Sr. Product Developer - Lifestyle

Why join us?

Our purpose is design for the good of humankind. It’s the ideal we strive toward each day in everything we do. Being a part of MillerKnoll means being a part of something larger than your work team, or even your brand. We are redefining modern for the 21st century. And our success allows MillerKnoll to support causes that align with our values, so we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful future for everyone.

GENERAL PURPOSE

In this role, you will lead the product development process across a core product portfolio within the assigned category. You'll utilize expert project management skills by building and maintaining project schedules, monitoring potential delays, and working with cross-functional teams to ensure new products are commercialized on time and within budget. You will manage multiple programs simultaneously and ensure each program's adherence to the company's design and quality standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Manage project schedules to meet critical company milestones across both Herman Miller and Knoll brands, navigating shared cross-functional partners and brand-specific standards simultaneously.

Lead weekly meetings with cross-functional teams to share progress on new developments and conduct prototype/design reviews.

Proactively identify and escalate key risks, including schedule delays, resource constraints, and launch readiness, to category leadership with clear context and a recommended path forward. Owns the escalation.

Generate Request for Quote (RFQ) bid packages for new developments and manage review/selection process.

Facilitate prototyping with Engineering and/or Suppliers.

Conduct in-depth review of prototypes to ensure products meet or exceed all standards for: build quality, ease of assembly, packaging, comfort, value, and global testing requirements.

Collaborate with Engineering to review designer and supplier drawings to ensure adherence to design intent and product performance/quality.

Ensure all new developments meet target costs and margin requirements.

Establish and own quality criteria for all new programs. Develop and maintain Quality Assurance Protocols with suppliers that reflect the highest standards of both Herman Miller and Knoll.

Partner with Sourcing and Fulfillment teams to establish the most effective supply chain strategy and value stream across global markets.

Collaborate with Engineering and Compliance to facilitate all performance and packaging testing, including international requirements.

Collaborate with Supply Chain/Sourcing and Compliance to ensure all regulatory, sustainability, and performance documentation are obtained from suppliers.

Manage global supplier relationships, including supplier visits and product reviews across international markets.

Coach and mentor junior team members. Accountable for maintaining a positive working environment.

Closely monitor product return levels and develop corrective action plans as needed.

Performs additional responsibilities as requested to achieve business objectives .

QUALIFICATIONS

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Business, Architecture or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in development-related functions and disciplines.
• Luxury/ High-end Experience Preferred
• Project Management Experience a Plus
• SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Successfully demonstrated experience of a major new product commercialization, including full development and launch cycle.
• Excellent program/project management skills, as demonstrated through the successful achievement of assigned objectives.
• A developmental, entrepreneurial mind set with abstract analysis skills and a logical, but flexible, approach.
• Willing to take initiative and accept accountability with a strong sense of ownership over work.
• A demonstrated high level of personal integrity and business ethics.
• Demonstrated expert written/verbal communication skills and a proven capability to present complex concepts in a concise and understandable way to a variety of audiences.
• Proven ability to manage and develop essential peer, subordinate, and management relationships.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, particularly communicating with team members across cultures and functions.
• Must be financially literate and possess business acumen with the ability to objectively assess projects and teams.
• 3D CAD and Adobe Creative Suite preferred.
• MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) required.Willingness to travel globally as required.
• Knowledge of furniture construction and furniture market landscape preferred.
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• Must be able to perform all essential functions of the position with or without accommodations.
• Who We Hire?
• Simply put, we hire qualified applicants representing a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. MillerKnoll is comprised of people of all abilities, gender identities and expressions, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, veterans from every branch of military service, and more. Here, you can bring your whole self to work. We’re committed to equal opportunity employment, including veterans and people with disabilities.
• This organization participates in E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification. In general, MillerKnoll positions are closed within 45 days and are open for applications for a minimum of 5 days. We encourage our prospective candidates to submit their application(s) expediently so as not to miss out on our opportunities. We frequently post new opportunities and encourage prospective candidates to check back often for new postings.
• MillerKnoll complies with applicable disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact MillerKnoll Talent Acquisition at  careers_help@millerknoll.com .