Senior Merchandiser- Fine Jewellery

The Senior Merchandiser will play a pivotal role in managing client relationships, overseeing the design and sample development process, and coordinating with internal teams to ensure timely and cost-effective production. The candidate will be responsible for collaborating with clients to estimate target costs and aligning internal teams to achieve those targets while maintaining design integrity and quality.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Client Collaboration & Design Development

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients' product and design teams, gaining a thorough understanding of their design briefs and brand aesthetics.
• Manage the design and CAD development process, coordinating communication, collecting feedback, and obtaining design approvals.

2. Sample Development, Cost Management & Production Planning

• Coordinate with finance and procurement teams to source input materials (gemstones, findings, and other production inputs).
• Work with the manufacturing team to produce, quality check, and ship samples on time.
• Work with internal teamssketch designers, CAD designers, and production teamsto explore design modifications, material options, and production techniques that help achieve the target cost without compromising quality.
• Collaborate with finance and procurement to estimate the input materials (gemstones, metals, findings) required for mass production.
• Develop and execute a production plan in partnership with the client, aligning with their launch timelines and inventory needs.

3. Brand Understanding & Client Relations

• Build a deep understanding of each client's brand identity, marketing approach, storytelling style, and customer preferences.
• Study the social and cultural attributes of the client's target audience to align designs with market trends and customer preferences.
• Serve as a strategic partner, offering insights and recommendations that reflect the clients brand essence and customer tastes.

4. Process Improvement & Cost Efficiency

• Continuously review and enhance internal processes to improve efficiency, reduce lead times, and increase quality during the design-to-sample process.
• Implement best practices to streamline collaboration across design, CAD, and production teams.

5. Industry Awareness & Trend Monitoring

• Stay up-to-date with the latest trends in fine jewelry, including materials, techniques, and customer preferences.
• Monitor competitor offerings and explore new technologies to bring innovation to the design process.

Preferred candidate profile

• Education: A Bachelor's or Masters degree in Jewelry Design
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in product design program management within the fine jewelry industry, preferably in a B2B manufacturing environment.
• Jewelry Design Process Knowledge: Strong understanding of the jewelry design and production lifecycle,
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to manage cross-functional and international teams effectively.
• Analytical & Numerical Skills: Strong proficiency in numerical analysis for cost estimation and material planning.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in MS Excel for tracking, budgeting, and production planning.

What we offer

• The chance to work with leading luxury brands and shape their collections.
• Exposure to global customers and industry trends.