GUCCI Head of R&D and Product Development - Watches
- Cortaillod, Neuchâtel
- CDI
- Temps-plein
Integral role within the architecture design studio with ability to design store projects globally. Ensuring the store concept and business rationale are clearly delivered in each project.As Head of R&D and Product Development-Watches you will lead the full development lifecycle of our timepieces, from core collections to High Watchmaking creations. You will oversee every stage from initial concept in collaboration with the design team through to manufacturing and market launch. You will be responsible for ensuring that all products are high quality standards, technologically innovative, aesthetically refined, and fully aligned with Gucci’s brand DNA and market expectations.Job DescriptionKEY ACCOUNTABILITIESStrategy & Innovation
- Lead and enhance the product development strategy and innovation roadmap aligned with brand positioning and commercial objectives.
- Identify and integrate emerging trends, materials, and technologies into future watch collections (e.g., sustainable materials, smart tech, mechanical innovation…).
- Lead R&D initiatives being connected with your peers within the brand and through the global group.
- Oversee and continuously improve the entire product development process, from initial briefing and alignment with the design team through technical development, prototyping, validation, and preparation for market launch.
- Foster close collaboration with all teams involved to ensure an optimal balance between creativity, technical feasibility, cost-efficiency, perceived quality and adherence to time-to-market objectives.
- Drive effective cross-functional coordination across all key stakeholders—Collection Merchandising, Design, Industrialization, logistics and Manufacturing—to enhance the overall efficiency, integration, and performance of the development process.
- Standardize tools, methods, and workflows to increase development efficiency and reduce unnecessary iterations or delays.
- Ensure robust project planning, clear milestones, and effective resource allocation across all initiatives.
- Develop and maintain a network of reliable partners who meet our standards, in collaboration with the Purchasing and Quality teams.
- Lead, mentor, and inspire a multidisciplinary team of product development Managers, Technical Designers, and Technicians.
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Promote Gucci Mindsets & Values in your everyday way of leading
- Ensure on-time, on-budget delivery of new collections and technical developments.
- Implement efficient development processes, timelines, and KPIs to track project performance.
- Act as a key liaison between all teams
- Promote a culture of high performance, accountability, quality, and creative problem-solving.
- Encourage cross-learning between teams to strengthen collaboration and knowledge sharing
- Present development progress, technical challenges, and product innovations to senior management and various stakeholders through the process