Deputy Manager - DAC

About Kohler Co.

Kohler Co. is a global leader in the kitchen and bath industry, renowned for its innovative designs and commitment to enhancing the quality of life. For over a century, weve been crafting exceptional products that inspire and elevate spaces around the world. At Kohler, we believe in pushing the boundaries of design and technology to create truly exceptional experiences for our customers. Were not just making products; were shaping how people interact with their spaces.

About the Role:

Be a pioneer in visualizing the future of design! Kohler Co. is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Manager/Deputy Manager to lead our Unreal Engine ArchViz production team. This critical role will be the driving force behind the creation of breathtaking, photorealistic digital assets for all of Kohlers product categories, with a primary focus on the Kitchen and Bath space. You will be responsible for overseeing the entire production pipeline, from initial concept to final polished delivery, ensuring the on-time and consistent delivery of high-quality assets for both new product development (NPD) and legacy projects. This role demands a deep understanding of Unreal Engine, a strong background in architectural visualization, and proven leadership abilities to manage, mentor, and inspire a team of talented artists.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and Inspire: Manage, mentor, and provide constructive feedback to a team of Unreal Engine artists, fostering their growth, development, and creative potential. Cultivate a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Orchestrate Production: Oversee the complete production pipeline for Unreal Engine ArchViz projects, from initial concept and storyboarding to final rendering and delivery. Ensure adherence to deadlines, quality standards, and brand guidelines.
• Collaborate and Translate: Work closely with product managers, designers, marketing teams, and engineers to understand project requirements, translating their vision into visually stunning and technically accurate digital assets that showcase Kohlers products in the best possible light.
• Optimize Workflows: Develop and implement efficient workflows and best practices for Unreal Engine ArchViz production, optimizing for quality, speed, scalability, and resource management. Continuously seek ways to improve and innovate our processes.
• Stay at the Cutting Edge: Maintain a deep understanding of the latest advancements in Unreal Engine, related technologies (including VR/AR), and industry trends. Identify opportunities to leverage new tools and techniques to enhance the visual quality of our assets and streamline production.
• Technical Problem Solver: Proactively identify and troubleshoot technical challenges, ensuring smooth project execution and minimizing disruptions. Provide technical guidance and support to the team.
• Manage Resources: Manage project budgets and resources effectively, ensuring projects are completed within scope, budget, and timeline. Forecast resource needs and allocate resources appropriately.
• Champion Innovation: Foster a culture of creativity, innovation, and collaboration within the team. Encourage experimentation and exploration of new ideas and techniques.
• Industry Expertise: Stay up-to-date on industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging technologies, identifying opportunities for Kohler to differentiate its digital content and maintain a competitive edge.
• Strategic Vision: Contribute to the development of a long-term vision for Kohlers Unreal Engine ArchViz capabilities, aligning with the companys overall marketing and product development strategies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Architecture, Design, Computer Graphics, or a related field.
• 12+ years of demonstrably relevant experience in architectural visualization, with a strong and demonstrable focus on Unreal Engine.
• Proven experience leading and managing a team of artists, with a track record of fostering growth and development.
• Deep and demonstrable understanding of Unreal Engine, including advanced techniques in modeling, texturing, lighting, animation, rendering, and optimization.
• Expertise in industry-standard 3D modeling software (e.g., 3ds Max, Maya, Blender).
• Strong understanding of architectural principles, design aesthetics, and visual storytelling.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to think critically and strategically.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) development.
• Knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., Python, C++, Blueprint).
• Experience with motion capture and animation techniques.
• Familiarity with the kitchen and bath industry or other consumer product industries.
• Experience with real-time rendering and optimization techniques.

Relationships & Contacts:

• Supervisory Relationship: Reports to the HOD/Functional Leader.
• Professional Relationships: Collaborates closely with CGI Content Development teams at Kohler WI and ITC.
• Organizational Relationships: Regular interaction and collaboration with global functional leaders, product managers, product engineers, set designers, art directors, stylists, and photographers. Occasional coordination with industrial design teams for data or information gathering.
• External Business Relationships: Engages with software vendors, technology partners, and service providers for research and development of new tools and technologies.