Associate Manager - Current Product Development
Work Mode: Hybrid
Location: On site – Monterrey, Nuevo León, México (Nuevo Sur)
Opportunity
BASIC FUNCTION
The Associate Manager – Engineering, Current Product
Development (Faucets) supports and leads current product development activities
for faucet products at the Mexico Technical Center. This role leads a team or
sub‑team of engineers focused on sustaining engineering, product optimization,
cost reduction, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance across the
faucets portfolio.
This position acts as a key contributor and emerging leader,
coordinating engineering workstreams between Centers of Excellence, regional
Faucets Operations teams, and global cross‑functional partners. Under general
direction, the Associate Manager ensures engineering activities are executed
using sound product development practices, while developing strong leadership,
execution discipline, and cross‑functional influence.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead and support a team of engineers and technical associates focused on current product development and sustaining engineering for faucet products.
Manage engineering execution for product changes including design updates, material and component changes, cost reduction initiatives (VA/VE), obsolescence management, and documentation updates.
Coordinate multiple engineering workstreams to meet product quality, cost, timing, and regulatory objectives.
Apply and promote robust engineering practices including DFMEA, risk assessments, validation planning, and structured problem-solving.
Support ownership of engineering deliverables related to product specifications, performance, reliability, and compliance.
Act as a key engineering interface between MTC, regional Faucets Operations teams, and Centers of Excellence.
Partner with cross‑functional teams including Marketing, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, VA/VE, Codes & Standards, and Program Management.
Support manufacturing and supplier issue resolution through data analysis and root cause investigation.
Analyze quality, warranty, and performance data to surface trends and improvement opportunities.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to engineering processes, tools, and execution effectiveness.
Communicate engineering status, risks, and recommendations to leadership with increasing scope and responsibility.
Occasional domestic and international travel as required.
Skills/Requirements
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Leadership and Development
Demonstrated
ability to lead small teams or workstreams, either directly or in a matrix
environment.
Strong
coaching and collaboration skills with a desire to grow as a people
leader.
Ability
to influence without authority in cross‑functional settings.
Engineering
Fundamentals
Solid
foundation in mechanical product development and sustaining engineering.
Working
knowledge of CAD (Creo preferred), GD&T, DFMEA, and validation/testing
principles.
Ability
to guide problem-solving using data and structured engineering approaches.
Execution
and Analytical Skills
Strong
organizational and prioritization skills.
Data-driven
mindset with ability to analyze quality, cost, and performance metrics.
Comfortable
managing multiple assignments in a dynamic environment.
Communication
Clear and
professional communication skills.
Ability
to present technical information effectively to cross‑functional partners
and management.
Developing
confidence in executive-level communication.
RELATIONSHIPS
AND CONTACTS
Supervisory
Relationships:
Reports to the Director of Engineering – Mexico Technical Center.
Leads a team of engineers and technical associates focused on faucet CPD activities.
Organizational
Relationships:
Frequent collaboration with global and regional engineering teams and Centers of Excellence.
Regular interaction with Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, VA/VE, Codes & Standards, Program Management, and other supporting functions.
Regular communication with senior leadership to provide updates on product performance, risks, and improvement initiatives.
External
Relationships:
Occasional interaction with suppliers, vendors, and external partners related to design changes, cost reduction initiatives, materials, and component performance.
Occasional contact with customers, installers, or external stakeholders to support issue resolution and product understanding.
EDUCATION
AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent from an accredited institution required.
Master’s degree in Science, Engineering, or Management is considered a value‑added qualification.
Minimum of 7-8 years of experience in product design or sustaining engineering, preferably in consumer or engineered products.
Minimum of 1-2 years of experience leading engineering teams, either directly or indirectly, including responsibility for mentoring, prioritization, and delivery through others.
Experience with CAD systems (Creo preferred) and engineering data management systems (SAP preferred).
Experience with DFMEA, product validation/testing, quality systems, and regulatory compliance.
Experience with faucets,
plumbing products, or consumer durables is preferred.
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.
