (RFP) process including maintenance of the builder RFP calendar, advance planning & preparation of all documentation pertaining to competitive bids, cross functional alignment and cooperation to support both the RFP and subsequent conversion of the target customer(s) and planning for renewals of executed agreements with existing accounts.

Other competencies associated with primary function and scope are as follows:

• Lead Strategic Marketing Initiatives: Develop and execute high-impact marketing strategies that drive growth across the builder and multifamily channels, with a focus on innovation, profitability, and long-term brand equity.
• Channel Expertise: Serve as a subject matter expert in the builder and multifamily space, leveraging deep industry knowledge and market insights to shape Kohler’s positioning and value proposition.
• Go-to-Market Leadership: Design and implement go-to-market strategies for a complex, indirect customer base, including builders, developers, distributors, and trade partners, ensuring alignment across sales, product, and marketing functions.
• Sales Alignment & Collaboration: Partner closely with the Director of Builder Sales and Builder Business Development Managers to align strategic priorities, OKRs, and timelines for program development, execution, and renewals.
• Team Development & Enablement: Train, mentor, and empower marketing staff to deliver excellence across all initiatives, serving as a resource for complex assignments and cross-functional coordination.
• Financial Ownership: Demonstrate strong financial acumen with direct responsibility for the Builder P&L, driving decisions that balance growth, margin, and operational efficiency.
• Customer & Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, sales executives, and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless execution and feedback-driven improvement.
• Cross-Functional Influence: Coordinate and influence across diverse functional teams, including category strategy, demand planning, supply chain, legal, customer service, pricing, sales enablement, and communications, to drive conversion and channel success.
• Market Intelligence & Innovation: Maintain a thorough understanding of industry trends and competitive dynamics to ensure Kohler remains at the forefront of channel strategy, product bundling, and service innovation.
• Product Collaboration: Engage directly with product teams to guide the planning and development of offerings tailored to builder needs, ensuring market relevance and differentiation.
  

Primary Responsibilities:

• Champion the Kohler Brand: Ensure consistent, strategic representation of the Kohler brand across the Builder and Multifamily channels, protecting brand integrity while driving relevance and resonance with target audiences.
• Lead Asset Strategy & Development: Oversee the creation of marketing assets and tools that support channel growth, establishing clear processes and cross-functional collaboration to drive conversion of target accounts.
• Plan & Execute Channel Programs: Develop and implement marketing programs, promotions, and support initiatives tailored to the Builder channel, with a focus on driving engagement, loyalty, and sales performance.
• Collaborate on Product Strategy: Partner with category strategy teams to analyze product performance within the Builder channel, identify gaps, and recommend new product opportunities that align with market demand and growth objectives.
• Monitor Market Dynamics: Stay ahead of industry trends, market sizing, and competitor activity to inform strategic decisions and proactively address product and promotional gaps.
• Drive Category Management Excellence: Lead comprehensive category management strategies across product lines and channels to elevate brand awareness, builder satisfaction (NPS), and overall sell-through performance.
• Measure & Communicate Impact: Track the effectiveness and ROI of marketing programs, promotions, and initiatives, providing timely insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Ensure Program Profitability & Compliance: Review and assess the financial performance of channel programs to ensure alignment with internal guidelines and profitability targets.
• Support Sales Enablement: Provide strategic guidance and marketing support to sales teams, empowering them to promote Kohler products effectively and in alignment with channel objectives.
• Engage in Industry Leadership: Represent Kohler at trade shows, seminars, and professional events to promote the brand, share best practices, and identify new business opportunities.
• Build & Develop Talent: Recruit, mentor, and retain high-performing team members, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous growth.  Lead & coach two direct marketing direct reports supporting the builder & multifamily channel.