Global Engineering Director (m/f/d) in Köln

Welcome to RIMOWA, the first German Maison of the LVMH Group. We are a global lifestyle brand with a mission to create
the essential tools for a lifetime of travel.
For more than 125 years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to develop unique products where function coexists with luxury, heritage with innovation, and craftsmanship with design.

At RIMOWA we believe that great ambitions demand resilient companions. It’s why our tools are created with longevity in mind. Because the most meaningful journeys last more than a trip, they last a lifetime. Please join us to discover your own.

As Global Engineering Director (m/f/d) you lead our global engineering function, drive our industrial Capex strategy, and elevate our manufacturing excellence across all production sites. The position is located in our Head Office in Cologne, Germany.

Job responsibilities

YOUR TASKS:

• Strategic Leadership: Define and drive RIMOWA’s global engineering and Industrial Capex strategy across all production sites, ensuring full alignment on manufacturing standards, processes, equipment, and continuous improvement priorities.
• Global Industrial Competitiveness: Strengthen our market position by building consistency, scalability, and operational excellence across all regions.
• Standards & Governance: Define, implement, and govern global standards for manufacturing processes, equipment, Bill of Process (BOP), and Bill of Equipment (BOE) to ensure best-in-class execution.
• Industrialization & Lifecycle Management: Oversee the successful introduction of new products and processes through robust project management, validation discipline, and “right first time” execution.
• Continuous Improvement & Digitalization: Lead continuous improvement initiatives using lean methodologies, time studies, and productivity enhancement programs, while steering our digital manufacturing transformation across all plants.
• Gap Analysis & Action Planning: Assess manufacturing site capabilities, identify performance and competency gaps, and lead cross-functional action plans to close them sustainably.
• Organization & Talent Development: Lead and mentor plant engineering teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance while driving succession planning.
• Technology & Innovation: Partner with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to evaluate and implement advanced manufacturing solutions and engineering innovations.
• Senior Stakeholder Collaboration: Act as a key escalation point for complex engineering topics and provide data-driven recommendations to the COO and senior leadership team.

Profile

YOUR PROFILE:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a comparable technical field.
• At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in industrial management, with extensive background in engineering, manufacturing, process development, and industrialization.
• Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes, process optimization, equipment solutions, lean initiatives, and productivity improvement.
• Proven capability to lead through complexity and change, influence senior stakeholders, and align cross-functional teams.
• Strategic mindset combined with a strong execution focus, sound technical judgment, and a passion for continuous improvement. Exceptional analytical skills and the ability to inspire diverse teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with full professional fluency in both English and German.
• Willingness to travel internationally as required by global operations.

Additional information

OUR BENEFITS:

• 30 days paid vacation per year
• RIMOWA Essential Cabin suitcase as a gift after the probationary period
• Corporate benefits and 30% discount on the RIMOWA assortment
• Company pension scheme with a high employer contribution or other capital-forming benefits
• Great canteen with freshly cooked and affordable food
• Urban Sports Club membership, public transportation ticket & job bike (partly subsidized)
• International environment and development opportunities within LVMH

Celebrating our inclusive and diverse culture is core to RIMOWA’s DNA. We know that for our business to thrive, we depend on having diverse talent with a range of backgrounds, skills and capabilities in each of the countries in which we operate and to reflect our broad consumer base. We view diversity as one of the key enablers that helps our business to grow.

Crafting Dreams Starts With Yours

At LVMH, people make the difference in the art of crafting dreams. Our people fuel our dynamic, entrepreneurial culture. We value collective ambitions, encouraging our talents to push boundaries and champion a curious, audacious state of mind. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in nurturing every individual with a growth mindset and development opportunities, consistently empowering them to reach their full potential. We are actively committed to positive impact through an inclusive environment that supports and gives back to our talented community. Join us at LVMH, where your talent is at the heart of our collective successes.

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