Enterprise Program Manager, Sustainability

Work Mode: Hybrid

Location: Kohler, WI

Opportunity

As a Program Manager - Sustainability, you will play a crucial role in developing and implementing sustainability initiatives within Kohler’s operational footprint and processes. You will be responsible for leading programs that drive progress towards strategic plan objectives and Kohler’s long term goal of being “Net Zero” in greenhouse gas emissions and solid waste to landfill by 2035. This position requires a combination of strategic planning, project management, stakeholder engagement, and data analysis skills to ensure the successful integration of sustainability principles and into our business practices.

Skill sets required :

• Strategy Coordination and Development: Collaborate with management to evolve a comprehensive sustainability strategy aligned with the organization's values, goals, and regulatory requirements. Identify key areas for improvement and set measurable objectives to track progress and influence.

• Project Management: Lead cross-functional teams to execute sustainability projects and initiatives. Develop project plans, establish timelines, allocate resources, and monitor progress to ensure timely delivery of objectives.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders, including department heads, employees, and executives, to foster a culture of sustainability throughout the organization. Liaise with external partners, suppliers, NGOs, and government agencies to leverage expertise and resources.

• Data Analysis and Reporting: Collect, analyze, and interpret data related to environmental impact, resource usage, carbon footprint, and other sustainability metrics. Generate regular reports to track performance, identify trends, and communicate progress towards sustainability goals.

• Compliance and Risk Management: Stay informed about relevant environmental regulations, industry standards, and best practices. Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations while identifying potential risks and opportunities for improvement.

• Education and Training: Develop training programs and educational materials to raise awareness about sustainability issues and empower employees to integrate sustainable practices into their daily routines. Provide guidance and support to facilitate behavior change and adoption of sustainable technologies.

• Continuous Improvement: Conduct regular reviews and evaluations of sustainability programs to identify areas for optimization and innovation. Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of sustainability efforts.

• Metrics : Deliver metrics from monthly Scorecards and data management system.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversees direct reports focused on waste to landfill and single use plastic initiatives.

• Oversees co-op program and talent development.

• Maintains relationship with Corporate Properties and Facilities Management (CP & FM) organizaiton.

• Maintains relationship with EHS organization by providing training and collaborating on our Kohler Environmental Management System program.

• Supports operations in integrating sustainability throughout their work by collaborating with Continuous Improvement with knowledge sharing, key project tracking, integration of sustainable thinking into current ops programs (i.e. continuous improvement), and maintaining budget for proof of concept projects.

• Drive transparent reporting internally and externally through development of story telling, reviewing progress towards goals, and managing the submission of information for various external programs (i.e. EcoVadis) Delivers insights.

• Manages sustainability programs at an enterprise level including internal awards program, executive management team engagement workshops, etc.

• Assembles and collaborates on internal and external presentations on a variety of topics.

• Own our Operations Design for Environment program to determine impacts of capital investments on our footprint and leads training, tracking, and coaching of key business partners.

• Business coach for Hospitality to build strategy, complete strategic projects, and develop tools and resources to drive continued improvement.

• Functions as the Enterprise Sustainability generalist for Kohler Co.

• Contributes content to sustainability storytelling.

• Contributes to the upskilling and engagement of the sustainability Champions.

Relationships and Contacts

Supervisory Relationships:

Reports to Chief Sustainable Living Officer

Organization Relationships:

Regular interaction with senior leadership of Kitchen & Bath team

Regular interaction with senior leadership of Hospitality team

Active participation with EHS, Corporate Properties team, Continuous Improvement, Capital and Specialty Engineering teams, Finance, and individual facilities and Supply Chain.

External Business Relationships:

NGOs (non-government organizations)

Private-sector sustainable business leaders

Small entrepreneurs, consultants and other suppliers

Government agencies

Skills/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, sustainability, environmental science, or a related field required, with a preference towards a master’s degree and/or certifications such as ISO 14001, B Corp, or Fair Trade.

• 2-5 years of experience in Project Management, with a strong focus on sustainability or environmentally responsible brands.

• 2-3 years of experience in Sustainability.

• 1+ years of experience in people leading preferred.

• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Suite – especially Powerpoint and Excel.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

• Strong written/verbal communicator.

• Self-driven/motivated entrepreneurial skills required.

Preferred skills , Education & Experience

Completed Sustainability, ESG or Environment courses.

Experience with operations teams and continuous improvement frameworks (LEAN, Kaizen, Six Sigma, etc.).

Matrixed organization experience

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

The salary range for this position is $113,000 - $143,950. 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.