Design and Innovation Project Manager
Richemont in Neuchâtel seeks a Design and Innovation Project Manager to lead product development and industrialisation for its luxury maisons.
Overview
Richemont is a Switzerland-based luxury goods holding company comprising a portfolio of maisons active in jewellery, watchmaking, leather goods, writing instruments and accessories. As an employer it emphasizes craftsmanship, creative excellence and the preservation of artisanal savoir‑faire across international, brand‑driven teams while investing in product and materials innovation.
Role & Responsibilities
- Lead end‑to‑end design and innovation projects from concept through industrialisation, ensuring alignment with brand strategy and commercial objectives.
- Coordinate cross‑functional teams including design, engineering, prototyping, sourcing, quality and production to meet time, cost and quality targets.
- Define project scope, milestones, budgets and risk mitigation plans; manage stage‑gate reviews and steering committee reporting.
- Drive materials research, prototyping cycles and supplier development to deliver technically viable and manufacturable solutions.
- Translate design intent into technical specifications, production dossiers and validation plans; ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
- Champion innovation by scouting trends, new materials and manufacturing technologies and by proposing proof‑of‑concepts and pilot runs.
- Manage external partners and suppliers, negotiating lead times, costs and IP considerations to protect maison design integrity.
Qualifications
- Degree in Industrial Design, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Product Design or related discipline; advanced degree preferred.
- Proven track record delivering complex product development projects in luxury goods, watchmaking, jewellery, leather goods or premium accessories.
- Demonstrable ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and external suppliers through prototyping and industrialisation phases.
- Strong organisational aptitude with experience of stage‑gate or phase‑review project governance.
- Comfort with technical dossiers, specification writing and production validation protocols.
Skills
Experience
Typically requires 5–8 years of progressive experience managing product development or innovation projects within luxury goods, watchmaking, jewellery, or premium accessories, including experience with prototyping, supplier development and industrialisation.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering or a related field; Master's degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification preferred.
Culture
Richemont cultivates a culture that privileges craftsmanship, long‑term brand stewardship and creative excellence. Teams operate in a collaborative, maison‑centric environment where technical mastery and product innovation are highly prized and employees are encouraged to develop specialist expertise.