Senior Prototype and Workshop Manager (m/f/d)

Position

Welcome to RIMOWA, the first German Maison of the LVMH Group. We are a global lifestyle brand with a mission to create the essential tools for a lifetime of travel. For more than 125 years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to develop unique products where function coexists with luxury, heritage with innovation, and craftsmanship with design.

At RIMOWA we believe that great ambitions demand resilient companions. It’s why our tools are created with longevity in mind. Because the most meaningful journeys last more than a trip, they last a lifetime. Please join us to discover your own.

We are looking for a Senior Prototype & Workshop Manager (m/f/d) for our Research & Development team at our Head Office in Cologne as soon as possible. The Prototype & Workshop Manager oversees the development and execution of physical prototypes and manages the workshop operations. This position will report to the Design Operations Manager and will collaborate closely with the design team, technical designer, design operations coordinators, and external vendors.

Job responsibilities

YOUR TASKS:

• Lead the planning, development, and execution of physical prototypes for various product stages, from early concepts to functional models
• Manage the workshop, including equipment maintenance, material inventory, GBUs machinery instructions, and safety protocols
• Collaborate with the design and technical teams to translate digital designs into physical prototypes, ensuring accuracy and adherence to specifications
• Oversee the entire prototyping process, including material selection, fabrication techniques (e.g., 3D printing, CNC machining, traditional craftsmanship), and assembly
• Conduct feasibility studies and provide feedback on design for manufacturability and assembly
• Manage external suppliers and fabricators for mock ups for specialized prototyping needs or design vision
• Ensure the quality and integrity of all prototypes, performing necessary adjustments and reworks to meet design intent and functional requirements with a 360° customer view
• Develop and implement efficient workshop processes and workflows to optimize productivity and reduce lead times
• Provide technical guidance and support to the design team on prototyping capabilities and limitations
• Maintain an organized and safe working environment within the workshop

Profile

YOUR PROFILE:

• 10+ years of experience in prototyping, model making, or workshop management, preferably within a product design or industrial setting
• Proven expertise in various fabrication techniques, including 3D printing, CNC machining, vacuum forming, and traditional handcrafting methods
• Strong understanding of materials and their properties, including plastics, metals, composites, and woods
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, CAD models (e.g., SolidWorks, Rhino), and design specifications
• Experience with workshop equipment maintenance and operation
• Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices in a workshop environment
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment and the drive to develop rough design visions into feasible design according to the product brief
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with cross-functional team and external vendors
• A background in industrial design, mechanical engineering, or a related field is highly preferred
• Languages: Fluent English a MUST, German a PLUS

Additional information

What you can expect from us:

• 30 days paid vacation per year
• Flexible working hours
• RIMOWA Essential Cabin suitcase as a gift after the probationary period
• Corporate benefits and 30% discount on the RIMOWA assortment
• Company pension scheme with a high employer contribution or other capital-forming benefits
• Great canteen with freshly cooked and affordable meals
• Urban Sports Club membership, public transportation ticket & job bike (partly subsidized)
• International environment and development opportunities within LVMH

 

BECOME PART OF RIMOWA:

Please send us your complete application documents including your salary requirements and details of your possible starting date.

We look forward to receiving your application! Look for us on Instagram @RIMOWA or visit us on our RIMOWA Career page: https://career.rimowa.com/

Celebrating our inclusive and diverse culture is core to RIMOWA’s DNA. We know that for our business to thrive, we depend on having diverse talent with a range of backgrounds, skills and capabilities in each of the countries in which we operate and to reflect our broad consumer base. We view diversity as one of the key enablers that helps our business to grow.