Chanel Leather Technician

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

• Conduct risk analysis and participate in quality assurance protocols for all leather selections and specifications
• Analyze footwear models and samples with particular attention to leather quality, technical precision, and chromatic accuracy
• Define technical specifications for individual leather grades based on model requirements and intended applications
• Oversee material industrialization activities at partner tanneries, managing trials, industrial testing, and post-approval validation
• Establish and monitor quality parameters and acceptance criteria for leather materials
• Manage pricing information and technical documentation for leather specifications
• Lead industrialization testing initiatives and validate results following sampling approval
• Participate in transfer meetings and product review sessions with Italian and Paris-based teams
• Verify and validate administrative and billing documentation for leather sourcing
• Conduct pre-dispatch verification of sampling masters before shipment to Paris
• Conduct weekly monitoring and coordination with production teams to ensure material compliance and smooth manufacturing execution
• Promote cross-functional collaboration and effective communication of technical solutions across product development, production, and central teams

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in the leather industry, preferably applied to luxury footwear, gained at tanneries, footwear manufacturers, technical offices, or fashion companies
• Expert knowledge of major leather types, their aesthetic, physical, and performance characteristics, as well as tanning, dyeing, finishing, and quality control processes
• Demonstrated ability to analyze footwear models and samples and identify technical solutions related to leathers, colors, finishes, and material performance
• Competence in material industrialization at tanneries, including management of trials, industrial testing, and validation procedures
• Ability to evaluate and manage technical risks associated with leather: defects, yield, color fastness, resistance, uniformity, model compatibility, and production process compatibility
• Proficiency with IT tools, particularly Excel and material management/technical specification systems
• Strong collaborative capability with tanneries, suppliers, product development, production, and central Paris teams
• Excellent planning, activity monitoring, and priority management skills within collection and industrialization timelines
• Precision, meticulous attention to detail, and strong quality orientation
• Clear communication of technical issues, risks, and solutions to diverse stakeholders
• Proactive problem-solving approach and ability to make technical decisions in dynamic contexts
• Team orientation, cross-functional collaboration mindset, and commitment to fostering positive workplace dynamics

Skills

Experience

Minimum 5 years in the leather industry, preferably applied to luxury footwear manufacturing. Professional background in tanneries, footwear factories, technical offices, or fashion companies strongly preferred.

Education

Diploma or degree in technical, chemical, tannery, footwear, fashion, or related disciplines. Alternatively, significant and documented professional experience in the sector may be considered equivalent.

Workplace

Compensation

The base compensation for this position is EUR 35,000 per annum.

Benefits

Annual bonus linked to achievement of individual and company objectives according to company policy; meal vouchers; supplementary health insurance; smart working opportunities; benefits as per national collective bargaining agreement for Distribution and Services sector (H011)

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.