Sr. Staff Designer, Workplace Experience

Sr. Staff Designer, Workplace Experience

Work Mode: Hybrid

Location:  Hybrid at Kohler, WI

Opportunity

Sr. Staff Designer - Workplace Experience will oversee the design and execution of Kohler Company's workplace projects with a focus on engaging and innovative design, occupancy planning, space planning, space utilization and data tracking, move coordination, furniture coordination, and ongoing as-built and floor plan maintenance for Kohler's Wisconsin headquarters facilities and other owned and leased office space.

Project types range from people and furniture moves and minor refurbishment of existing facilities to extensive renovations and new workplace construction. Project activities may encompass workplace best practices and strategy research, space analysis, detailed programming, space planning, development and maintenance of workplace standards, individual and departmental move coordination, budgeting and scheduling, and design and construction management for small to mid-sized interiors projects. For select projects, the Sr. Staff Designer - Workplace Experience may manage third-party interior design and engineering consultants, contractors, and vendors though all project delivery phases including design, documentation and specification, permitting, construction and project close-out.

A key contributor and team member, the Sr. Staff Designer - Workplace Experience works closely with Kohler business leaders, Construction Project Management, Facilities Engineering and Maintenance, Human Resources, IT, and other key project stakeholders to plan, coordinate and execute projects. This position serves as the main workplace project liaison between Kohler businesses and the internal Architecture and Interior Design studio and will communicate regularly in-person and via written communication with key stakeholders, internal customers, team members and vendor partners. This role requires the ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service, teamwork, transparency, and attention to detail to ensure client satisfaction.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop deep relationships with departmental leaders; understand their business and their unique space and office needs to best support their teams.
• Manage the design, implementation, cost, schedule, and quality control for small to mid-sized workplace design and construction projects.
• Contribute to the development of a project's scope and content, ensuring project documents are prepared and maintained accurately.
• Create and execute project work plans and revise to meet changing needs and requirements.
• Assist in developing project status updates, workspace usage, layouts, and space data analysis and executive reports, and support in presentations for key stakeholders.
• Document project risks and escalate as needed. Obtain decisions and approval for changes to project scope, design, schedule and cost.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously from inception to closeout including assigning projects and tasks via the Work Request system to available team members.
• Maintain database of project floor plans, space assignments, occupancy, vacancies, headcount, and utilization data for Kohler workspaces.
• Support individual and departmental moves, project planning, interior design and furniture coordination, and project execution - providing accurate space floor plans with swing space and sequencing of moves identified as required.
• Conduct regular audits of the existing space for changes to architecture, FF&E and signage.
• Develop vendor relationships and knowledge of services and scope along with high-level processes.
• Update seating plans with new hires, transfers, terminations and distribute to client, administrative, and IT teams in a timely manner.
• Able to read and understand project documents including but not limited to leases, contracts, construction documents, FF&E specifications, MEP drawings, project schedules, budgets, vendor quotes and invoices.
• Become Kohler's subject matter expert on Workplace Experience, best practices, and workplace trends as well as regulatory requirements for workplace projects
• Develop and maintain accurate project documentation/project files for record.
• Facilitate project meetings with stakeholders and provide regular updates with the Director, Architecture and Interior Design and other departmental leaders.
• Prepare stakeholders and affected teams for moves, providing transparency and a roadmap to align expectations as part of an overall change management strategy.
• Direct resources including internal and external design and technical consultants, contractors, vendors, and procurement specialists.

Skills/Requirements

• Degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Facilities Planning and Management, Construction Project Management, or related field required with a minimum of 8+ years of experience, including 4+ years of direct experience in workplace design and execution with people/process management responsibilities.
• Experienced with Revit or AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft applications including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and MS Teams required.
• Knowledge of interior design and planning best practices, ADA/accessibility, building codes and life safety requirements, systems furniture, and FF&E required.
• Experience with 3-D Visualization tools, MS Project, Smartsheet, and Integrated Workplace Management System a plus
• Previous occupancy planning and data management experience preferred, including data analytics skills to measure occupancy, utilization, and effectiveness of workplace programs
• Must be able to exchange accurate information at various levels demonstrating the ability to build consensus for decision-making.
• Must be able to review and understand design plans and construction documents and maintain documents including as-builts for accuracy.
• Problem-solver, demonstrating a high level of abstract reasoning and ability to bring clarity to complex issues.
• Maintains courteous and professional demeanor and demonstrates exceptional customer service, teamwork, and attention to detail.
• Self-driven and directed with limited oversight, making informed decisions while functioning in a collaborative and transparent environment.
• Flexible and open to change or uncertainty with the ability to embrace exploration of multiple solutions as a central part of the process. 
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate multiple projects, maintain excellent client relations and client management. Strong time management skills a must.
• Knowledge of workplace trends, including Workplace Experience, best practices and strategies to attract and engage talent.
• This hybrid role requires regular on-site meetings with direct manager, business leaders, clients, furniture dealers and vendors on average of 3-days per week while maintaining flexibility as required by project demands. Periodic on-site and remote training is also required.

Candidates must provide a digital portfolio of work that exhibits a high level of professional competency and design skill based on experience

#LI-Hybrid

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

The salary range for this position is $99,700 - $127,050. 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. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision & 401k.

Why Work at Kohler Co.?

Kohler Co.'s mission is to contribute to a higher level of gracious living for those who are touched by our products and services. We understand that it takes investment in our associates' development to make that happen.  So, we offer ongoing investment in each individual's personal development and the opportunity to collaborate with others across functions and roles at Kohler.  

In addition to the investment in your development, Kohler offers a benefits package including a competitive salary, health, vision, dental, 401(k) with company matching, and more!

*Important update for candidates applying to roles within Kohler Energy, including Power Systems, Engines, Home Energy, Kohler Uninterruptible Power, Clarke Energy, Curtis Instruments, and Heila Technologies.
On November 6, Kohler Co. announced the strategic decision to establish Kohler Energy as a separate, independent business with Platinum Equity as the majority investment partner. Kohler will continue to stay invested in the Energy business following the closing and remains committed to supporting the acceleration of long-term growth strategies for both organizations. Talent and operational transition plans are underway, and Kohler Co. and Platinum Equity expect the agreement to close in the first half of 2024.Thank you for your interest in joining our growing team as we embark on the next phase of growth!

About Us

Beyond the competitive benefits and compensation, Kohler proudly offers a rich history, steeped in creativity and a commitment to our associates and communities.  We invite you to learn more about our culture and company at www.kohlercompany.com.

It is Kohler's policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified personnel in all job classifications 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.  

We invite you to learn more about equal employment opportunity by reviewing the Federal EEO is the Law and the EEO is the Law Supplement .