Deputy Manager

Position Description : KOHLER CO.

Position Title : Deputy Manager DAC, AnR

BASIC FUNCTION :

The Deputy Manager, Animation & Rendering Digital Content Creation, is responsible for developing high-quality photorealistic 3D scene renders and animations featuring Kohler products.

This role requires expertise in 3D visualization, rendering techniques, and real-time content creation to produce compelling digital assets while maintaining Kohlers quality standards.

Additionally, the role involves optimizing workflows, managing data, and contributing to Unreal Engine pipeline development.

Specific Responsibilities :

Capability Development & Leadership :

- Experience in developing creative/multimedia/digital asset creation capabilities in past organizations along with leading the team to cater to international business.

- Leading the creative team to ensure on-time delivery with the expected quality.

- Developed production pipeline to improve turnaround time while maintaining quality.

3D Scene and Asset Creation :

- Develop 3D room scenes using 3ds Max, Unreal Engine, and Substance Painter based on design concepts.

- Apply advanced techniques in lighting, material creation, and texturing to achieve photorealistic outputs.

Animation Development :

- Create high-quality 3D animations of Kohler products using 3ds Max and Unreal Engine, ensuring consistency and adherence to brand standards.

Rendering & Optimization :

- Utilize Unreal Engines real-time rendering capabilities, dynamic lighting, and virtual reality (VR) integrations to enhance scene interactivity and visual fidelity.

- Optimize assets and materials to ensure efficient performance across various platforms, including Web, iOS, and Android.

Product and Prop Modeling :

- Prepare, UV map, and convert Kohler product models for rendering.

- Create fully textured prop models as per set designer specifications.

Blueprint Scripting & Interactivity :

- Implement Unreal Engine Blueprints for interactive elements, procedural content creation, and automation of repetitive tasks.

Process & Workflow Optimization

- Develop best practices to improve production efficiency, maintain render quality, and streamline data management.

Cross-functional Collaboration :

- Work closely with product engineers, set designers, art directors, and photographers to translate concepts into high-quality visual outputs.

- Collaborate with Kohler WI and ITC teams for standardization and knowledge sharing.

Research & Development :

- Engage with software vendors, explore new tools, and test innovative rendering and animation techniques to enhance digital content creation capabilities.

Education & Experience :

- Degree/Diploma in 3D Visualization, Animation, or a related field.

- Minimum 10+ years of experience in creating high-quality photorealistic 3D renderings and animations.

- Advanced proficiency in 3ds Max, Unreal Engine, Substance Painter, V-Ray, Photoshop, and After Effects.

- Expertise in Unreal Engines material creation, lighting techniques, Blueprints scripting, and rendering optimization.

- Strong understanding of photorealistic rendering techniques, including light, shadow, and texture mapping.

- Knowledge of interactive content creation, real-time rendering, and VR applications.

- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, C#, or C++ is a plus.

- Strong communication skills, ability to articulate creative concepts, and proficiency in English.

- Team player with a proactive attitude and a quick learning ability.

RELATIONSHIPS & CONTACTS

Supervisory Relationship

- Reports to the Digital Asset Creation (Animation and Rendering) vertical leader.

Professional Relationships

- Collaborates with CGI Content Development teams at Kohler WI and ITC.

Organizational Relationships

- Regular interaction with 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 and service providers for research and development of new tools and technologies.

Preferred Skills & Additional Qualifications

- Experience in shading, lighting, procedural content creation, optimization, and pipeline automation.

- Knowledge of AR/VR content creation, real-time compositing, and cinematic lighting in Unreal Engine.

- Familiarity with post-processing techniques, blueprints, and scripting for interactive solutions.

- Ability to create reusable import protocols and optimize rendering workflows.