VP of Product Developement EMEA

Opportunity

The Vice President of Engineering and Product Development is an executive position within the Global Apps business unit of Our Company. This person reports to the President of Global Faucets and collaborates closely with other members of the executive team. Together this team is responsible for executing the business unit strategy plan to drive profitable growth in both existing and new markets in all regions. Specifically this person is responsible for driving and executing the product vision.

This role requires an individual with proven ability to lead globally dispersed and diversified product development centers. This individual must possess a strong technical vision and be able to foster innovation, drive execution excellence, and adhere to robust design principles, while fostering a sense of collaboration and unity. The role requires a high level of emotional intelligence, situational fluency, and personal drive. The ability to effectively work within a complex matrix across diverse functions, regions, and markets is a requirement.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Assume leadership of new product development (NPD) centers with the primary locations in United States, China, United Kingdom, India, and France. This leadership includes full budget and operating responsibilities and direct and in-direct reporting of over 250 technical associates located worldwide.
• Establish technical strategies and product roadmaps. Drive innovation and project execution while maintaining a professional environment where creative work is valued and recognized. Identify and remove organizational bottlenecks and have a strong ability to communicate across the department, as well as with all stakeholders both inside and outside the company.
• Evaluate the feasibility of faucet project concepts and technologies, utilizing external consultants or vendors where deemed necessary to the successful completion of each project.
• Maintain a deep understanding of competitor products and capabilities. Keen awareness of emerging industrial processes to assure Kohler maintains and enhances its reputation as the leader in the design, functionality, and durability.
• Partner with human resources relative to organization staffing, training, performance appraisal, and salary administration of the department.

Skills/Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering or equivalent engineering degree required (Master degree preferred)
• MBA or equivalent business fluency
• 10-15 years of product development experience
• Prior leadership experience managing large and complex product development organizations
• Strong communication skills and presence
• Ability to accommodate heavy international travel
• Excellent project management skills