Product Development Manager

Knoll Inc.; Stamford, Northern (CT, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

MillerKnoll seeks a seasoned Product Development Manager of Upholstery and Textiles to lead end-to-end development from concept to commercialization in Stamford, CT. You will guide design, sourcing, and quality teams to ensure craftsmanship, performance, and margin targets across upholstery and textiles.

You will coach a team of developers, negotiate with suppliers, review technical drawings, and drive on-time launches while expanding capabilities and maintaining strong supplier relationships

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in upholstered furniture product development.
• Experience developing upholstery in USA and Europe preferred.
• Proven ability to lead complex development programs across multiple categories.
• Strong technical proficiency in reviewing drawings and translating design concepts into manufacturable products.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills 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.

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 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.
• Partner with Sourcing to onboard best-in-class global manufacturing partners.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, providing clear direction and accountability.
• Define and implement product-specific quality standards; collaborate with suppliers to establish QA 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.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Cross-functional teamwork

Costing & margin mgmt

Strong communicator

Supplier relationship management

3D CAD

MS Office

Travel

On-site Stamford

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SolidWorks

CREO

Fusion 360

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

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.

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 performance. In 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:

• Bachelor’s 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.

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.

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 [e-mail].

MillerKnoll is a collective of design brands coming together to remake modern for the 21st century.