Program Manager, Strategic Sourcing

Kohler is seeking a Program Manager, Strategic Sourcing to lead sourcing for new product development (NPD) in our manufacturing businesses. In this role, you will own supplier strategy for key categories, partnering closely with engineering, product management, and operations to launch innovative products on time and at target cost. You will identify and negotiate with global suppliers, drive cost and value engineering initiatives, ensure quality and sustainability standards, and manage sourcing timelines, risks, and deliverables across multiple complex NPD programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing for new product development (NPD) programs across Kohler's manufacturing portfolio
• Develop and execute category and supplier strategies to meet cost, quality, and delivery targets
• Partner with engineering, product management, and operations to align sourcing with NPD roadmaps
• Identify, qualify, and negotiate with global suppliers to optimize total cost of ownership
• Manage sourcing project timelines, risks, and deliverables for multiple concurrent NPD initiatives
• Use data and analytics to drive should-cost modeling, benchmarking, and cost reduction opportunities
• Ensure supplier compliance with quality, sustainability, and regulatory requirements
• Support value engineering, design-for-manufacturability, and early supplier involvement
• Report program status, savings, and risks to leadership and key stakeholders
• Continuously improve sourcing processes, tools, and governance for NPD programs

Required Skills

• Strategic sourcing
• New product development (NPD)
• Supplier negotiation
• Contract management
• Cost analysis and should-cost modeling
• Category management
• Project/program management
• Manufacturing and supply chain knowledge
• Data analysis and reporting
• Supplier quality and compliance