Hermès Assistant, Materials Innovation (apprenticeship)

Overview

Hermès Sellier is a maison renowned for artisanal excellence in leather goods, textiles and luxury accessories. The employer places a premium on craft, material quality and long-term creativity, combining traditional savoir‑faire with selective technological innovation.

Role & Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Innovation within the Industrial Transition & Quality Directorate on materials and process exploration across textiles, leather, colors, printing, finishes and waste valorisation.
• Conduct bibliographic research and benchmarking on historical techniques, contemporary technologies, stakeholders and market players to inform project directions.
• Take ownership of sub‑projects: define stakes, document progress and blockers, produce action plans and maintain project timelines.
• Maintain continuous technical and market watch to surface opportunities and alternative solutions.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholders, identify required know‑how, partners, equipment and expert resources to enable prototyping and decision‑making.
• Plan and animate action plans, deliver precise reporting to ensure visibility and responsiveness.
• Participate in laboratory trials (internal and external), iterate prototypes and optimise processes in real time to accelerate development.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a Master’s programme in Fashion & Materials (e.g. ENSAD – Master Mode et Matière) or equivalent curriculum
• Strong sensitivity to craftsmanship, product and materials with meticulous attention to detail
• Clear, concise communicator with pedagogical skills and an excellent interpersonal manner
• Ability to work collaboratively in project mode and to coordinate multidisciplinary contributors
• Organised, rigorous and able to work autonomously
• Prior industrial internship or equivalent experience in a similar role is a plus

Skills

Experience

Beginners accepted; prior internship in industry or in a comparable materials/prototyping role is advantageous.

Education

Enrolment in a Master’s programme in Fashion, Materials or related discipline (ENSAD Master Mode et Matière preferred) or equivalent academic training.

Workplace

Culture

Hermès combines deep respect for artisanal traditions with selective innovation, encouraging cross‑disciplinary collaboration and long‑term thinking. The workplace ethos values meticulous craftsmanship, professional development through apprenticeships and responsible practices.

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.