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, we've 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. We're not just making products; we're 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 Kohler's 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.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and Inspire:

  Manage, mentor, and provide constructive feedback to a team of Unreal Engine artists.

• Orchestrate Production:

  Oversee the complete production pipeline from concept to final delivery.

• Collaborate and Translate:

  Work closely with cross-functional teams to convert project requirements into visual assets.

• Optimize Workflows:

  Develop efficient and scalable Unreal Engine workflows and best practices.

• Stay at the Cutting Edge:

  Keep up with advancements in Unreal, VR/AR, and related technologies.

• Technical Problem Solver:

  Identify and resolve technical challenges and provide guidance.

• Manage Resources:

  Handle project budgets, forecast needs, and allocate resources effectively.

• Champion Innovation:

  Encourage creativity and innovation across the team.

• Industry Expertise:

  Track trends and competition to maintain content excellence.

• Strategic Vision:

  Contribute to long-term ArchViz capabilities aligned with marketing and product goals.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Design, Computer Graphics, or related field.
• 12+ years of experience in architectural visualization with a focus on Unreal Engine.
• Proven experience in team leadership and artist management.
• Expert-level knowledge in Unreal Engine, including modeling, texturing, lighting, animation, rendering, and optimization.
• Proficiency in 3ds Max, Maya, or Blender.
• Strong grasp of architectural principles and visual storytelling.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong decision-making and critical thinking skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in VR/AR development.
• Knowledge of Python, C++, Blueprint scripting.
• Familiarity with motion capture and animation.
• Experience with kitchen and bath or consumer product industries.
• Proficient in real-time rendering and optimization.

Relationships & Contacts:

• Supervisory Relationship:

  Reports to the HOD/Functional Leader.

• Professional Relationships:

  Works with CGI Content Development teams at Kohler WI and ITC.

• Organizational Relationships:

  Collaborates with product managers, engineers, designers, art directors, stylists, and photographers.

• External Business Relationships