High Jewelry Product Manager
Van Cleef & Arpels is hiring a High Jewelry Product Manager in Tokyo to lead collection strategy, product development and atelier coordination.
Overview
Van Cleef & Arpels is a Parisian maison renowned for haute joaillerie, exceptional craftsmanship and poetic design. As part of the Richemont group, the brand combines artisanal ateliers with an international retail network and a commitment to heritage, innovation and meticulous gemmological standards.
Role & Responsibilities
- Define and execute product strategy for high jewellery collections in line with the maison’s creative direction and commercial objectives.
- Manage the full product lifecycle: concept, technical development, prototyping, costing, pricing and launch.
- Coordinate with design, gemmology, ateliers and production to ensure technical feasibility and uncompromising quality of prototypes and final pieces.
- Own collection calendars and seasonal assortments, ensuring alignment with merchandising, marketing and retail rollout plans.
- Develop technical specifications, production dossiers and quality control standards for internal and external partners.
- Lead vendor and atelier relationships, including sourcing of stones, precious metals and bespoke components; negotiate commercial terms and delivery schedules.
- Collaborate with marketing and retail teams to support product storytelling, visual merchandising and client-facing training.
- Monitor product performance and post-launch feedback; propose assortment adjustments, price optimization and continuity plans.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Jewelry Design, Gemmology, Business, Art or a related discipline; advanced gemmology qualification (e.g., GIA) preferred.
- Proven technical knowledge of diamonds, coloured gemstones and precious metals; ability to read technical drawings and tolerances.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience in costing, pricing and margin modelling for high-value jewellery.
- Demonstrated ability to manage external ateliers and suppliers with a focus on quality, deadlines and risk mitigation.
- Excellent organisational skills with the capacity to manage concurrent seasonal projects and strict production timelines.
Skills
Experience
Typically requires 5+ years of product development or product management experience within high jewellery or luxury fine jewellery, including hands‑on involvement in technical development, atelier coordination and collection launches. Experience working with international teams or within the APAC market is an advantage.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Jewelry Design, Gemmology, Business or related field; professional gemmology certification (e.g., GIA) preferred.
Culture
Van Cleef & Arpels combines atelier-level craftsmanship with a global luxury retail presence, fostering an environment where attention to detail and respect for material excellence are paramount. The maison values collaboration between creative, technical and commercial teams and encourages stewardship of heritage techniques alongside measured innovation.