Apparel R&D Director

DAINESE; Piemonte; In loco; EUR 80.000 - 100.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

A leading global company in protective gear is seeking an Apparel R&D Director in Piemonte, Italy. The ideal candidate will lead the R&D function, driving innovation while ensuring product quality and safety. Responsibilities include coordinating development activities, supervising product lines, and managing an international team. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in sports apparel or protective gear, strong leadership skills, and a passion for motorsports. A motorcycle driving license is a plus.

Competenze

• At least 5 years of experience in the role, preferably in sports apparel, motorcycle clothing, or protective gear.
• Solid understanding of apparel development and advanced materials.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to manage teams.

Mansioni

• Coordinate the activities and resources of the R&D department.
• Supervise development activities for motorcycle apparel and protective gear.
• Develop and propose R&D strategies based on internal opportunities.
• Ensure achievement of innovation and safety objectives.
• Manage an international team and foster professional development.

Conoscenze

Apparel development

Advanced materials knowledge

Protective technologies

Leadership skills

Project management

Market trend analysis

Communication skills

Motorsport passion

Descrizione del lavoro

Dainese , a global company leader in protective equipment and garments for motorcycling and dynamic sports, is looking for an Apparel R&D Director .

He / she will be responsible for leading the Research & Development function for the Apparel division, driving innovation, product quality, and safety in alignment with the company’s strategic objectives and evolving market needs.

This role ensures the continuous advancement of technologies, materials, and processes to deliver cutting‑edge products that meet performance, comfort, and regulatory standards.

The R&D Apparel Director will translate creative concepts into functional, high‑quality solutions. Additionally, the position requires proactive identification of market trends, integration of emerging technologies, and leadership in setting long‑term innovation roadmaps to maintain the brand’s competitive edge.

YOU WILL BE IN CHARGE OF :

• Coordinate the activities and resources of the Research & Development department in line with objectives, plans, and strategies agreed with the Executive Management, defining timelines and key milestones.
• Supervise the development activities for motorcycle apparel and protective gear collections, Racing and Custom Works product development, and the engineering of garments equipped with Airbag technology (D-Air®).
• Develop and propose R&D strategies based on opportunities identified internally, requests from the Category Management Department, and inputs provided by the Innovation Department.
• Ensure achievement of innovation, product range depth, and safety objectives , collaborating with other company departments (Category Management, Innovation, Quality, and Validation) while respecting defined costs and timelines for collection development.
• Guarantee continuous technological monitoring of the product portfolio , preparing update programs to meet regulatory and commercial requirements.
• Plan division activities , ensuring responsibility for costs, timelines, and quality.
• Manage an international team , fostering motivation and professional development, as well as managing and expanding the network of external consultants and laboratories supporting in‑house activities.
• Continuously monitor compliance with company standards and procedures regarding quality and certifications, in collaboration with the Quality and Validation Departments.

WE'D LOVE TO GET TO KNOW YOU IF :

• You have at least 5years' work experience in the role, preferably in the sports apparel, motorcycle clothing, and protective gear sector.
• You have a solid understanding of apparel development, advanced materials, and protective technologies.
• You have strong leadership skills and the ability to manage teams through complex development processes, excellent communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally
• You have strategic vision and innovation mindset
• You are skilled in managing complex projects , ensuring alignment with timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• You have the ability to understand market trends and the needs of motorcyclists, combined with a genuine passion for motorsport.

Availability for business trips is required.

Motorcycle driving license “A” is a plus.