Program Manager - New Product Development (Manufacturing)

Date Posted:

28 September 2026

Closing Date:

October 28, 2026

Recruiter:

Kohler Location:

Kohler, Wisconsin Salary:

USD105,000

to

USD135,000

Job Type & Industry:

Technology Risk, Production, Manufacturing & Operations Contract Type:

Permanent Job Reference:

2991421937-2 Apply for this job now Job Description As a Program Manager for NPD Projects at Kohler, you will lead cross-functional programs that bring innovative, high-quality products from concept to launch in a manufacturing environment. You will own program scope, schedule, budget, and risk across multiple concurrent projects, coordinating engineering, operations, supply chain, and marketing teams. Using structured stage-gate processes and data-driven KPIs, you'll ensure manufacturability, quality, and sustainability targets are met while driving continuous improvement. In Kohler's collaborative, craftsmanship-driven culture, you'll influence strategy, mentor others, and help shape the next generation of products used around the world. Responsibilities Lead end-to-end New Product Development (NPD) programs from concept through launch for manufacturing initiatives Coordinate cross-functional teams in engineering, operations, marketing, and supply chain to deliver on scope, schedule, and budget Develop and manage detailed project plans, risk registers, and mitigation strategies for multiple concurrent NPD projects Drive stage-gate reviews, ensuring design, quality, and regulatory requirements are met for all new products Track and report program performance using KPIs, dashboards, and executive updates to senior stakeholders Optimize resource allocation, resolve issues, and remove roadblocks to keep projects on time and within cost targets Collaborate with manufacturing and design teams to improve manufacturability, sustainability, and product quality Champion continuous improvement, leveraging Lean and PM best practices across the NPD portfolio Engage with suppliers and partners to align timelines, technical requirements, and commercialization plans Mentor team members and contribute to a culture of innovation, inclusion, and craftsmanship at Kohler Required Skills Program management New Product Development (NPD) Project scheduling and planning Risk management Cross-functional team leadership Stage-Gate processes Manufacturing processes and DFMBudgeting and cost control Data analysis and KPIs Stakeholder communication Resource planning Lean or Six Sigma methods Product lifecycle management (PLM) tools MS Project or similar PM software Supplier and vendor coordination