Product Development Manager

Why join us

Our purpose is design for the good of humankind. Its 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.

About This Opportunity:

Design Within Reach is seeking a seasoned Product Development Manager of Upholstery and Textiles to join our Product Development team in Stamford CT. This role is ideal for a highly experienced furniture development professional with deep technical expertise of upholstery strong commercial acumen and a passion for bringing exceptional modern furnishings to life.

As a Product Development Manager you will own the end-to-end development driving projects from concept through commercialization. You will partner closely with Design Merchandising Sourcing and Quality to ensure every product reflects our commitment to craftsmanship design integrity and long-term addition to managing complex development programs you will lead team members and help elevate overall team capability.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary owner of end-to-end product development of upholstery and textiles categories ensuring successful commercialization aligned with design intent seasonal timelines margin targets assortment strategies and quality standards

• Lead regular prototype and project review meetings proactively communicating status risks and solutions

• Own cost modeling target costing and supplier negotiations to achieve margin goals without compromising design or quality

• Review and approve technical drawings (from designers and suppliers) to ensure feasibility accuracy and adherence to specifications

• Oversee prototyping and validation ensuring products meet performance and regulatory standards for construction durability comfort assembly and packaging

• Manage development timelines and key milestones to ensure on-time launches

• Lead and develop a team of product developers through coaching training and mentorship ensuring strong project execution and continued growth in technical expertise

• Partner with Sourcing to onboard best-in-class global manufacturing partners

• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships providing clear direction and ensuring accountability throughout development

• Define and implement product-specific quality standards; collaborate with suppliers to establish robust quality assurance protocols

• Oversee pre-production and launch readiness including inspections and final approvals

• Responsible for post-launch success of product portfolio in partnership with Quality Customer Service and Merchandising

• Manage budgets across assigned categories

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree required

• 8 years of progressive experience in upholstered furniture product development with demonstrated expertise in construction materials and manufacturing processes. Experience developing upholstery in both USA and Europe preferred

• Proven ability to lead complex development programs across multiple categories simultaneously

• Strong technical proficiency in reviewing drawings and translating design concepts into manufacturable high-quality products

• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Strong communication and influencing skills across cross-functional teams and global vendor partners

• Deep understanding of the furniture market materials and global supply base

• Solid financial acumen including costing margin management and retail math

• Experience with 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks CREO Fusion 360) and Adobe Creative Suite preferred

• Leadership experience managing coaching and developing direct reports

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel Word PowerPoint)

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally 30% of the time for supplier factory and product development needs

• Ability to work onsite in Stamford CT

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. Were committed to equal opportunity employment including veterans and people with disabilities.

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 .