Associate Manager - Current Product Development

Description

Summary: The Associate Manager – Engineering, Current Product Development (Faucets) leads a team focusing on sustaining engineering, product optimization, cost reduction, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance. Highlights: 1. Opportunity to lead and support a team of engineers 2. Focus on robust engineering practices and problem-solving 3. Collaboration with cross-functional global teams *Work Mode: Hybrid* **Location: On site** – Monterrey, Nuevo León, México (Nuevo Sur) **Opportunity** BASIC FUNCTION The Associate Manager – Engineering, Current Product Development (Faucets) supports and leads current product development activities for faucet products at the Mexico Technical Center. This role leads a team or sub‑team of engineers focused on sustaining engineering, product optimization, cost reduction, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance across the faucets portfolio. This position acts as a key contributor and emerging leader, coordinating engineering workstreams between Centers of Excellence, regional Faucets Operations teams, and global cross‑functional partners. Under general direction, the Associate Manager ensures engineering activities are executed using sound product development practices, while developing strong leadership, execution discipline, and cross‑functional influence. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES Lead and support a team of engineers and technical associates focused on current product development and sustaining engineering for faucet products. Manage engineering execution for product changes including design updates, material and component changes, cost reduction initiatives (VA/VE), obsolescence management, and documentation updates. Coordinate multiple engineering workstreams to meet product quality, cost, timing, and regulatory objectives. Apply and promote robust engineering practices including DFMEA, risk assessments, validation planning, and structured problem\-solving. Support ownership of engineering deliverables related to product specifications, performance, reliability, and compliance. Act as a key engineering interface between MTC, regional Faucets Operations teams, and Centers of Excellence. Partner with cross‑functional teams including Marketing, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, VA/VE, Codes \& Standards, and Program Management. Support manufacturing and supplier issue resolution through data analysis and root cause investigation. Analyze quality, warranty, and performance data to surface trends and improvement opportunities. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to engineering processes, tools, and execution effectiveness. Communicate engineering status, risks, and recommendations to leadership with increasing scope and responsibility. Occasional domestic and international travel as required. **Skills/Requirements** SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES Leadership and Development Demonstrated ability to lead small teams or workstreams, either directly or in a matrix environment. Strong coaching and collaboration skills with a desire to grow as a people leader. Ability to influence without authority in cross‑functional settings. Engineering Fundamentals Solid foundation in mechanical product development and sustaining engineering. Working knowledge of CAD (Creo preferred), GD\&T, DFMEA, and validation/testing principles. Ability to guide problem\-solving using data and structured engineering approaches. Execution and Analytical Skills Strong organizational and prioritization skills. Data\-driven mindset with ability to analyze quality, cost, and performance metrics. Comfortable managing multiple assignments in a dynamic environment. Communication Clear and professional communication skills. Ability to present technical information effectively to cross‑functional partners and management. Developing confidence in executive\-level communication. RELATIONSHIPS AND CONTACTS Supervisory Relationships: Reports to the Director of Engineering – Mexico Technical Center. Leads a team of engineers and technical associates focused on faucet CPD activities. Organizational Relationships: Frequent collaboration with global and regional engineering teams and Centers of Excellence. Regular interaction with Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, VA/VE, Codes \& Standards, Program Management, and other supporting functions. Regular communication with senior leadership to provide updates on product performance, risks, and improvement initiatives. External Relationships: Occasional interaction with suppliers, vendors, and external partners related to design changes, cost reduction initiatives, materials, and component performance. Occasional contact with customers, installers, or external stakeholders to support issue resolution and product understanding. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent from an accredited institution required. Master’s degree in Science, Engineering, or Management is considered a value‑added qualification. Minimum of 7\-8 years of experience in product design or sustaining engineering, preferably in consumer or engineered products. Minimum of 1\-2 years of experience leading engineering teams, either directly or indirectly, including responsibility for mentoring, prioritization, and delivery through others. Experience with CAD systems (Creo preferred) and engineering data management systems (SAP preferred). Experience with DFMEA, product validation/testing, quality systems, and regulatory compliance. Experience with faucets, plumbing products, or consumer durables is preferred. **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.