Rimowa Innovation Project Manager
- Employment
- Full-Time
- Seniority
- Mid-Level
- Industry
- Fashion, Apparel & Leather Goods
- Posted
- Aug 11, 2026
About Rimowa
Founded in Cologne in 1898, Rimowa stands as a benchmark of modern luxury travel, renowned for its iconic grooved aluminum suitcases and uncompromising German engineering. As an employer, the Maison offers a distinctive environment where heritage craftsmanship, industrial precision, design innovation, and elevated client experience converge. Part of the LVMH Group, Rimowa provides opportunities across product development, manufacturing, retail, digital, marketing, and corporate functions within an international culture shaped by excellence and forward movement. The brand seeks individuals who value quality, creativity, resilience, and meticulous execution, inviting them to contribute to objects designed not merely to accompany journeys, but to define them.
RIMOWA seeks Innovation Project Manager in Cologne, Germany—drive end-to-end innovation from concept through delivery.
Role & Responsibilities
- Research, identify, and develop new product concepts, functionalities, and processes aligned with brand heritage and innovation strategy
- Assess concepts across functionality, ergonomics, usability, customer benefit, and environmental impact
- Proactively propose new ideas and directions for innovation and research streams
- Define efficient evaluation approaches to enable fast, informed decision-making at early project stages
- Monitor, track, and report innovation project KPIs and progress to relevant stakeholders
- Analyze and evaluate technical and cost proposals from internal and external partners, including make-or-buy assessments
- Define optimal methods and technologies to illustrate, validate, and prove concepts and solutions
- Liaise with Quality and Technical Design teams to support qualification of concepts and components
- Select materials, technologies, processes, and suppliers to meet project requirements
- Prepare technical documentation and visualizations, including design drawings, CAD models, mock-ups, and test jigs
- Collect, analyze, and interpret prototype test data to support development decisions
- Conduct supplier visits to align on designs, validate feasibility, and resolve technical issues
- 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 collaborative team approach
- Ensure effective cross-functional alignment to secure support and cooperation for project success
Qualifications
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field
- Minimum 3–5 years of professional experience in innovation, product development, or engineering project management
- Solid experience with innovation methodologies and innovation management practices
- Deep expertise in plastic and metal transformation and decoration processes
- 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 at B-Level is advantageous
Skills
Experience
Minimum 3–5 years of professional experience in innovation, product development, or engineering project management, with demonstrated competency in developing product concepts from ideation through technical validation and implementation.
Education
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Workplace
This position is based in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Benefits
30 days paid vacation per year, flexible working hours, RIMOWA Essential Cabin suitcase upon completion of probationary period, 30% discount on RIMOWA assortment, company pension scheme with high employer contribution, company canteen with freshly cooked meals, Urban Sports Club membership, subsidized public transportation and job bike, international environment and career development opportunities within LVMH.
Culture
Rimowa fosters a workplace culture rooted in German engineering, precision craftsmanship, and a forward-looking spirit of innovation. As a global luxury house, it values collaboration, attention to detail, and entrepreneurial thinking, offering teams an environment where heritage and modern design come together to shape exceptional travel experiences.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like Rimowa, titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «Product Innovation Manager», «Innovation Development Manager», «New Product Project Manager», «Technical Innovation Specialist», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.