Tailoring Atelier Manager
Chanel — Tailoring Atelier Manager in Dubai. Lead the couture tailoring atelier, manage artisans and ensure exceptional craftsmanship for bespoke commissions.
Overview
Chanel is an independent French maison renowned for haute couture, ready-to-wear, leather goods and accessories. The house places a premium on artisanal savoir‑faire, meticulous craftsmanship and creative leadership across its ateliers and boutiques worldwide.
Role & Responsibilities
- Lead and manage daily operations of the tailoring atelier, ensuring couture-level execution and adherence to delivery schedules.
- Supervise, coach and develop a multidisciplinary team of tailors, cutters, machinists and finishers; coordinate shift planning and skills allocation.
- Oversee bespoke commissions and fittings, liaising with design, pattern-making and client services to guarantee fit, finish and client satisfaction.
- Maintain and enforce atelier quality control standards, technical protocols and hand-finishing processes.
- Manage materials inventory, tools and atelier equipment; coordinate maintenance and procurement with supply teams.
- Implement continuous improvement initiatives for workflow, productivity and craftsmanship while preserving traditional techniques.
- Control atelier administrative tasks including timekeeping, performance feedback, hiring support and budget monitoring.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety and housekeeping standards within the workshop environment.
Qualifications
- Proven leadership experience managing a tailoring atelier or workshop within a luxury, couture or high-end bespoke environment.
- Advanced technical mastery of tailoring techniques, pattern alteration, garment construction and hand finishing.
- Track record of delivering complex bespoke and couture projects to exacting quality standards and timelines.
- Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to mentor artisans and collaborate with design and client-facing teams.
- High attention to detail and a commitment to preserving traditional couture methods while implementing operational improvements.
Skills
Experience
Typically 5+ years of progressive tailoring experience, including several years in a supervisory or managerial role within a luxury, couture or bespoke tailoring atelier.
Education
Diploma or vocational qualification in fashion design, tailoring or garment construction; formal apprenticeship or equivalent professional training preferred.
Culture
Chanel fosters an atelier culture that values heritage craftsmanship, precision and artistic excellence. The workplace emphasizes mentorship, preservation of traditional techniques and collaboration between ateliers, design and client services to produce exceptional, made-to-measure pieces.