Project Development Assistant — Watches & Jewellery (Internship)

Overview

Chanel is an independent global luxury house renowned for haute couture, leather goods, fragrances and fine jewellery and watchmaking. As an employer, Chanel combines artisanal savoir‑faire with international distribution and a culture of exacting aesthetic and technical standards. The brand’s watch and jewellery ateliers work closely with design, technical and sourcing teams, offering exposure to high-precision product development within a heritage-driven, creative environment.

Role & Responsibilities

• Assist the Project Development Manager in day-to-day coordination of watch and jewellery development projects from concept to prototype.
• Prepare and maintain technical dossiers, specifications and Bills of Materials (BOM) for components and assemblies.
• Coordinate suppliers, internal ateliers and external laboratories for prototype production, tests and corrections.
• Track project schedules, update Gantt charts and maintain milestone trackers to ensure timely delivery.
• Support cost monitoring and basic budget follow-up for development phases and sample runs.
• Organize sample logistics, incoming/outgoing quality inspections and archive test reports and samples.
• Attend cross‑functional meetings (design, engineering, sourcing, production) and produce concise meeting minutes and action lists.
• Analyze test results and technical feedback; draft concise reports and propose corrective actions under supervision.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an engineering, industrial design, watchmaking/horology, materials science or jewellery/product development programme (Bachelor’s or Master’s level).
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks and tight deadlines.
• High attention to detail and a methodical approach to technical documentation and quality control.
• Good interpersonal skills and autonomy for liaising with suppliers, ateliers and cross‑functional teams.
• Proactive problem‑solver with an interest in precision mechanics, materials and luxury product manufacturing.

Skills

Experience

Previous internships or academic projects in product development, watchmaking, jewellery design, mechanical engineering or a related technical field are advantageous but not strictly required. Demonstrable exposure to prototype follow‑up or supplier coordination is a plus.

Education

Enrolled in a tertiary technical or design programme (engineering school, watchmaking school, industrial design, materials science, or equivalent).

Culture

Chanel’s workplace culture melds artisanal craftsmanship with rigorous technical standards and creative ambition. Teams operate in a collaborative, detail-oriented environment where cross-disciplinary exchange between ateliers, designers and engineers is valued. The Paris setting provides immersion in a tradition of luxury and technical excellence.