Product Engineering Head

Why join us?

Our purpose is to 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.

Job summary

The Product Engineering Head of Foligno, reporting to the Product Engineering Manager of Knoll Europe, has the responsibility to manage and coordinate the product engineering team based in in Foligno in charge of the KnollStudio product range.

The person in charge of the role will develop and leverage the mix of competences of the team, improving the versatility, the flexibility and optimizing the workload, who will be dynamically assigned on different tasks depending on the period needs.

This will be done, respecting the more specialistic roles as BOM specialists or special quotation specialists who are dedicated to specific tasks.

The supervision of the team will help to better coordinate and speed-up the transformation projects assuring:

- The collaboration with the R&D and product development team
- The collaboration with the Sales functions and the development of a strong communication with the Customer Service KnollStudio
- The transition to the new ERP and online sales
- The contribution to the compliancy, environmental and safety certifications, in cooperation with the other functions

Specific responsibilities

To manage, for KnollStudio products:

- industrialization of new products collaborating with the product development team in Meda: technical solution definition, structural calculations, material definition, technical drawings implementation
- special versions: analysis of client requests for specials, technical solution and quotation
- BOM of all KnollStudio products
- collaboration on certifications (all kinds) matters
- new ERP implementation (for what is needed)
- collaboration on transition of the technical documentation on the IT online selling systems
- current product continuous improvement: quality and cost saving actions interacting with the manufacturing and purchasing
- current product issues: quality claims and non-conformity management impacting on product configuration interacting with manufacturing and purchasing

Job holder requirements

**Required Skills**:

- Master’s or bachelor’s degree in a technical/management field (management engineering/mechanical engineering/ industrial design...) or a technical high school diploma.
- Proven experience in Project Management and Product Development leadership roles.
- Knowledge of material processing technologies: wood, metals, polyurethanes, upholstery, fabrics, and leather.
- Knowledge of legal, safety and environmental certification requirements in furniture industry is appreciated
- Knowledge of Lean Production and Engineering for Manufacturing principles.
- Proactive and open to change attitude: change management experience.
- Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is mandatory (frequent call meetings with US and UK colleagues are part of the role)
- Knowledge and use of ISO standards and Quality System.
- Available to frequent travels between north and center Italy. In other locations, in Italy and abroad when necessary.
- Personal skills:_

Proactive and catalyst of change

Verbal and Written Communication, Promoting Process Improvement.

Ability to manage multiple projects from beginning to completion.

Good written and verbal communication skills are crucial for working with all stakeholders.

Ability to understand the team’s challenges and develop solutions.

Leadership and authority, good interpersonal relationships, team player, Enthusiasm, and proactivity.

Company requirements

Health & Safety; ensure that safe working practices are followed. Attend safety briefings, as requested. Take responsibility for your own, employees, contractors, and visitor safety in accordance with The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, and The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulation 1999

Compliance; ensure compliance with business systems, processes, certification schemes, regulations, and legislation relevant to the scope of your role. Support internal quality controls and audits to demonstrate compliance.

Company values

Purpose - energy and drive

Beliefs - integrity and trust

Design - problem solving

Connections - relationships

Growth - continuous improvement

Performance - achieve standards

Who We Hire?

Simply put, we hire everyone. 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 di