Experienced R&D Project Manager

Gabriel A/S; Aalborg; On-site; DKK 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional growth opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Integration of design, technology, and market insights

Job summary

Gabriel A/S in Aalborg is seeking a professional to drive innovation through structured project management and business development. In this central role, you will be responsible for managing complex development projects that deliver commercial benefits by collaborating with specialists and partners.

The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of R&D or product development experience, preferably in the textile or furniture sector. The role offers excellent professional growth opportunities and a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in R&D or product development, preferably in textile or furniture industry.
• Demonstrated project management success, delivering new products or implemented concepts.
• Strong understanding of technical development with commercial strategy alignment.

Responsibilities

• Lead development projects integrating technical innovation with commercial impacts.
• Translate innovation concepts into business-relevant projects.
• Develop business cases and project briefs based on market insights.

Skills

R&D experience

Project management

Business acumen

Stakeholder collaboration

Communication

Education

Degree in design, engineering, industrial design, or equivalent

Job description

Drive innovation through structured project management and business development

In this central role in Design and Product Development, you will manage complex development projects that integrate technical innovation with commercial impact. By collaborating with internal specialists, external partners, and customers, you will ensure that every aspect of the newly developed products delivers commercial benefits. Your role is essential in developing, qualifying, and implementing new products and business concepts.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and execute development projects within new product segments and strategic business areas.
• Translate innovation concepts into business‑relevant projects through clear goals and execution strategies.
• Develop business cases and project briefs.
• Apply market insights and trend analyses to support the development of future‑oriented product solutions.
• Execute technical and commercial R&D tasks in the projects and lead in finding solutions for complex challenges.
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of the development process, R&D methods and best practices.

Your profile

You possess a strong understanding of technical development coupled with solid project management skills and a clear business perspective. You are curious and flexible, with a strong ability to navigate complex and evolving innovation processes and translate them into sustainable business concepts.

Professional qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in R&D or product development. Experience within the textile or furniture industry is an advantage.
• Experience in project management with a demonstrated track record of finalising projects as new products or implemented concepts.
• Educational background in design, engineering, industrial design, innovation, business development, or an equivalent field.
• Strong business acumen and proven ability to link technical solutions with commercial strategy.
• Expertise in developing structured business cases and innovation frameworks.
• Solid knowledge of development processes, prototyping, and technical validation.
• Proven experience in stakeholder and partner collaboration across various disciplines.

Personal competencies

• Structured, analytical, and solution‑oriented.
• Effective communicator with a collaborative mindset and ability to align diverse teams.
• Proactive and execution‑oriented, capable of independently driving tasks forward from strategic planning to hands‑on implementation.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written.

Practical information

The position is based at our headquarters in Aalborg, Denmark, with approximately 15-20 travel days per year, primarily to suppliers and partners in Europe.

We offer

• An opportunity to drive innovation in collaboration with international leading brands, textile designers, and other textile specialists.
• A professional environment where technology, design, and market insights are integrated into every project.
• Excellent opportunities for professional growth and specialisation within R&D and innovation.
• A value‑based, international organisation with a positive and collaborative culture.

We aim to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives and skills. We believe diversity fosters collaboration and drives our success, and we welcome all qualified applicants, regardless of gender, age, ethnic background, or other personal characteristics. To ensure a fair and impartial recruitment, we encourage candidates not to disclose their gender and age or include a photo in the material sent to us.

Learn more about The Gabriel Culture

Lokation: Aalborg, Denmark