**Sr Principal, Design Operations** _Work Mode: Remote_ **Location: ** Remote –United States **Opportunity** This pivotal role focuses on optimizing design processes, tracking key metrics, and facilitating the smooth operation of our Global Design studios. This leader will oversee and optimize design programs and process across global studios while leading special projects and initiatives, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with business objectives. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of best practices in design operations, program management, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to foster cross-functional collaboration. Success in this role relies heavily on building authentic relationships with peers, partners, and leaders. **Design Program / Portfolio Management:** + Oversee multiple design programs globally, tracking deliverables and ensuring they meet organizational objectives. + Manage the health of key cadences, including the monthly Concept and Design Review, ensuring key milestones and deliverables are met. + Scale strategic design initiatives in partnership with design leadership, connecting the dots across a complex organization and diplomatically navigating challenges. + Develop and manage resourcing tools and tracking for the global design team. Helping to deploy resources effectively, balancing workloads and optimizing team efficiency. + Identify potential risks and challenges within programs, develop mitigation strategies, and communicate delays and risks while being solutions oriented. **Process Optimizations & Best Practices:** + Process Development: Create scalable processes for end-to-end connectivity across global and regional design teams that drive design quality. + Documentation and Training: Create and rollout documentation and training on workflows, best practices, tool usage, and design metric reporting. + Global Governance Systems: Build and launch global governance systems, including trainings and tools, to ensure operational excellence and compliance. + Efficiency Enhancement: Continuously seek opportunities to improve Design’s efficiency within NPD to support a more streamlined and integrated process. + Quality Assurance: Establish and maintain quality control processes to ensure high standards for design deliverables and proper documentation of approvals. **Cross-Functional Collaboration:** + Partner with Design Leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to improve creative workflows, using clear communication and a results-driven approach to solve complex problems. + Shape agendas and facilitate team rhythms, leadership team sessions, and other events/meetings as needed. + Own and drive communications and operations for a large design team to keep the team informed and motivated, always prioritizing and supporting a healthy design culture. + Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors and contractors to ensure adherence to quality and delivery standards. **Business & Strategy:** + Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate design performance and identify trends and strategies for improvement. + Support global budget development and tracking aligned with annual financial planning rhythms. **Mentorship & Influence:** + Lead, mentor, and inspire the Design organization to adopt new ways of working. Driving change management across the team. + Support the onboarding and management of contractors and vendors as needed. **Skills/Requirements** + Design Program Management or Design and Leadership experience: 10+ years + Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or college in a Design Field, Program Management or equivalent degree. PM/PMP certification preferred. + Industry Expertise: Proven experience in relevant design and NPD setting. **Desired Skills/Qualifications** + Strong relationship-building, collaboration, and organizational skills with the ability to understand complex processes. + Proficient in software tools like MS Suite, Monday.com, and G-Suite. + Excellent verbal, presentation, and written communication skills. + Thrive autonomously while excelling in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments. + Strategic thinker, focused on connecting the dots and solving root problems. + Detail-oriented, proactive in operations, and adaptable in communication styles with high emotional intelligence. \#LI-SC2 \#LI-Remote **_Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future._** _The salary range for this position is $129,150 - $165,000. 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. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision & 401k._ **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.