Chanel Manager, Alterations Trainer

About Chanel

Chanel is one of the world’s most revered luxury houses, founded by Gabrielle Chanel and distinguished by an enduring vision of elegance, freedom, and modernity. As an employer, the House brings together métiers ranging from haute couture, fashion and leather goods to fragrance, beauty, watches, and fine jewelry, offering employees the opportunity to contribute to a legacy defined by exceptional craftsmanship and creative audacity. Chanel values excellence, discretion, collaboration, and long-term development, fostering an environment where talent is nurtured and heritage is continually reinterpreted for contemporary clients. Its teams are united by a commitment to quality, innovation, and the timeless spirit of the brand.

Role & Responsibilities

• Assesses technical and client relationship skills across the Alterations team to map existing skill levels, identify staffing gaps, and determine appropriate learning needs and development solutions
• Partners with Boutique Management and People & Organization teams in the recruitment process of new Alterationists, specifically conducting technical skills evaluations
• Evaluates boutique workshop efficiency, flows, technical equipment, machines, and working conditions, coordinating the ordering of necessary elements
• Develops team knowledge and agility with key digital tools including ACET (After Sales Client Experience Tool), Repair and Alteration App, and iFL (Inside Fashion Learning)
• Contributes to the building and animation of the learning path for both existing personnel and newcomers to the Alterations team
• Transmits savoir-faire and standards to ensure the Perfect Fit and harmonize alteration services according to global recommendations
• Animates technical training sessions and follow-up engagement with the Alterationist population
• Co-animates and effectively delivers CHANEL & moi seminars or training sessions on tailoring techniques and client relationship management
• Partners with the CHANEL & moi team to improve Client Experience and boutique alteration KPIs
• Acts as key point of contact for alteration savoir-faire at the global level and for the regional Alteration community, providing strategic feedback to evolve learning pathways
• Partners with learning and product teams of each boutique to ensure knowledge sharing and retention among Alterationists and Fitting Advisors
• Completes the global learning path to continuously develop personal tailoring expertise and training capabilities
• Collaborates with the CHANEL & moi team in creating an apprenticeship program and assessing and recruiting apprentices
• Forms and maintains strong relationships with key educational institutions for recruitment purposes
• Contributes to the creation and execution of the apprentice learning path and follow-up
• Contributes to the creation of a potential Alterations school and identifies equipment needs and architectural recommendations
• Identifies tools and couture material requirements to serve an optimized learning experience
• Oversees workshop organization and technical management for any centralized learning environment
• Spends time with alterations team members in boutiques across the United States and in centralized learning environments

Qualifications

• Expert fitter-level expertise and mastery of sewing (tailoring and flow techniques)
• At least 10 years of experience in a tailoring or alteration workshop
• Excellent understanding of CHANEL style and aesthetic
• Mastery of morphologies, perfect fit, and fitting ceremony
• Knowledge of collections and ready-to-wear products
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong training and presentation skills with eagerness to share knowledge
• Public speaking capability
• Relational ease, openness, and tact
• Autonomy with ability to plan and organize
• Understanding of and passion for client experience
• Basic PowerPoint and Excel proficiency
• Ability to lift 20 pounds, sit or stand for extended periods, and bend, reach, and kneel periodically

Skills

Experience

At least 10 years of professional experience in a tailoring or alteration workshop, demonstrating expert-level expertise in sewing, garment fitting, and technical alterations across specialized areas including leather, denim, knitwear, and luxury pieces. Proven ability to train, mentor, and assess alterationist professionals. Experience working within a luxury fashion or high-end retail environment is strongly preferred.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent required. Formal training in tailoring, sewing, or garment construction is highly desirable. Completion of or enrollment in advanced training programs in luxury garment alteration or bespoke tailoring is preferred.

Workplace

Compensation

The base compensation for this position ranges from USD 145,000 to USD 150,000 per annum.

Benefits

Wellbeing resources including dedicated paid time off for wellbeing (Wellbeing Days in Retail) and a Wellbeing fund; Family and caregiving benefits (parental leave, fertility support, Milkstork, Care.com membership); Generous paid time off (vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days); 401(k) and other incentives; Robust healthcare offerings (medical, dental, vision, MDLIVE virtual care, One Medical, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account, Employee Assistance Program); Life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Health Advocate, International Business Travel Accident & Medical, and Commuter Transit & Parking; Employee Resource Groups; CHANEL Community volunteer opportunities with paid time off and donation matching; Career and leadership development programs including Imagine CHANEL People, Heart of Leadership coaching, and Bloom platform training

Culture

Chanel fosters a culture of timeless creativity, exacting craftsmanship, and quiet excellence, where employees are encouraged to uphold the house’s heritage while contributing to its continued innovation. The workplace environment is refined, collaborative, and deeply committed to quality, offering professionals the opportunity to grow within a globally respected maison that values discretion, artistry, and long-term vision.

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.