Kohler

VP-Corporate Communications

Kohler$227K — $376K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 15+ years of leadership in corporate communications within global organizations.
  • Experience in internal communications, reputation management, and crisis response.
  • Preferred background in manufacturing, consumer products, or hospitality.
  • Proven success advising senior executives and leading through transformation.
  • Expertise in driving digital transformation and AI-enabled communications.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a strategic communications advisor to the Kohler Leadership Team shaping enterprise messaging.
  • Develop and execute a communications strategy aligned with Kohler's growth priorities.
  • Lead enterprise-wide internal communications to engage a global workforce.
  • Protect and strengthen Kohler's global reputation through disciplined messaging.
  • Lead enterprise crisis communications and establish crisis protocols and training.
  • Modernize communications through digital tools and AI-driven solutions.
  • Oversee enterprise event strategy and execution for strategic alignment.

Benefits

  • Access to applicable benefit programs from day one with no waiting period.
  • Opportunity for performance bonuses/variable incentive compensation.
Full Job Description
VP-Corporate Communications

Work Mode: Onsite

Location:Onsite - Kohler, WI

Opportunity

Kohler Co. is seeking a strategic, enterprise-minded Vice President of Corporate Communications to lead its global communications function and shape how the company engages, informs, and inspires its 28,000+ associates and external stakeholders. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, this role oversees internal communications, reputation management, crisis communications, enterprise events, and corporate archives.

This leader serves as a trusted advisor to the Kohler Leadership Team (KLT) and senior executives, driving clarity, alignment, and consistency of messaging across the organization. The Vice President will play a central role in advancing Kohler's strategy, strengthening its global reputation, and modernizing communications through digital transformation and AI-enabled capabilities.

Strategic Leadership & Executive Counsel
  • Serve as a strategic communications advisor to the Kohler Leadership Team, shaping enterprise messaging and positioning.
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy aligned to Kohler's growth priorities and strategy.
  • Drive clarity, alignment, and consistency of narratives across global business units and functions.
  • Partner with senior leaders to enhance executive communications, visibility, and effectiveness.
  • Internal Communications & Engagement
  • Lead enterprise-wide internal communications to inform, align, and engage a diverse global workforce.
  • Translate business strategy into clear, compelling messaging that drives understanding and action at all levels.
  • Support organizational change, transformation initiatives, and culture-building efforts.
  • Advance storytelling that reinforces Kohler's purpose, innovation, and commitment to excellence.

Reputation Management & External Positioning
  • Protect and strengthen Kohler's global reputation through disciplined messaging and proactive communications.
  • Oversee media relations, executive visibility, and thought leadership in alignment with brand and business priorities.
  • Ensure consistent positioning across corporate, business, and functional communications.

Crisis & Issues Management
  • Lead enterprise crisis communications and issues management, ensuring preparedness and coordinated response.
  • Partner with Legal, Compliance, Government Affairs, Global Security, and other enterprise functions to mitigate risk.
  • Establish and maintain crisis protocols, training, and readiness across the organization.

Digital Transformation & AI-Enabled Communications
  • Modernize communications through digital tools, data analytics, and AI-driven solutions.
  • Enhance communications channels, including intranet and digital engagement platforms.
  • Establish metrics and dashboards to measure impact and drive improvement.
  • Champion innovative approaches to storytelling and content delivery.

Events & Corporate Archives
  • Oversee enterprise event strategy and execution, including leadership meetings and global forums.
  • Ensure events reinforce strategic priorities and culture.
  • Lead stewardship of corporate archives as a strategic storytelling asset.

Organizational Leadership
  • Lead and develop a high-performing team of communications, events, and archives professionals.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
  • Manage external partners and agencies as needed.


Skills/Requirements

Qualifications
  • 15+ years of leadership in corporate communications within global organizations.
  • Experience in internal communications, reputation management, and crisis response.
  • Background in manufacturing, consumer products, or hospitality preferred.
  • Proven success advising senior executives and leading through transformation.

Capabilities & Leadership Attributes
  • Exceptional strategic thinking and executive presence.
  • Expertise in crisis communications and reputational risk management.
  • Experience driving digital transformation and AI-enabled communications.
  • Collaborative, high-integrity, and enterprise-oriented leader.
  • Strong communication skills with ability to simplify complex topics


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 $227,150 - $376,050. 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.

About Kohler

Kohler is a manufacturing company that produces a variety of products, including plumbing fixtures, furniture, and engines. The company was founded in 1873 and is headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin. Kohler is known for its high-quality products and has been recognized with numerous awards for design and innovation. The company is family-owned and has a strong commitment to sustainability, with a goal of achieving net-zero environmental impact by 2035. Kohler has operations in more than 50 countries and employs over 30,000 people worldwide.
Learn more about Kohler
Size
30,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1873

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