Research & Innovation Senior Project Manager
Richemont is hiring a Research & Innovation Senior Project Manager in Scandicci, Italy to lead materials and product innovation programmes.
Overview
Richemont is a leading Swiss-based luxury goods group that manages a portfolio of maisons across jewellery, watchmaking, leather goods and accessories. The group is known for artisanal craftsmanship, vertical expertise in product creation and a commitment to long-term brand stewardship and innovation.
Role & Responsibilities
- Lead a portfolio of research and innovation projects from concept through industrialisation, ensuring timely delivery to production.
- Define project scope, milestones, resource plans and budgets; monitor progress and implement corrective actions to meet objectives.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including design, product development, sourcing, quality, production and external suppliers or ateliers.
- Drive materials and process innovation initiatives (materials selection, prototyping, testing and validation) focused on performance, manufacturability and sustainability.
- Manage supplier selection, technical qualification and development activities to secure required capabilities and capacity.
- Translate technical requirements into actionable development plans and technical specifications; ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
- Capture and document learnings, maintain project governance artefacts and report programme status to senior stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree (preferred) or bachelor’s degree in materials science, engineering, industrial design, textile technology or related discipline; equivalent industry experience acceptable.
- Proven track record of managing complex, cross-functional R&I or product development projects within luxury goods, fashion, leather goods, watchmaking or related industries.
- Demonstrable experience in materials innovation, prototyping and industrialisation.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills; ability to influence senior internal and external partners.
- Certifications in project management (PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent) preferred.
Skills
Experience
Typically 6+ years of progressive experience in research & development, innovation or product development roles, with demonstrated responsibility for leading multi-disciplinary projects and managing supplier development within the luxury goods or high-end manufacturing sectors.
Education
Master’s degree in materials science, engineering, industrial design, textile technology or a related field preferred; bachelor’s degree with substantial relevant experience accepted.
Culture
Richemont’s maisons prioritise craftsmanship, attention to detail and long-term stewardship of creative heritage. The workplace emphasises close collaboration between ateliers, designers and technical teams, with a growing focus on innovation, sustainability and responsible sourcing.