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. 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 [email protected].
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- 8+ years of progressive experience in upholstered furniture product development
- Expertise in upholstery construction, materials, and manufacturing processes
- Ability to lead complex development programs across multiple categories
- Technical proficiency reviewing drawings and translating design concepts into manufacturable products
- Project management and organizational skills
- Strong communication and influencing skills with cross-functional teams and global vendors
- Understanding of the furniture market, materials, and global supply base
- Financial acumen, including costing, margin management, and retail math
- Leadership experience managing, coaching, and developing direct reports
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Experience developing upholstery in both the United States and Europe
- Experience with SolidWorks, CREO, or Fusion 360
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally 30% of the time
- Ability to work onsite in Stamford, Connecticut
MillerKnoll Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about MillerKnoll and has not been reviewed or approved by MillerKnoll.
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Healthcare Strength — Health options include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with low deductibles, no‑cost preventive care, prescription benefits, mental health support, an Employee Assistance Program, and disability coverage. These elements collectively signal a robust healthcare offering.
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Retirement Support — The retirement program features immediate 401(k) eligibility with a core employer contribution and matching on employee contributions. Additional wealth-building options include an employee stock purchase plan and equity grants such as RSUs.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-oriented benefits include paid parental leave, adoption assistance, Milk Stork for traveling mothers, Bright Horizons childcare/eldercare support, and dedicated mother’s/retreat rooms. These resources strengthen support for caregivers and family needs.
MillerKnoll Insights
What We Do
MillerKnoll is a global collective of design brands built on the foundation of two icons of modernism: Herman Miller and Knoll. Our portfolio also includes furniture and accessories for commercial and residential spaces from Colebrook Bosson Saunders, DatesWeiser, Design Within Reach, Edelman, Geiger, HAY, HOLLY HUNT, Knoll Textiles, Maharam, Muuto, NaughtOne, and Spinneybeck | FilzFelt. Guided by a shared purpose—design for the good of humankind—we generate insights, pioneer innovations, and champion ideas to help spaces better support how people live, work, and gather today. We reach customers across office, residential, healthcare, and education markets through a network of MillerKnoll dealers, all of whom are highly credentialed, independently owned businesses. In addition, we manage an ever-expanding global retail footprint delivering world-class brick-and-mortar and ecommerce experiences.
