NPD Project Leader, Ann Sacks

NPD Project Leader, Ann Sacks

Work Mode: Onsite

Location: Onsite, four days per week - Portland, OR

Opportunity

We are seeking a talented and organized professional to join our Merchandising team in Portland to own the New Product Development process. Help us shape the future of our brand and bring beautiful new products to our showrooms and clients!

About Ann Sacks 
For overfour decades, Ann Sacks has become synonymous with unparalleled craftsmanshipand innovation in the world of tile and stone. From humble beginnings inPortland, what began as a simple venture into tiles now includes slabs, stonefurniture, fireplaces and more. From our support office, to manufacturing andshowrooms, we have a small business feel with a big footprint across NorthAmerica. Our teams take pride in their work, bringing timeless design, beauty,and luxury to each product, project, and client experience.

Key Responsibilities

New Product Launch

• Manage cross functional teams through the new product development process to launch. Drive each launch to defined metrics.
• Develop and manage the launch budget with the cross functional team, including development expense, tooling expense, sample and display expense and marketing expense. Guide the team to keep costs within budget.
• Develop and monitor project schedules and adhere to the launch process.  Manage deliverables and tasks within each phase of launch. Anticipates and manages tasks/risks within each launch. 
• Communicate to the Leadership Team on launch status, execution plans, and process. Align on launch objectives and partner in removing obstacles for launch completion.
• Proactively identify and plan for risk; communicating risk clearly, early and appropriately to the Leadership Team.
• Create supplier contracts and/or exclusivity agreements for new products and facilitate contract negotiations, ensuring Ann Sacks best interest when launching all new products or when initiating partnerships with new suppliers/vendors.  

End-of-Life Product Management

• Lead strategic planning and execution of product end-of-life (EOL) initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals and customer impact mitigation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Managers, Planners, Sales Leadership, and the Marketing team to develop and implement EOL strategies, including inventory sell-through, markdowns, and product transitions.
• Analyze product performance and lifecycle data to identify optimal timing for EOL decisions and recommend actions to maximize profitability and minimize obsolescence.
• Manage communication plans for internal stakeholders and external partners regarding EOL timelines, product replacements, and support discontinuation.
• Actively seek and foster relationships with third-party retailers to sell down excess and obsolete materials.
• Oversee EOL documentation and compliance, ensuring accurate product status updates across systems and channels.
• Drive continuous improvement in lifecycle management processes, leveraging insights from past EOL executions to refine future strategies.

Other Key Competencies & Functions

• Sees the big picture to drive end results.
• Acts as a champion in carrying out and communicating new product launch strategies and goals throughout the business.
• Works closely with Product Development, Product Managers, and the Marketing team to develop holistic product development and launch plans.
• Helps to deliver launches that are in full and on time through appropriate action; proposing alternative options when necessary that are rooted in facts, with clearly articulated constraints and predicted consequences.
• Lead strategic planning and execution of product end-of-life (EOL) initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals and customer impact mitigation.

Skills/Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in product management, NPD, or related experience.
• A bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field is strongly preferred, but not required. Applicants with a variety of backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
• Background in product strategy, with preference given to retail / consumer goods, fashion, design, interiors etc. is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in managing cross-functional projects and new product launches.
• Strong project management skills required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills required.
• Budget management experience preferred.
• PMP certification preferred.  
• Travel required – less than 10%.

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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.