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
Lead the development, evaluation and continuous improvement of a world-class supplier base that enables an integrated, scalable and competitive supply chain capable of meeting current and future business requirements.
This role is responsible for developing strategic suppliers, driving supplier performance management initiatives, ensuring alignment to quality, delivery, cost and service expectations, and supporting new product development activities.
The Supplier Development Manager will work cross-functionally with Product Development, Supply Management, Operations, Quality, Engineering and Finance to identify and implement supplier improvement opportunities, cost reduction initiatives, and sourcing strategies that support business objectives.
This position plays a critical role in ensuring a competitive, reliable, and high-performing supply base that supports business growth, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction. Success in this role directly impacts product cost, quality, supplier performance, supply continuity, and overall business profitability.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Supplier Development & Relationship Management
- Identify, evaluate, qualify, and develop suppliers to support business requirements.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers.
- Assess supplier capabilities, capacity, quality systems, and operational performance.
- Develop and implement supplier improvement plans focused on quality, delivery, cost competitiveness, and service.
- Partner with suppliers to drive continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence.
- Support supplier onboarding, qualification, and ongoing performance management activities.
Supplier Performance Management
- Develop, implement, and maintain supplier performance measurement systems and scorecards.
- Monitor supplier KPIs including: On-Time Delivery (OTD), Quality Performance (PPM), claims and defects, Lead Time Performance, Capacity and Responsiveness, Cost Competitiveness, Documentation and Compliance
- Conduct regular business reviews with strategic suppliers.
- Lead corrective action and supplier recovery initiatives when performance expectations are not met.
- Manage supplier audit processes and identify improvement opportunities related to reliability, delivery performance, quality systems, and documentation.
New Product Development Support
- Support sourcing activities required for new product development and product enhancement initiatives.
- Participate in cross-functional project teams to ensure supplier readiness and successful product launches.
- Manage supplier quotations, cost analysis, and sourcing recommendations for new programs.
- Maintain project documentation including supplier quotations, correspondence, purchase orders, and sourcing records.
- Coordinate supplier involvement during product development, validation, and implementation phases.
Cost Optimization & Value Analysis
- Lead material cost improvement initiatives through Value Analysis and Value Engineering activities.
- Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities across the supply base.
- Analyze supplier cost structures and negotiate material costs in support of business targets.
- Support Finance in developing and maintaining product cost and pricing models.
- Evaluate capital investment requirements associated with supplier development and new product initiatives.
- Drive total cost of ownership improvements while maintaining quality and service expectations.
Supply Chain Risk Management
- Identify and assess supplier-related risks that could impact business continuity.
- Develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans for critical suppliers and materials.
- Monitor supplier capacity, financial stability, and operational risks.
- Support supply continuity and risk reduction initiatives across the supplier network.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with Product Development, Supply Management, Material Planning, Operations, Quality, Engineering and Finance teams.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to align sourcing strategies with business objectives.
- Influence decision-making across functions without direct authority.
- Support strategic supply chain initiatives and business improvement projects.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education/Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Administration, International Business, International Relations, International Trade, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in Supplier Development, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Quality, Procurement, or Supply Chain Management.
- Experience working with supplier audits, supplier negotiation, performance management, and supplier development programs.
- Experience supporting new product development and sourcing initiatives.
- Experience leading cost reduction and value analysis projects
- Experience in furniture, assembly, or high-mix manufacturing environments preferred.
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, LNCE, or similar).
Licenses and Certifications
- APICS CPIM, CSCP, or similar certifications preferred.
Skills and Abilities
- Strong negotiation skills.
- Highly developed analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to drive urgency and supplier accountability
- Experience handling escalations with Tier 1 / Tier 2 suppliers
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
- Excellent organizational and prioritization skills.
- Supplier audit and assessment experience.
- Financial and cost analysis capabilities.
- Ability to make sound decisions independently while considering broader business impacts.
- Excel skills and proficiency in ERP/MRP systems.
- Ability to work proactively, anticipate risks, and drive solutions.
- Continuous improvement mindset.
- Intermediate-Advanced English (required), with the ability to communicate effectively with suppliers and stakeholders (written and verbal).
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 careers_help@millerknoll.com.
