Senior Manager, Kohler Operating Systems (KOS)

Senior Manager, Kohler Operating Systems (KOS)

Work Mode: Remote

Location: Remote - United States

Opportunity

The Sr. Manager – KOS (Management Systems) is responsible for leading the development, governance, and deployment of the Kohler Operating System’s core management system architecture. This role will lead a team of four and be accountable for establishing global standards, tiered accountability structures, audit protocols, and sustainment frameworks. The Sr. Manager will ensure a disciplined and aligned approach across the enterprise to drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. 

• Develop and maintain the governance model, documentation standards, and core elements of the Kohler Operating System (KOS) 
  
• Lead a team of four in designing and refining Kohler’s tiered accountability systems, leader standard work, visual management expectations, and daily management routines 
  
• Define and implement the global auditing and assessment methodology for KOS maturity and compliance 
  
• Partner with CI deployment leaders, site leadership, and functional heads to ensure consistent understanding and execution of KOS management systems 
  
• Build scalable onboarding and certification processes to elevate KOS capability across the organization 
  
• Serve as a subject matter expert in management systems and drive continuous refinement based on business needs and benchmarking insights 
  
• Support the Senior Director of KOS and CI in strategic planning, deployment tracking, and executive communication 
  

Success Criteria: 

• Global standardization and adoption of KOS management system elements 
  
• Clear governance and ownership of KOS tools and routines 
  
• Demonstrated improvement in audit outcomes, accountability routines, and site-level performance metrics 
  
• Strong engagement and capability uplift within the KOS practitioner and leadership community 

This role requires international and domestic travel approximately 30-50% of the time to support global implementation and training of KOS principles

Skills/Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business, Operations, or related field or 20+ years of manufacturing experience leading teams with deep expertise in management systems 
  
• 7+ years of experience in Lean, Continuous Improvement, or operations leadership, with a focus on enterprise operating systems or business management systems 
  
• Demonstrated success in developing and deploying management systems across a multi-site organization 
  
• Experience developing Objectives and Strategies through a methodology such as Hoshin Kanri 
  
• Deep knowledge of Lean tools, structured problem solving, leader standard work, and visual management 
  
• Strong project leadership, facilitation, and documentation skills 
  
• Ability to work across functional and cultural boundaries, influencing without direct authority 
  
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively at all levels of the organization 
   
  

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with business systems such as the Toyota Production System, Danaher Business System, or similar 
  
• Familiarity with auditing frameworks, and maturity assessments 
  
• Previous leadership experience managing high-performing teams 
  Exposure to ISO, EHS, or QMS auditing and integration 
  

CUSTOM.PAY.TRANSPARENCY

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.