Richemont 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.
Workplace
The successful candidate will be located in Scandicci, Tuscany, Italy, with easy access to Florence. 70 luxury roles are listed in Scandicci on Cerulean, 2 posted in the last 48 hours. Across the Tuscany region, Cerulean lists 268 open positions — 3 listed in the past two days. Cerulean currently advertises 1.295 open roles in Italy, including 27 added in the last 48 hours.
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.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.