Manager, Prototyping Lab

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Manager, Prototyping Lab

Company: Kohler Co.

Location: Kohler, WI, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations Management / Manufacturing Operations

Date Posted: May 07, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Managerial)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the daily operations of a cutting-edge Model Shop, focusing on transforming design concepts into tangible prototypes through advanced machining and 3D printing technologies.

• Direct a skilled team of project analysts and technicians, fostering technical excellence and professional development to ensure high-quality prototype realization.

• Act as a strategic partner to engineering and product development teams, optimizing throughput and accelerating design cycles to support breakthrough product innovation.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the prototyping lab, leveraging Lean principles and data-driven decision-making to enhance efficiency, reduce lead times, and minimize rework.

• Oversee capital planning, equipment management, and resource allocation to ensure the Model Shop is equipped with the necessary tools, technology, and budget to meet evolving product development needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Managerial level, requiring a blend of technical expertise in prototyping and strong leadership capabilities. The emphasis on "boldly reimagining" and "pushing boundaries" suggests a dynamic and innovative environment where strategic operational oversight is critical for accelerating product development cycles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Strategic Operations Management: Direct and optimize daily Model Shop operations, focusing on workflow efficiency, productivity maximization, and the strategic use of data for informed decision-making.

• Team Leadership & Development: Recruit, train, schedule, manage performance, and mentor a high-performing team of project analysts and technicians to achieve technical excellence and foster individual growth.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Actively partner with engineering, product development, and advanced manufacturing teams to align priorities, ensure timely delivery of prototype parts, and support critical design reviews and project milestones.

• Quality Assurance Oversight: Define build requirements, establish standard work procedures, and implement rigorous inspection checkpoints to ensure prototype quality; lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for non-conforming parts.

• Capital Planning & Implementation: Identify, prioritize, and develop business cases for necessary equipment and infrastructure upgrades, then lead the execution of approved capital projects.

• Equipment Management: Ensure optimal equipment uptime through proactive preventive maintenance, routine inspections, and calibration of measurement tools, thereby minimizing downtime and extending asset lifespan.

• Resource & Budget Management: Effectively manage staffing levels, material procurement, and operational budgets, optimizing procurement strategies for cost-effectiveness without compromising quality or delivery timelines.

• Statistical Analysis Leadership: Track and analyze key prototyping metrics (e.g., throughput, rework/scrap rates, on-time delivery), identify trends and constraints, and quantify opportunities for sustained improvement.

• Safety & Compliance Excellence: Champion a culture of shop safety and compliance, ensuring adherence to all applicable standards and maintaining effective Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work practices.

• Continuous Improvement Implementation: Drive reductions in prototype lead time and rework by implementing standard work, 5S/visual management, clear handoff protocols, and simple daily management routines for priority checks, capacity assessments, and issue escalation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on operational efficiency, quality control, and team development within a product innovation context. The inclusion of "Statistical Analysis Leadership" and "Continuous Improvement" with specific methodologies like "5S/visual management" indicates a need for a candidate with a data-driven and process-oriented mindset, typical of advanced manufacturing or operations management roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related technical field.

Experience: Minimum of five years of experience in prototyping or manufacturing environments, coupled with a minimum of three to five years of direct leadership experience.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Operations Management: Proven ability to direct and optimize complex operational workflows within a manufacturing or prototyping setting.

• Team Leadership & Development: Demonstrated success in building, mentoring, and managing high-performing technical teams, including hiring, training, and performance management.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset, capable of building trust and fostering effective working relationships across diverse departments like engineering and product development.

• Quality Assurance & Control: Expertise in defining build requirements, establishing quality standards, implementing inspection protocols, and leading root cause analysis for quality issues.

• Capital Planning & Project Management: Experience in identifying capital needs, developing business cases, and leading implementation projects for new equipment and infrastructure.

• Resource & Budget Management: Proficiency in managing departmental budgets, staffing, and material procurement to ensure cost-effective operations.

• Continuous Improvement Methodologies: Practical experience implementing Lean principles, 5S, standard work, and other continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.

• Technical Proficiency: Strong understanding of engineering drawings, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), and proficient print reading skills.

• New Product Development Exposure: Familiarity with the product development lifecycle and the role of prototyping in accelerating innovation.

• Capacity Planning & Scheduling: Experience in job prioritization, scheduling, and resource management to optimize throughput and meet project deadlines.

• Vendor Management: Experience managing external prototype vendors, including quoting, sourcing, lead time negotiation, and quality expectation setting.

• Financial Acumen: Skills in financial budgeting and cost management for operational departments.

• EHS Compliance: Working knowledge of Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) regulations and best practices within a shop environment.

• Problem-Solving: A pragmatic and creative approach to identifying and resolving complex technical and operational challenges.

• Communication & Influence: Demonstrated ability to communicate technical and operational information clearly and effectively, influencing stakeholders at all organizational levels.

Preferred Skills:

• Working knowledge of manufacturing/prototyping systems such as ERP/MRP, PLM, work order/job tracking systems, and basic reporting tools.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects concurrently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a progressive career path, moving from hands-on technical experience in prototyping and manufacturing to a leadership role. The blend of operational management, team leadership, and technical acumen (GD&T, print reading) is crucial. The inclusion of vendor management and capital planning indicates a strategic operational component beyond day-to-day execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Prototyping Case Studies: Showcase specific examples of complex prototypes developed under your leadership, detailing the challenges, methodologies used (e.g., advanced machining, 3D printing), and the outcome in supporting product development.

• Process Optimization Examples: Present documented instances where you identified inefficiencies in prototyping workflows and implemented solutions (e.g., new scheduling systems, improved handoffs, Lean initiatives) that resulted in measurable improvements in lead time, cost, or quality.

• Team Development Initiatives: Provide examples of how you have structured training programs, implemented performance management systems, or fostered a culture of continuous learning and technical skill enhancement within a prototyping or manufacturing team.

• System Implementation/Usage: Evidence of experience with or understanding of prototyping-relevant systems like ERP/MRP, PLM, or work order/job tracking software, demonstrating how these systems were leveraged to manage resources, track progress, and improve operational visibility.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of documented prototyping workflows, including clear process maps, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and how these were reviewed and optimized for efficiency and quality.

• Implementation & Automation: Documentation of how new processes, tools, or technologies (e.g., new 3D printing technology, advanced machining techniques) were introduced and integrated into the existing operational framework.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Demonstrations of how prototyping metrics (e.g., throughput, rework, on-time delivery, cost per prototype) were tracked, analyzed using statistical methods, and used to drive continuous improvement actions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role in prototyping operations, a portfolio demonstrating leadership in process improvement, team development, and successful project execution is essential. The candidate should be prepared to articulate the "how" and "why" behind their operational decisions, supported by data and concrete examples of impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $107,650 - $166,650 annually.

Benefits:

• Day 1 Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package accessible from the first day of employment, likely including health insurance, dental, vision, and potentially life insurance.

• Performance Bonus: Eligibility for a performance-based bonus, rewarding achievement against specific operational and company goals.

• Variable Incentive Compensation: Potential for additional variable compensation, likely tied to broader company or divisional financial performance.

• Health and Wellbeing Support: Programs and resources dedicated to supporting the overall health and wellbeing of associates.

• Career Growth and Development Opportunities: Access to internal training, external courses, conferences, and mentorship programs designed to foster professional advancement within Kohler Co.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week, with the expectation of on-site presence in Kohler, WI. Flexibility may be required based on project demands and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is substantial, reflecting a management-level position requiring significant experience and leadership. The "Day 1 Benefits" and performance-based incentives are attractive components for operations professionals seeking comprehensive compensation and reward structures. The salary estimate is based on the explicit range provided in the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (primarily Kitchen & Bath, but also Power Systems and Furniture). Kohler Co. is a global leader known for its commitment to design, innovation, and quality across a broad range of products.

Company Size: Kohler Co. is a large, global enterprise, employing over 30,000 associates worldwide. This scale offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for diverse career paths.

Founded: Founded in 1873, Kohler Co. has a long and rich history, emphasizing enduring quality, bold innovation, and a commitment to its associates and communities. This legacy suggests a culture that values both tradition and forward-thinking.

Team Structure:

• Prototyping Lab Team: This role leads a team comprising project analysts and technicians directly involved in the physical creation of prototypes. The team's output is critical for engineering and product development.

• Reporting Structure: The Manager, Prototyping Lab likely reports into a higher level of manufacturing leadership, such as a Director of Advanced Manufacturing, Director of Engineering Operations, or a VP of Operations.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close and continuous collaboration with engineering departments, product development teams, advanced manufacturing specialists, and potentially supply chain/procurement for external vendor management.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role emphasizes optimizing workflows and productivity using data to guide operational decisions.

• Continuous Improvement: A strong focus on implementing Lean principles, 5S, and standard work to drive efficiency and reduce waste in the prototyping process.

• Innovation & Execution: The core function is to translate concepts into tangible realities, bridging the gap between design ideation and production-ready products through rapid prototyping.

Company Website: https://www.kohlercompany.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Kohler's long history and global presence indicate a stable and established organization with a strong brand reputation. The emphasis on innovation and reimagining spaces suggests a culture that values creativity and pushing boundaries, which is directly supported by the Prototyping Lab's function. The scale of the company implies robust operational processes and opportunities for career advancement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a mid-to-senior level management role within the operations and manufacturing function. It requires a candidate with established technical expertise in prototyping and manufacturing processes, combined with demonstrable leadership and strategic operational planning capabilities. The role is responsible for a critical function that directly impacts the speed and success of new product introductions.

Reporting Structure: The Manager, Prototyping Lab will report to a senior operations or engineering leader. This reporting line offers exposure to higher-level strategic discussions regarding product development roadmaps and manufacturing capabilities.

Operations Impact: The operations of the Prototyping Lab directly influence the speed-to-market for new products, the quality and viability of designs, and the overall innovation pipeline for Kohler Co. Effective management here can significantly reduce development costs and time, leading to competitive advantages in the market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement within Operations: Potential progression to roles such as Director of Advanced Manufacturing, Director of Operations, or leadership positions in other manufacturing or engineering functions across Kohler's diverse business units.

• Specialization Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific advanced manufacturing technologies (e.g., additive manufacturing, advanced CNC machining), material science, or operational excellence methodologies.

• Leadership Development: Access to Kohler's leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to executive-level strategic planning, preparing for broader organizational leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for an operations professional looking to lead a critical innovation support function. The growth path emphasizes both deepening technical operational expertise and expanding into broader leadership and strategic management roles within a large, diversified manufacturing company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Onsite," indicating a primary work location within Kohler's facilities in Kohler, WI. This environment will be a mix of office space for management tasks and direct access to the Prototyping Lab itself.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is in Kohler, Wisconsin. This is a dedicated company town with a strong emphasis on its manufacturing and corporate presence.

Workspace Context:

• Prototyping Lab Environment: A hands-on, dynamic setting equipped with advanced machining equipment, 3D printers, finishing tools, and measurement instruments. This requires a balance of focused individual work and active team engagement.

• Collaborative Spaces: Access to meeting rooms and collaborative areas for interactions with engineering, product development, and other cross-functional teams.

• Technology Integration: The workspace will be equipped with necessary IT infrastructure, including potential access to ERP/MRP, PLM, and other operational software systems.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected. However, the nature of prototyping and new product development often requires flexibility, with potential for extended hours or adjusted schedules to meet critical project deadlines or to oversee critical operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial, emphasizing the need for direct supervision and involvement in the physical operations of the lab. The environment is expected to be technologically advanced and collaborative, requiring an individual comfortable working within both an office and a hands-on manufacturing setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly leadership experience and technical background in prototyping/manufacturing.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager to explore your experience in team leadership, operational management, strategic planning, and your approach to challenges specific to prototyping operations. Be prepared to discuss your leadership philosophy and how you build and motivate teams.

• Technical/Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from engineering, product development, or advanced manufacturing. These sessions will likely involve case studies or scenario-based questions to assess your technical understanding, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate effectively.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present your professional portfolio. This is a critical step where you will walk through selected case studies demonstrating your impact on process improvement, team development, and successful prototype delivery.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader in operations or engineering to assess overall fit, strategic alignment, and long-term potential within Kohler Co.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each example, clearly define the problem/challenge, your role and actions taken, the methodologies/tools used (e.g., Lean, GD&T, specific machinery), and the measurable results (e.g., reduced lead time by X%, improved quality metric by Y%, cost savings of Z%).

• Highlight Leadership & Collaboration: Emphasize how you led your team, collaborated with other departments, and influenced outcomes.

• Showcase Process Improvement: Detail specific initiatives you implemented to enhance efficiency, quality, or safety within a prototyping workflow.

• Quantify Your Impact: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the tangible business value of your contributions.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handled difficult situations, and what you learned from specific projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Scenario Analysis: Be ready to discuss how you would approach common prototyping challenges, such as prioritizing competing demands, resolving technical issues with complex parts, managing equipment downtime, or implementing new technologies.

• Team Management Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would handle performance issues, motivate a team, ensure adherence to safety protocols, or foster a culture of continuous improvement.

• Strategic Thinking: Think about how you would contribute to the long-term strategy of the Prototyping Lab, including capital investments, technology adoption, and process evolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess a broad range of competencies, from technical depth and operational acumen to leadership and collaborative skills. The portfolio review is a key differentiator, requiring candidates to present compelling evidence of their past success and strategic thinking in operations management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Advanced Machining Equipment: Proficiency with or understanding of operating and managing CNC machines, milling centers, lathes, and other precision metalworking equipment.

• 3D Printing Technologies: Familiarity with various additive manufacturing processes (e.g., FDM, SLA, SLS) and associated software for model preparation and slicing.

• Measurement & Inspection Tools: Experience with calipers, micrometers, CMMs, and other precision measuring devices, along with calibration procedures.

• Prototyping Software: Experience with CAD/CAM software for design translation and manufacturing path generation, and potentially specialized simulation or analysis tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to use data to track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as throughput, rework rates, on-time delivery, and cost per prototype. This may involve Excel, BI tools, or integrated ERP reporting.

• Reporting Software: Capability to generate clear and concise reports for management on operational performance, project status, and improvement initiatives.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP/MRP Systems: Working knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems for material procurement, inventory management, and work order tracking.

• PLM Systems: Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems for managing product data, revisions, and collaboration throughout the development process.

• Work Order/Job Tracking Systems: Experience with systems designed to manage and track individual prototyping jobs from initiation to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is heavily focused on the practical tools of prototyping (machining, 3D printing) and the operational systems that support efficient manufacturing workflows (ERP, PLM, job tracking). A candidate's ability to manage and leverage these technologies effectively will be a key evaluation point.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A commitment to producing high-fidelity prototypes that accurately represent design intent and meet stringent quality standards.

• Innovation & Boldness: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to push the boundaries of what's possible in prototyping and support Kohler's legacy of bold design.

• Efficiency & Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly seek ways to optimize processes, reduce waste, and improve lead times through Lean principles and data-driven insights.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships with engineering, product development, and other teams to ensure seamless integration and successful project outcomes.

• Safety & Responsibility: Upholding the highest standards of safety and compliance in the shop environment, ensuring the well-being of all associates.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Engagement: Actively reaching out to engineering and product development teams to understand project needs and provide early feedback on design feasibility from a manufacturing perspective.

• Data-Informed Dialogue: Using performance metrics and analysis to drive discussions about process improvements and operational challenges.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Fostering an environment where team members can share knowledge, learn from each other, and collectively develop technical and operational expertise.

• Process Review Culture: Encouraging open feedback loops for reviewing and refining workflows, standard work, and operational procedures to ensure continuous enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kohler's emphasis on "boldly reimagining" and "quality" suggests a culture that values innovation alongside meticulous execution. For operations professionals, this translates to a need for both creative problem-solving and rigorous adherence to process and quality standards, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Quality: The inherent tension between the need for rapid prototyping to accelerate design cycles and the imperative to maintain exceptional quality and accuracy.

• Managing Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in additive manufacturing, advanced machining, and materials science, and integrating new capabilities into the lab's operations.

• Prioritizing Competing Demands: Effectively managing a queue of diverse projects from multiple engineering teams, each with its own critical deadlines and technical requirements.

• Resource Optimization: Ensuring efficient utilization of expensive equipment, materials, and skilled labor while managing budgets and meeting project timelines.

• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Bridging potential gaps in understanding or priorities between design intent and manufacturing capabilities across different functional teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Manufacturing Technologies: Deepen expertise in emerging areas like advanced additive manufacturing, multi-material printing, or complex CNC programming.

• Operational Excellence Leadership: Formal training or certification in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other operational excellence methodologies to further refine process improvement skills.

• Strategic Planning & Capital Management: Develop skills in long-term strategic planning, business case development, and managing significant capital investments for lab expansion and modernization.

• Leadership & People Management: Opportunities to refine leadership skills through formal training, mentorship, and by managing increasingly complex teams and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a high-paced prototyping environment supporting innovation. They offer significant opportunities for growth in areas like strategic resource management, technological adoption, and advanced leadership within a complex manufacturing organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to balancing competing priorities from different engineering teams when managing a prototyping workload. How do you ensure fairness and timely delivery?" (Focus: Prioritization, Resource Management, Communication)

• "Walk me through a time you implemented a significant process improvement within a manufacturing or prototyping environment. What was the problem, your solution, and the measurable impact?" (Focus: Continuous Improvement, Lean Principles, Data Analysis)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Kohler is known for its bold innovation. How would you ensure the Prototyping Lab directly supports and enables this culture of bold reimagining?" (Focus: Innovation Alignment, Strategic Contribution)

• "Describe your experience working with engineering and product development teams. How do you build trust and effective working relationships with these groups?" (Focus: Cross-Functional Collaboration, Stakeholder Management)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Examples: Choose 2-3 key projects that best showcase your leadership, process improvement skills, and ability to deliver tangible results in prototyping operations.

• Quantify Everything: For each case study, have clear metrics ready to demonstrate the impact of your actions (e.g., percentage reduction in lead time, cost savings achieved, improvement in part accuracy).

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions and decisions, not just the team's overall achievement.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentation with a clear beginning (challenge), middle (your actions/strategy), and end (results/impact), making it engaging and memorable.

• Prepare for Deep Dives: Be ready to answer detailed questions about the technical aspects, the tools used, the challenges encountered, and the lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical understanding, operational leadership, and strategic thinking. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, requiring candidates to effectively communicate their past achievements and quantify their impact on business objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Kohler Co. careers site.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your leadership experience in manufacturing/prototyping, specific technical skills (GD&T, machining, 3D printing), and any experience with Lean principles, process optimization, and team management. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare 2-3 concise case studies that demonstrate your ability to manage operations, improve processes, lead teams, and deliver successful prototyping outcomes. Ensure you can clearly articulate the challenge, your actions, and the measurable results.

• Research Kohler Co.: Understand their product lines, commitment to innovation, and company values. Be prepared to articulate how your skills and experience align with their mission and culture.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies and answering potential interview questions, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and impact. Be ready to discuss your leadership philosophy and operational strategies.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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