Product Manager, Technical Development — Leather Goods

Overview

Chanel is an iconic French luxury Maison renowned for its heritage, craftsmanship and exacting standards across couture, ready-to-wear and accessories. As a vertically integrated luxury house, Chanel combines artisanal savoir‑faire with global operations and offers a workplace defined by creativity, precision and a commitment to quality.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end technical development for leather goods collections, from first prototype to industrialization.
• Translate design intent into detailed technical packs, specifications and Bills of Materials (BOM).
• Coordinate prototyping cycles with in‑house ateliers and external suppliers to validate fit, construction and finish.
• Drive feasibility reviews and industrialization plans with production, quality and sourcing teams to ensure manufacturability.
• Manage timelines, sampling calendars and cross‑functional stakeholders to meet collection launch dates.
• Control costing inputs during development and propose cost‑efficient technical solutions while preserving quality and brand standards.
• Implement and maintain technical documentation and PLM records for components, materials and processes.
• Oversee quality control for pre‑production and pilot runs, resolving technical non‑conformities and escalating as required.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with leather suppliers, tanneries and component manufacturers.

Qualifications

• Proven technical expertise in leather goods construction, patternmaking and finishing details.
• Strong understanding of materials (leather types, linings, hardware) and their impact on construction and durability.
• Experience producing comprehensive tech packs, specifications and BOMs for luxury accessories.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and timelines.
• Commercial awareness with experience in costing and supplier negotiations.
• Proficiency in PLM systems, Adobe Illustrator and advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Rigorous attention to detail and adherence to luxury quality standards.

Skills

Experience

Typically requires 5+ years of progressive experience in technical product development for luxury leather goods or high‑end accessories, including hands‑on prototyping and supplier management.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Fashion Design, Industrial/Product Design, Materials Science or a related discipline.

Culture

The workplace emphasizes artisanal excellence, meticulous attention to detail and collaborative creativity. Teams operate within a structured, design‑led environment where technical mastery and respect for heritage craft are highly valued.