Van Cleef & Arpels Head of Atelier

Van Cleef & Arpels is a Parisian maison renowned for its high-jewellery craftsmanship, poetic design language and artisanal savoir‑faire. As part of the Richemont Group, the brand combines historic techniques with contemporary creativity and maintains ateliers that produce pieces to the exacting standards of haute joaillerie.

1. Lead and manage daily operations of the jewellery atelier, ensuring production schedules, quality standards and delivery deadlines are met.
2. Supervise, coach and develop a multi‑disciplinary team of master craftsmen, setters, polishers and apprentices; drive continuous skills development and transfer of know‑how.
3. Oversee technical interpretation of design, feasibility studies and prototyping; collaborate closely with design, product development and quality control teams.
4. Implement and monitor stringent quality control processes at each stage of manufacture, ensuring compliance with maison standards and regulatory requirements.
5. Plan resource allocation and production sequencing, manage workshop workflow and escalate capacity or supply issues to senior management.
6. Maintain atelier organisation including tooling, equipment maintenance, workplace safety, and inventory of precious metals and stones.
7. Contribute to cost control and budgeting for the atelier, and liaise with external suppliers or specialist subcontractors when required.

1. Proven technical mastery in high‑jewellery techniques (goldsmithing, gem‑setting, micro‑soldering, stone setting).
2. Demonstrable leadership experience managing a high‑performance jewellery workshop in a luxury or haute joaillerie environment.
3. Acute attention to detail and an uncompromising approach to finish and quality.
4. Strong interdepartmental communication skills with the ability to translate creative intent into manufacturable processes.
5. Familiarity with health & safety standards for jewellery workshops and experience implementing best practices.

1. High‑jewellery goldsmithing
2. Stone setting (including pavé and invisible settings)
3. Micro‑soldering and precision finishing
4. Workshop operations management
5. Production planning and workflow optimisation
6. Quality control for haute joaillerie
7. Team leadership and artisan training
8. Inventory control of precious metals and gemstones

Typically 7–10+ years of hands‑on experience in jewellery manufacture with several years in a supervisory or head‑of‑atelier capacity within a luxury jewellery house or equivalent artisanal setting; experience in haute joaillerie is essential.

Professional diploma or apprenticeship qualification in jewellery making, goldsmithing or related craft; Master‑craftsman certification or equivalent vocational credential preferred.

The maison cultivates a culture of meticulous craftsmanship, respect for traditional techniques and measured innovation. The workplace values long‑term skill development, mentorship between master craftsmen and apprentices, and a collaborative relationship between ateliers and creative teams.