Upholstery & Textiles Product Development Lead

MillerKnoll; Stamford (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

MillerKnoll's Design Within Reach in Stamford, CT seeks a seasoned Product Development Manager for upholstery and textiles. You will own end-to-end development from concept to commercialization, partnering with Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Quality to deliver high-quality, durable furnishings that meet timelines and margins.

Lead a team of product developers, manage timelines, cost modeling, and supplier negotiations to ensure on-time launches.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of upholstered furniture product development experience, with construction, materials, and manufacturing expertise.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end product development of upholstery and textiles, from concept through commercialization, ensuring timelines, margins, and quality.
• Lead prototype and project review meetings, communicating status, risks, and solutions.
• Manage cost modeling, target costing, and supplier negotiations to meet margin goals.
• Review and approve technical drawings to ensure feasibility and adherence to specifications.
• Oversee prototyping and validation to meet performance, durability, and regulatory standards.
• Manage development timelines and milestones to ensure on-time launches.
• Lead and develop a team of product developers through coaching and mentorship.
• Partner with Sourcing to onboard global manufacturing partners.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships with accountability across development.
• Define and implement product-specific quality standards and QA protocols.
• Oversee pre-production and launch readiness with inspections and approvals.
• Ensure post-launch success with Quality, Customer Service, and Merchandising.
• Manage budgets across assigned categories.

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

SolidWorks

CREO

Fusion 360

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

MillerKnoll's Design Within Reach in Stamford, CT seeks a seasoned Product Development Manager for upholstery and textiles. You will own end-to-end development from concept to commercialization, partnering with Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Quality to deliver high-quality, durable furnishings that meet timelines and margins.

Lead a team of product developers, manage timelines, cost modeling, and supplier negotiations to ensure on-time launches.