Chanel Collections Project Manager — Leather Goods & Small Leather Goods
Chanel — Paris: Contract Project Manager for Leather Goods & Small Leather Goods Collections (CDD). Lead product development and sampling for handbag and accessory collections.
Overview
Chanel is an independent, privately held Maison renowned for its haute couture, ready-to-wear, accessories and leather goods. The brand is synonymous with meticulous craftsmanship, timeless design and rigorous quality standards, and sustains a vertically integrated approach that combines creative ateliers, product innovation and artisanal savoir‑faire.
Role & Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end project management for leather goods and small leather goods collections, ensuring on-time delivery from concept to production.
- Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders — design, development, technical offices, sourcing, production, quality and merchandising — to advance collection milestones and approval gates.
- Manage sampling cycles: oversee prototype development, fit sessions, iterations and validation of final samples.
- Produce and maintain detailed technical documentation and specifications (tech packs, materials lists, trim and hardware specs).
- Control and track project timelines, budgets and costings; escalate and resolve risks that threaten launch schedules or quality standards.
- Liaise with external suppliers and workshops, organize factory follow-ups and support industrialization of new models.
- Ensure conformity with Chanel’s quality, brand and regulatory standards throughout development and production phases.
- Prepare presentation materials and status reports for leadership reviews and collection launches.
Qualifications
- Proven experience managing product development projects for leather goods or accessories within luxury fashion or premium accessories brands.
- Strong understanding of leather materials, leathersourcing, hardware, construction techniques and workmanship standards.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex timelines and multiple concurrent projects with rigorous attention to detail.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills across creative and technical teams.
- Familiarity with prototype workflows, technical specifications and factory/supplier coordination.
- Fluent organizational skills with a results-oriented, problem-solving mindset.
Skills
Experience
Typically 3–5 years of experience in product development or collections project management for leather goods, accessories or handbags at a luxury or premium brand. Demonstrated track record delivering collections to schedule and quality expectations.
Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Fashion Design, Product Development, Industrial Design, Leather Technology or a related discipline.
Workplace
The role is situated in Paris, Île-de-France, France. There are currently 3.321 open positions in Paris on Cerulean, with 73 added recently. Within Île-de-France, Cerulean currently features 3.735 open roles, including 104 recent additions. Across France, Cerulean lists 4.293 open roles — 140 of them newly added.
Culture
Chanel cultivates a culture of artisanal excellence, creative rigor and discretion, where heritage craftsmanship coexists with innovation. Teams operate collaboratively across ateliers and offices, prioritizing meticulous quality, long-term supplier relationships and respect for the Maison’s design codes.
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.