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.

GENERAL PURPOSE

Responsible for providing operational leadership and expertise for new product development projects, process development and other operational issues. Manages programs to support key product and process strategies with an emphasis on teamwork, leadership, setting project objectives, and approaches project objectives with a business development and implementation attitude. Serves as operational lead to complement the new product fulfillment lead in providing development and implementation support. Act as the liaison with manufacturing, operations and new product development teams to ensure new products flow successfully through manufacturing.

• Collaborate with Operations Engineering, Product Development and Vendors to ensure meeting project goals while meeting HMI standards and best practices.

• Coordinate operational project teams by deploying and supervising internal, or external operational resources assigned to the project teams.

• Define, locate, and secure internal and external manufacturing and assembly resources and establish and maintain a network to support product design, engineering and manufacturing.

• Ensures that lean manufacturing principles and quality operating standards are reflected in all project results.

• Maintain communication with the project teams and operational support groups to ensure successful implementation within the program directives.

• Provide communication link with operations teams to ensure current availability of product management information.

• Provide leadership and insight into new or evolving manufacturing processes and material applications.

• Provide operational expertise, insight into the solution, design, and development process, and process methodology that will provide operative direction and rigor.

• Provide operational leadership to the order fulfillment functions of the project programs.

• Serve as liaison to and represents operating units in support of vertical integration opportunities and/or outsourcing decisions.

• Strategically position, the manufacturing site plan product offerings to meet required customer lead-time expectations by developing programs, processes, and distribution capabilities; solidifies key links between site personnel and appropriate core team members to guarantee successful project implementation and facilitating strong tie site resources to meet their needs and enable their success.

• Support external supply management in support of new product initiatives.
• Performs additional responsibilities as requested to achieve business objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Support Operations and suppliers with problem identification, problem solving during P builds, M builds, and launch activities.
• Initiate and drive work with Operations Engineering, Supply Management, Operations, and supplier to refine product designs to optimize tooling and equipment; manufacturing processes, assembly and reliability, assist with evaluating potential part and tooling suppliers.
• Manage individual task work to meet project team objectives for budget and timing.
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional level experience in NPD and launch, preferably in upholstered seating.
• Expert experience with leading cross-functional technical project teams.
• Knowledgeable in Lean principles and application.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Fluent in English and Spanish.

Licenses and Certifications

• Continuous improvement methodologies (Champion and Sponsor)
• PMP Project Management

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to understand, articulate, and communicate Company strategy and operational capabilities.

• Demonstrated experience and results in establishing operational (manufacturing and logistics) excellence for the development and commercialization support of new products.

• Ability to identify and define potential designed- in operational struggles and problem solve solutions.

• Communication skills capable of effectively giving and receiving information in both written and verbal form that is both constructive and informative in directing business activities.

• Leadership and teamwork skills capable of inspiration and guidance while actively achieving team goals through respect and collaboration with team members.

• Ability to be effectively adapt under shifting conditions with multiple tasks, responsibilities, and people.

• Possess the ability to persist in achieving goals and strategy fulfillment.

• Ability to identify and solve problems in a positive, participative, and proactive way.

• Strong commitment to meeting all established project timelines.

• Requires strong interpersonal skills, leadership, problem solving, initiative, business acumen, adaptability, flexibility, and tenacity to persevere in providing effective solutions.

• Ability to effectively use office automation and communication software and tools used in the HMI office environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Must be able to perform all essential functions of the position with or without accommodations.

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.

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].