Product Stewardship Associate Specialist

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.

As a Product Stewardship Associate Specialist, you’ll be starting your career path to addressing product legal and regulatory compliance. You will engage with suppliers and peers to collect, organize, store, and maintain documentation. You will support the Stewardship function in gathering information needed for internal and external communication and reporting. All this while growing your knowledge and understanding of the applicable legal and regulatory requirements for our products.

The Product Stewardship function sits within the Sustainability & Stewardship organization and works closely with related product compliance functions including Product Performance, Trade Compliance, Sustainability, Quality and Packaging, as well as with Product Development and Management to ensure a compliant product and to advance sustainable and innovative outcomes. We also work across the collective with various functions including Operations, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Legal.

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Product Stewardship Associate Specialist is an entry-level role focused on supporting sustainability and stewardship initiatives through structured learning and active participation. This role builds foundational knowledge in sustainability frameworks and product compliance regulations. Operating under close supervision, the associate specialist follows established procedures while beginning to understand how sustainability and stewardship matters contribute to product compliance, certifications, environmental goals, and business strategy. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Key Responsibilities

• Support sustainability and compliance initiatives by following established procedures and best practices. 

• Assist in organizing and maintaining documentation related to voluntary certifications and product stewardship compliance programs. 

• Participate in internal reviews and team discussions to build understanding of sustainability and compliance processes. 

• Engage in supplier communications to support information gathering and collaboration. 

• Maintain product and corporate data accuracy for internal and external reporting. 

• Support stakeholder communications by gathering information needed for communications vehicles including Better World Report, responses to RFPs, preparation of materials for speaking engagements, press releases, dealer communications, etc. 

• Learn to navigate core systems and platforms used in sustainability and compliance work. 

• Contribute to team efforts by asking clarifying questions and seeking guidance when needed. 

• Demonstrate attention to detail and commitment to established principles in all assigned tasks. 

• Performs additional responsibilities as requested to achieve business objectives. 

Core Knowledge Areas

• Introduction to product stewardship concepts and lifecycle thinking. 

• Basic sustainability and product stewardship principles, including certifications (e.g., LEED, WELL, EPDs), regulatory frameworks (e.g., material and chemical regulations, product labeling, reporting and disclosure requirements, end of life/extended producer responsibility requirements and reporting) and corporate goals. 

• Awareness of enterprise systems and platforms used in sustainability and compliance work. 

• Understanding of documentation practices and version control. 

• Recognition of how sustainability and compliance efforts support broader organizational objectives. 

Proficiency Expectations 

• Follows established procedures with attention to detail and accuracy. 

• Organizes and maintains documentation in alignment with team standards. 

• Participates in internal reviews and supplier outreach efforts. 

• Communicates clearly and respectfully with internal and external stakeholders. 

• Seek guidance and clarification to ensure understanding and alignment. 

• Demonstrates curiosity and commitment to learning sustainability and compliance practices