Rimowa Senior Prototype & Workshop Manager

About Rimowa

RIMOWA is the first German maison within the LVMH Group, renowned for premium aluminum and polycarbonate luggage that blends heritage craftsmanship with technical innovation. The brand operates globally across product, retail and corporate functions and benefits from the LVMH network for international development and cross‑brand expertise.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, development and execution of physical prototypes across stages from concept to functional validation.
• Manage day‑to‑day workshop operations, including equipment maintenance, material inventory, machinery instructions and enforcement of safety protocols.
• Translate digital designs into accurate physical prototypes by partnering with design, technical design and design operations teams.
• Oversee material selection and fabrication methods — e.g., 3D printing, CNC machining, vacuum forming and traditional handcrafting — and manage assembly workflows.
• Conduct feasibility studies and advise on design for manufacturability and assembly to align design intent with production realities.
• Source, select and oversee external suppliers and fabricators for specialised mock‑ups and complex prototyping requirements.
• Ensure prototype quality through iterative adjustments and reworks, maintaining a 360° customer view and product integrity.
• Develop and implement efficient workshop processes and workflows to optimise productivity, reduce lead times and improve throughput.
• Provide technical guidance to designers on prototyping capabilities and limitations and maintain an organised, safe working environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ professional experience in prototyping, model making or workshop management, preferably within product design or industrial contexts.
• Demonstrable expertise in fabrication techniques including 3D printing, CNC machining, vacuum forming and traditional handcraft methods.
• Strong material knowledge across plastics, metals, composites and wood and ability to select appropriate materials for prototypes.
• Proven ability to read and interpret technical drawings and CAD models; practical experience with SolidWorks and Rhino preferred.
• Experience operating and maintaining workshop equipment and enforcing health & safety standards.
• Excellent problem‑solving aptitude, attention to detail and capacity to manage multiple, concurrent projects to tight deadlines.
• Effective communicator with proven experience collaborating cross‑functionally and managing external vendors.
• Bachelor’s degree in industrial design, mechanical engineering or related discipline preferred.
• Fluent English required; German language skills are a plus.

Skills

Experience

Minimum 10 years in prototyping, model making or workshop management, ideally within product design, industrial design or an engineering environment.

Education

Degree in industrial design, mechanical engineering or a related field preferred.

Workplace

Benefits

30 days paid vacation; flexible working hours; RIMOWA Essential Cabin suitcase after probation; corporate benefits and 30% employee discount; company pension scheme (high employer contribution or capital‑forming benefits); subsidised canteen with freshly cooked meals; Urban Sports Club membership; public transport ticket & partly subsidised job bike; international environment and development opportunities within LVMH.

Culture

RIMOWA combines German craftsmanship and technical rigor with a modern, design‑led culture that values longevity and innovation. As part of the LVMH family, the workplace emphasizes diversity, international collaboration and professional development across the Group.

About Cerulean

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