Design Operations Manager

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.

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Design Operations Manager supports product design across MillerKnoll. This role ensures operational excellence by managing external designer engagements, including workflows, contract and royalties, and strategic design partnerships. It bridges creative and operational functions, enabling the successful execution of design projects, and ensures healthy and longstanding design relationships with our external partners.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Design Partner Collaboration

• Serves as a liaison for external design partners and the MillerKnoll creative teams.

• Maintains ongoing relationships with significant design partners.

Contract, Royalty & Financial Oversight

• Lead the design contract negotiation, contract administration and royalty processes.

• Create and manage designer contracts. Aligns contracts with corporate standards. Facilitates contract execution and maintain contract databases.

• Coordinates and consults with financial and legal teams as needed to ensure contract alignment with IP and financial guidelines.

• Coordinates quarterly royalty statements and payments.

• Partner with product and finance teams to ensure designer spending aligns with budget and strategic priorities.

• Deliver analytics and trackable metrics to measure and demonstrate business investment efficacy.

• Resolve contract-related disputes and ensure compliance throughout the agreement term.Proactively update and renew contracts as necessary.

Information & Communication Management

• Maintain accurate and complete design partner and design project documentation across brands and teams.

• Ensure effective communication between design, product teams, and external partners.

• Prepare reports, presentations, and correspondence with a high degree of accuracy and professionalism.

Legal & IP Collaboration

• Partner with the legal team to develop and execute intellectual property strategies.

• Ensure design agreements and IP protections are aligned with business and creative goals.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support business objectives.

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 design, design management, business, or a related field.

• Minimum 7 years of experience in design operations, product design, project management, or contract administration in a design-focused environment.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong design sensibility and appreciation for design excellence.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and communication.

• Proficiency in project management tools and office software.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Experience with budget tracking, financial reporting, and contract negotiation.

• Ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality.

• Adept at collaborating with legal, finance, and external design partners.

• Adapt to changing schedules and priorities across a global organization.

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.