Balenciaga Senior Leather Goods Designer

About Balenciaga

Founded by Cristóbal Balenciaga in 1917 and part of Kering, Balenciaga is one of fashion’s most influential houses, renowned for architectural cut, uncompromising craft, and a continual redefinition of modern luxury. As an employer, the House offers a demanding yet inspiring environment where heritage ateliers, bold creative vision, and global business expertise meet. Teams across design, product development, merchandising, retail, client engagement, communications, and corporate functions are encouraged to combine precision with experimentation, agility with excellence. Balenciaga seeks individuals who are culturally aware, rigorous, collaborative, and ready to contribute to a maison that shapes the conversation of contemporary fashion while respecting the discipline of couture.

Role & Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth creative design research for men’s and women’s leather goods based on briefs from the Artistic Direction.
• Present creative proposals through vintage research, 3D models and sketches for projects assigned by the Chief Creative Officer, and oversee them through completion within deadlines.
• Recommend suitable materials aligned with creative direction while respecting development budgets for each product category.
• Supervise prototypes and pre-production samples through final approval, meeting industrialization deadlines and expected quality standards.
• Initiate prototype development with internal and external suppliers.
• Prepare presentation boards, collection materials and documents required for fittings.
• Manage administrative follow-up for development projects.
• Attend fittings and contribute to product standardization.
• Work closely with Product Development, Patternmaking and industrial partners to ensure designs are executed successfully.
• Contribute to studio upkeep and foster a healthy, collaborative working environment.
• Contribute to sustainability projects and the House’s responsible development initiatives.

Qualifications

• Degree from a fashion, design or product-creation school.
• Significant leather goods design experience at a luxury house or in a premium environment.
• Strong creative sensibility and excellent knowledge of the leather goods sector.
• Command of all stages of product development, from research through final approval.
• Proficiency with drawing, design and presentation tools, as well as 3D software.
• Creativity, rigour and attention to detail, with the ability to work comfortably in demanding, international environments.
• Fluent English; Italian is a plus.

Skills

Experience

Significant experience in leather goods design at a luxury house or in a premium environment.

Education

Degree from a fashion, design or product-creation school.

Benefits

Balenciaga supports professional development within the House and Kering Group and aims to provide a stimulating, fulfilling work environment that enables employees to develop their potential.

Culture

Balenciaga fosters a bold, forward-thinking workplace where creativity, experimentation, and cultural awareness drive the evolution of contemporary luxury. As an employer, the House encourages collaboration across disciplines, empowering teams to challenge convention while upholding exceptional standards of craftsmanship, precision, and brand integrity.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.