Product Conformance and Testing Manager

Job Description

Product Conformance and Testing Manager Purpose The Product Conformance and Testing Manager is responsible for developing and leading the strategic direction, operational execution, and continuous improvement of product conformance, testing, and compliance systems at MillerKnoll. This includes overseeing internal testing laboratories, managing external test service providers, maintaining ISO/IEC 17025 and BIS accreditation, and ensuring product compliance with Indian and global regulatory standards. This role is pivotal in enabling safe, high-performing, and compliant furniture products that meet customer, contractual, and regulatory expectations globally. Key Responsibilities Laboratory Management Accreditation Lead and maintain BIS and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories and quality systems. Develop annual lab strategy and roadmap aligned with corporate goals and QCO (Quality Control Order) readiness. Ensure accurate, repeatable, and traceable test results. Ensure adequate lab staffing, budgeting, calibration, and capital equipment planning. Standards Compliance Certification Ensure products meet applicable BIS standards and hold valid certification (e.g., IS 17631, 17632, 17633, etc.). Maintain database of certificates, test reports, and declarations of conformity. Coordinate BIS applications, audits, and product licensing (Scheme I, per BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018). Represent MillerKnoll on Indian and international standardization committees (e.g., BIS, BIFMA, ISO). Product Lifecycle Testing Conformance Lead planning and execution of test programs for new and existing products (strength, flammability, electrical, chemical, etc.). Coordinate internal and third-party laboratory testing. Maintain internal control plans, SOPs, and conformance reports per product. Risk Regulatory Management Identify upcoming QCOs or regulatory changes affecting furniture (e.g., Protective Textiles, Hinges, Electrical Furniture). Coordinate with legal, sourcing, and engineering to assess regulatory risk and recommend compliance paths. Guide teams on exemptions, timelines, and import/export implications under BIS rules. Leadership People Management Lead a cross-functional testing and certification team (mechanical, chemical, electrical, and regulatory specialists). Define roles, career paths, and development plans for direct reports. Forecast and manage departmental budgets, capacity, and headcount needs. Mentor technical professionals in testing methods and compliance practices. Stakeholder Engagement Communication Collaborate with Product Development, Engineering, Sourcing, and Legal teams to ensure conformance readiness. Support customer and sales inquiries related to certification and compliance documentation. Author and maintain product testing and conformance policy, procedures, and audit protocols. Required Qualifications Bachelors or Master s in Mechanical Engineering or related field. Minimum 7 years of experience in testing, certification, product development, or regulatory compliance. Strong working knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 and BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) compliance frameworks. Experience with international standards (BIFMA, ISO, ANSI, IEC) and QCO implementation in India. Preferred Qualifications BIS Scheme-I certification experience across furniture categories. Familiarity with QCOs affecting upholstered composites, electrical furniture, hinges, and wood-based boards. Experience implementing and managing in-house laboratories for compliance testing. Knowledge of surface durability, flame resistance, electrical safety testing. Key Competencies Leadership and team-building across technical functions. Strategic planning and program management. Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement. Analytical thinking, risk-based decision making, and process optimization. Excellent communication and documentation skills. 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.