Innovation Project Manager (m/f/d)

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.

The Innovation Project Manager (m/f/d) drives the end-to-end delivery of innovation projects, from early concept development through to handover to the relevant stakeholders. The role is responsible for developing innovative concepts, components, manufacturing methods, and processes, bridging ideation and execution to deliver new products and enhance existing ones.

Reporting to the Head of Innovation, the Innovation Project Manager(m/f/d) works closely with Innovation, Product, Development, Homologation, and Industrial teams, as well as external partners, to ensure measurable project progress, technical feasibility, and high-quality outcomes.

This is a permanent full time position, based in our Headquarter in Cologne, Germany.

Job responsibilities

• Research, identify, and develop new product concepts, functionalities, and processes
• Assess concepts in terms of functionality, ergonomics, usability, customer benefit, and environmental impact
• Proactively propose new ideas, concepts, and directions for innovation and research streams
• Define efficient evaluation approaches to assess concepts at an early stage and enable fast decision-making
• Monitor, track, and report innovation project KPIs and progress to relevant stakeholders

Technical leadership:

• Analyse and evaluate technical and cost proposals from internal and external partners, including make-or-buy assessments
• Define the most appropriate methods and technologies to illustrate, validate, and prove concepts and solutions
• Liaise with Quality and Technical Design teams to support the qualification of concepts and components
• Define optimal materials, technologies, processes, and suppliers to meet project requirements
• Prepare technical documentation and visualisations, including design drawings, CAD models, mock-ups, and test jigs
• Collect, analyse, and interpret prototype test data to support development decisions
• Conduct supplier visits where required to align on designs, validate feasibility, or resolve technical issues

Communication and ownership:

• Champion a culture of innovation through visible passion and enthusiasm for new product creation
• Manage communication with internal and external development partners throughout the project lifecycle
• Work autonomously across multiple projects while maintaining a collaborative team approach
• Ensure effective cross-functional alignment to secure the support and cooperation required for project success

Profile

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
• 3-5 years of professional experience in innovation, product development, or engineering project management
• Solid experience with innovation methodologies and related innovation management practices
• Entrepreneurial, proactive, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with sound decision-making ability
• Deep expertise in plastic and metal transformation and decoration processes
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and solid modeling software
• Hands-on experience with 3D printing across different technologies
• Familiarity with AI applications and their practical use in innovation and development contexts
• Experience working with external suppliers and development partners
• Fluent English; German on B-Level is a plus

Additional information

What you can expect from us:

• 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.

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