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.
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.