Celine Senior Product Developer, Leather Goods

About Celine

Founded in Paris in 1945 by Céline Vipiana, Celine is a storied French luxury house renowned for its modernist elegance, exacting craftsmanship, and quietly powerful vision of contemporary style. As part of LVMH, the Maison offers employees the opportunity to contribute to a global brand while remaining rooted in Parisian heritage, artisanal excellence, and creative discipline. Celine seeks individuals who combine cultural sensitivity, precision, and entrepreneurial spirit across design, merchandising, retail, operations, and corporate functions. The house fosters an environment where talent is expected to uphold exceptional standards, shape refined client experiences, and participate in the continuing evolution of a distinctive luxury identity.

Role & Responsibilities

• Interpret and translate design sketches and creative briefs into precise technical specifications and directives
• Collaborate with pattern makers to convert design concepts into detailed technical documentation and construction protocols
• Oversee all prototyping and sample creation activities within the internal atelier and external workshops
• Manage external suppliers and vendors to ensure timely production and delivery of samples within project deadlines
• Conduct comprehensive technical reviews of prototypes and gather optimization feedback for subsequent development phases
• Input and manage technical data within the PLM system to monitor collection progress and maintain accurate product records
• Prepare and compile detailed technical sheets, Bills of Materials (BOM), and specification documents for samples
• Define and document technical combinations, material pairings, and construction methodologies within the PLM framework
• Verify material costing accuracy and ensure Bills of Materials align with production and financial objectives
• Monitor strict adherence to development calendar timelines and seasonal deadlines across all product categories
• Coordinate with Materials Research and Engineering teams to ensure timely availability and integration of materials
• Serve as the primary liaison between Design Office, Marketing, Operations, and Production teams
• Prepare advance product reviews and consolidate feedback for continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of professional experience in product development within the luxury leather goods sector
• Fluent in English (mandatory); proficiency in French is highly valued
• Demonstrated expertise with Centric PLM system and advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
• Proven ability to manage complex technical communications across diverse stakeholder groups—creative teams, artisans, and technical specialists
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking capabilities in fast-paced fashion environments with strict seasonal calendars
• Demonstrated resilience and adaptability in managing design revisions, supply chain delays, and last-minute production adjustments
• Strong track record of building trust and fostering long-term collaborative relationships with internal teams and external vendors
• Proactive problem-solving mindset with ability to rapidly address technical obstacles and supply chain disruptions during prototyping phases

Skills

Experience

Minimum 6 years of progressively responsible experience in product development, specifically within the luxury leather goods sector. Candidates should demonstrate a strong track record of successful project management, technical coordination across multiple departments, and the ability to navigate complex, deadline-driven environments inherent to haute couture and luxury fashion manufacturing.

Education

Formal training or qualification in fashion design, product development, materials science, industrial engineering, or a related discipline is preferred. Equivalent professional experience may substitute for formal credentials.

Workplace

Compensation

The base compensation for this position is EUR 40,000 per annum.

Benefits

Legal and statutory benefits as governed by the Italian national collective bargaining agreement (CCNL Pelli e Succedanei); additional discretionary benefits may be provided in accordance with current Céline company policies.

Culture

Celine cultivates a refined, exacting workplace where creativity, discipline, and a deep respect for Parisian elegance shape every decision. As an employer, it values craftsmanship, cultural awareness, and strong individual ownership, offering teams an environment that is both demanding and inspiring within the world of luxury fashion.

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.