NPD Project Leader

NPD Project Leader

Work Mode: Hybrid

Location: Hybrid - Bristol, PA

Opportunity

Robern is looking for a NPD Project Leader with exceptional project management and problem-solving skills and an entrepreneurial mindset to lead new product development projects for our fast-paced team.  You will be joining a luxury brand that is committed to living on the leading edge in design and technology of product and process.

The NPD Project Leader will be responsible for leading the execution of new product launches through worldwide manufacturing sites.  Collaboration between cross-functional team members including sourcing, supply chain, engineering, industrial design and marketing will be critical to the success of this role.

The NPD Project Leader

• Lead product development teams to launch innovative new products and improve the quality, performance or cost of existing products.
• Manage cross functional teams through the advanced development and product development processes including market launch.
• Maintain capital, expense, and development budgets.
• Develop and monitor project schedules and adhere to the new product development process.  Manage tasks within each phase of a project utilizing Lean product development tools and practices.
• Communicate to senior management on project status.
• Collaborate effectively with cross functional teams.
• Establish relationships with senior management for the purpose of aligning product development objectives and removing obstacles for project completion.
• Streamline the new product development process to improve speed to market.
• Establish an understanding of the cross-functional roles within the NPD team.
• Facilitate workshops across the new product development lifecycle.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• ·         Lead projects of moderate to very high complexity, risk and business impact.
• ·         Provide structure and leadership for solving technically complex design and manufacturing challenges.
• ·         Proactively identify and plan for project risks, communicating risk clearly, early and appropriately to management.
• ·         Manage outside design and development firms.
• ·         Assist with managing portfolio timing, resource planning and budgeting.
• ·         Mentor other project leaders and team members of other functional areas.
• ·         Challenge project teams to achieve innovative solutions.
• ·         Identify opportunities for organizational and process change.
• ·         Work effectively in ambiguous situations.
• ·         Lead brainstorming discussions.
• ·         Ability to resolve conflict.
• ·         Makes decisions in challenging situations based on facts, constraints, and predicted consequences.
• ·         Willingness to proactively raise concerns.

Skills/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a product development related discipline (e.g. Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing, Industrial Design or Business) preferred.
•  Experience and/or passion for interior design, high-end luxury products, etc. is preferred.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification desired.
• 2-5+ years of increasing responsibility for New Product Development project and personnel management involving a broad range of technologies and processes.
• Must demonstrate an ability to build cohesive high-performance teams, improve design processes and communicate effectively with associates and executives.

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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.