Ancillary Specialist

Summary: The Ancillary Specialist is a client-facing design expert and product strategist responsible for developing and coordinating ancillary furniture solutions across commercial, government, healthcare, MFH, and higher education markets. This individual partners closely with Designers, PMs, Sales, and the A&D community to align on project vision and provide tailored, technically accurate recommendations that support design intent and overall project success.  As a key contributor within the Design department, the Ancillary Specialist is expected to take ownership of assigned tasks and project components by thinking, acting, and responding like an owner. They deliver accurate, visually compelling, and timely documentation while maintaining alignment with MOI’s mission to create intelligent spaces and its vision to deliver excellence in both experience and outcome.

Essential Functions: 

• Attend internal and external meetings to review project scope, programming, and furniture strategy.
• Lead ancillary-specific communication and design discussions with clients and/or A&D partners.
• Guide showroom tours and interviews to review product details and collect design intent.
• Develop and present lookbooks with primary and alternate solutions that reflect client goals.
• Select finishes and materials in alignment with project aesthetics, budget, and lead times.
• Order building/furniture samples and manage finish approvals, including COM testing as needed.
• Coordinate AV/IT integration in partnership with the A&D firm, Project Director, PM, and Designer.
• Partner with aligned Designers to develop complete Final Design Packages (FDPs) and TDE sets.
• Maintain accurate, updated BOMs that correspond to lookbooks and approved product solutions.
• Attend and contribute to site verifications alongside PMs and Designers.
• Apply knowledge of furniture systems, technical specifications, and MillerKnoll standards to support installation success.
• Submit quotes and drawing updates in a timely manner to meet project and internal deadlines.
• Participate in team design reviews and debriefs to continuously improve processes and documentation.
• Maintain an annual training log with at least six MillerKnoll learning opportunities completed.

Task Expectations: 

• Professional Deliverables: Deliver clear, visually compelling documentation (lookbooks, BOMs, finish matrices, etc.) that align with project expectations and timelines
• Error Reduction: Ensure BOM accuracy and finish verification through internal reviews, collaboration, and consistent follow-up with vendors
• Client Consulting: Demonstrate confidence during finish meetings, product walkthroughs, and design discussions
• Internal Communication: Maintain consistent updates and coordination with Designers and Sales to ensure alignment of design intent and final selections
• Continual Learning: Maintain product knowledge across a diverse range of manufacturers; complete at least six MillerKnoll learning opportunities annually

Core Competencies: 

• Working knowledge of AutoCAD, CET, CAP2020, Microsoft Office Suite, and Bluebeam
• Strong understanding of contract furniture, manufacturers, and ancillary product lines
• Ability to lead finish meetings and confidently communicate product strategies
  • Strategic Alignment – Consistently makes decisions and takes actions that support the organization’s mission, vision, and long-term goals.
  • Adaptability & Growth – Embraces feedback, change, and continuous learning to improve performance and outcomes.
  • Collaboration – Builds strong working relationships by listening actively, anticipating needs, and supporting the success of others.
  • Communication – Shares information clearly and respectfully, ensuring timeliness and context to promote understanding.
  • Integrity & Trust – Demonstrates honesty, accountability, and fairness to foster confidence and belonging across the organization.

Education & Experience: 

• Graduate of a 4-year design school (bachelor’s) or a 2-year associate degree program (dependent on region).
• Internship or 1 year of related experience in the contract furniture or design industry preferred but not required.

Base Pay: $70,000 - $75,000 company incentive 

Benefits: 

You will be eligible to participate in the benefit programs offered to all full-time employees working at least 30 hours per week. Health benefits include - medical/dental/vision, health savings account, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance, dependent care flex spending, and employee assistance program.  In addition - PTO, paid holidays, paid parental leave for eligible employees, 401(k) match, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and other perks & benefits. 

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. While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers to operate equipment or technology, and communicate verbally and in writing. The employee may occasionally be required to bend, reach, lift, or move objects up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.   

Travel: 

Occasional regional travel to our offices located in Baltimore, DC, Richmond, Charlottesville, Roanoke, and Virginia Beach. 

Working Conditions: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This role typically operates in an office and/or warehouse setting with moderate noise levels and temperature-controlled environment. Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.     

***All MOI hires are contingent upon successfully passing a background check and drug screen.***