Manager, Prototyping Lab

Work Mode: Onsite

Location:Onsite - Kohler, WI

We are seeking a Manager - Wisconsin Prototyping to lead our cutting-edge Model Shop operations. In this role, you will be at the heart of product innovation, guiding a highly skilled team of project analysts and technicians to transform concepts into tangible prototypes. From advanced machining and 3D printing to precision finishing, your leadership will ensure every build meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and craftsmanship.

As a trusted partner to engineering and product development teams, you will play a critical role in accelerating design cycles, optimizing throughput, and delivering the prototype solutions that power breakthrough products. This is an opportunity to make a visible impact-connecting strategy to execution and turning bold ideas into reality.

Specific Responsibilities

• Strategic Operations Management: Direct daily Model Shop operations; optimize workflows, improve efficiency, and maximize productivity using data-driven decision making.

• Team Leadership & Development: Build and mentor a high-performing team through hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management that drive technical excellence and growth.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with engineering, product development, and advanced manufacturing to align priorities and deliver prototype parts that support design reviews and key milestones.
• Quality Assurance Oversight: Define build requirements, standard work, and inspection checkpoints. Lead root cause and corrective actions for nonconforming parts; partner with engineering and suppliers to improve build consistency and reduce rework.
• Capital Planning & Implementation: Identify and prioritize equipment/infrastructure needs, develop business cases, and lead execution of approved capital projects.
• Equipment Management: Own equipment uptime through preventive maintenance, routine inspections, and calibration of measurement tools as applicable; minimize downtime and extend asset life.
• Resource & Budget Management: Manage staffing, materials, and budgets; optimize procurement to support cost-effective operations without compromising quality or delivery.
• Statistical Analysis Leadership: Track prototyping metrics (throughput, rework/scrap, on-time delivery); identify trends and constraints; quantify opportunities and sustain improvements.
• Safety & Compliance Excellence: Champion shop safety and compliance; ensure adherence to applicable standards and maintain effective SOPs and work practices.
• Continuous Improvement: Reduce prototype lead time and rework by implementing standard work, 5S/visual management, clear handoffs, and simple daily management routines (priorities, capacity checks, issue escalation).

Skills/Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering,Industrial Engineering or related field
• Minimum three to five years of leadership experience
• Minimum of five years of experience in prototyping ormanufacturing
• Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills
• Collaborative mindset, capable of building trust andcreating an engaging environment
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and influence atall levels
• Experience translating engineering intent into buildrequirements / understanding of engineering drawings
• Experience in new product development
• Experience with capacity planning, job prioritization,scheduling and resource management
• Proficient in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing / print reading
• Pragmatic and creative approach to problem solving
• Experience implementing continuous improvement initiativesusing Lean principles
• Experience managing external prototype vendors (quoting,sourcing, lead times, and quality expectations)
• Working knowledge of manufacturing/prototyping systems(e.g., ERP/MRP, PLM, work order/job tracking, and basic reporting tools)
• Financial budgeting skills
• Experience with EHS in a shop environment
• Strong project management skills with the ability tohandle multiple projects simultaneously

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

We believe in supporting you from the moment you join us, which is why Kohler offers day 1 benefits. This means you'll have access to your applicable benefit programs from your first day on the job, with no waiting period. The salary range for this position is $107,650 - $166,650. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's experience, their education, and the work location. In addition, this position is eligible for a performance bonus/variable incentive compensation.