Upholstery & Textiles Product Development Lead

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

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