Director - Brand Partnerships & Influencers

About the Role

This role leads the development of the North American Strategic Partnership and Influencer strategy and roadmap, as well as delivers on the full omni-channel integrated GTM activation plans in priority kitchen and bath categories to achieve key brand metrics and business growth.

Responsibilities

• Develops the 3–5-year rolling roadmap for Strategic Partnerships across product collaborations, celebrity/VIP endorsements, sponsorship, and influencer-based amplification, aligning with business goals, brand strategy, and target audience values.
• Identifies and manages a roster of Strategic Partners by staying current on cultural, industry, and consumer trends.
• Leads cross-category marketing strategy and execution, including trend expertise, product strategy advising, GTM campaigns, media direction, and omni-channel asset development.
• Acts as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Earned Media across marketing touchpoints.
• Delivers KBNA Business Briefs and Omni-Budget prioritization in areas of responsibility.
• Leads a team of junior to senior marketers, overseeing Strategic Partner onboarding, GTM execution, and campaign management for Partnership and Cross-Category launches.
• Inspires and motivates the team through regular feedback, 1:1s, Personal Development Plans, goal setting, and Succession Planning.
• Identifies skill gaps within the team and develops appropriate training solutions.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to maximize the impact of Strategic Partnerships and Cross-Category launches.
• Measures and reports on campaign performance to identify trends and optimization opportunities.
• Manages and demonstrates ROI for assigned marketing budgets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree; MBA in Marketing preferred.
• 10+ years of diverse marketing experience, preferably with lifestyle or consumer goods brands.
• Experience guiding product strategy and development in alignment with brand objectives.
• Strong leadership experience managing diverse teams.
• Expertise across paid, earned, and owned marketing channels.
• Quantitative skills with a track record of driving and measuring results.
• Proven ability to assess, coach, and mentor talent.
• Experience managing annual marketing plans, risks, and opportunities.
• Training in brand strategy, strategic business planning, and long-term goal setting.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with experience in matrixed environments.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and roadmap development.
• Trend analysis and cultural relevance.
• Cross-functional team leadership.
• Budget management and ROI measurement.
• Creative collaboration and critique.
• Talent development and succession planning.

Travel

Approximately 20% travel required for partner meetings, events, trade shows, customer visits, and training.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $163,950 - $260,350. The specific salary offered may vary based on experience, education, and work location. Eligible for performance bonus/variable incentive compensation.

Benefits

Day 1 benefits access, including health and wellbeing programs, career development opportunities, and a diverse, inclusive workplace culture.

About Us

Kohler is committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities during the recruitment process.