VP & GM, Category Management - Toilets, Sinks & Vanities

Work Mode: Hybrid

Location: Onsite/Hybrid 3 days/week at Kohler campus is a firm requirement. This position will not be permitted to live out of market and commute into campus to work during the week. Relocation package is available.

Opportunity

The VP & GM, Category Management - Toilets, Sinks & Vanities (Sanitary Fixtures) is a senior leader with responsibility for driving the strategic, financial, and operational results across our leading Toileting and Styling Space categories of business. In the position the individual is responsible for driving the Mission of the Company, establishing strategic objectives, meeting or exceeding growth and profitability objectives, and attracting and developing talent. In so doing, the VP & GM leads and coordinates each categories’ functional activities across channels including sales, marketing, product development, supply chain, manufacturing, IT, and finance.

Primary responsibilities include driving market share growth and enhancing profitability and revenue within the Sanitary category in North America. As part of delivering on those responsibilities, this role needs to ensure delivery of the New Product Schedule (NPS) and forging effective relationships cross-functionally to ensure success in the product development process, inclusive of ensuring a balanced but innovative portfolio of projects. Additionally, this executive will direct the development and implementation of all strategies related to Toileting and Styling Space categories programs and activities that drive sales of existing and new products across all channels of distribution. They will interact with consumers and customers on a regular basis to develop an in-depth understanding of the market, including consumer, trade and partners needs as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key competitors within the industry.

Specific Responsibilities

• Accountable for Category specific profit and loss statements, focused on orders and sales growth, and margin improvement through mix enhancements, new product launches, platforming efficiencies and pricing actions.

• Responsible for ongoing financial performance and monthly category business team meetings to support aligned objectives and results.

• Drive the innovation pipeline of new Sanitary products across all channels of distribution.

• Direct the strategic aspects of all product line additions and deletions, including component changes, as it relates to product standardization/platforming efforts. Also, coordinate and oversee all forecasting, pricing, and product management for a lines of product within the category.

• Provide senior management with information and recommendations on the strategies to drive accelerated growth with key customers and secondary channels.

• Monitor current and anticipate future customer needs by working closely with Brand and Channel Marketing, Field Sales, Account Management, DTC Channel and Competitive Intelligence.

• Travel in the field to meet with sales staff, distributors, plumbers, homebuilders, and kitchen and bath experts to determine future marketing needs and actions. Ensure timely adjustments to changing markets and competitive conditions based on acquired field knowledge.

• Engage in developing relationships and assessing the marketplace to identify potential acquisitions of companies engaged in the business unit’s primary or allied product lines.

• Facilitate discussions and devise formal career development plans with associates, that include identifying opportunities and areas for improvement, assigning challenging projects, and promoting associates while building internal bench strength.

• Demonstrate a high level of competency in the following areas: Set High Standards of Performance, Leadership, Teamwork, Communication, Business Acumen, Focus on the End Customer, and Build Trust.

Key competencies:

• Demonstrate high-level strategic and analytical thinking.

• Strong presentation and communication skills to clearly articulate data-based recommendations to management.

• Able to demonstrate a strong ability to lead through influence and collaborate with multiple functional areas.

• Be a key point of voice of expertise for a category of products in the marketplace, to key customers and industry counterparts.

• Display initiative and resilience to remove obstacles.

• Respected people leader, both formally/directly and indirectly.

• Proven track record in bringing new products and category strategies to market, through strong execution and adaptation of plans.

Skills/Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field. MBA with major study in Management / Marketing is preferred.

• 12 or more years related experience required with progressively more responsibility and a track record of results.

• Minimum 10 years’ experience with P&L and/or budget management is required.

• Previous supervisory or coaching experience required.

• Approximately 35% of travel is required.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

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.