Senior Buyer, Jewellery
Van Cleef & Arpels — Senior Buyer, Jewellery (Contract) in Paris. Lead strategic sourcing and supplier relationships for high jewellery métiers.
Overview
Van Cleef & Arpels is an internationally recognised maison of high jewellery renowned for exceptional craftsmanship, poetic design and artisanal savoir‑faire. As a leading luxury house within the Richemont group, it combines heritage techniques with contemporary creativity across its ateliers, boutiques and global operations.
Role & Responsibilities
- Develop and execute sourcing and procurement strategies for jewellery métiers, including precious stones, metals and components.
- Manage strategic supplier relationships: qualification, performance monitoring, negotiation of commercial terms and long‑term partnerships.
- Lead contract negotiations, purchase order governance and cost‑saving initiatives while safeguarding quality and supply continuity.
- Collaborate closely with design, product development, ateliers and production planning to align sourcing with creative and manufacturing timelines.
- Drive supplier development, audits and compliance activities covering quality standards, ethical sourcing and traceability of raw materials.
- Monitor market trends and commodity pricing to anticipate risks, optimise total cost of ownership and inform inventory planning.
- Define and track procurement KPIs, prepare management reporting, and contribute to cross‑functional improvement projects.
Qualifications
- Proven track record in procurement or purchasing within high jewellery, fine jewellery, luxury goods or closely related sectors.
- Deep knowledge of gemstones, precious metals and jewellery manufacturing processes, with the technical ability to evaluate quality and provenance.
- Demonstrated negotiation skills and experience drafting and managing commercial contracts with strategic suppliers.
- Commercial and analytical acumen with experience in cost modelling, margin protection and supplier performance metrics.
- Strong interpersonal skills and experience working across design, production and quality teams; ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Willingness to travel for supplier visits and audits as required.
Skills
Experience
Senior procurement experience of at least 5 years in high jewellery, fine jewellery or luxury goods, with hands‑on responsibility for strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations and material qualification.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Materials Science, Gemmology or a related field; advanced or specialised training in gemmology or procurement is advantageous.
Culture
The maison cultivates a studio‑like culture where artisanal excellence, creativity and meticulous attention to detail are paramount. Teams operate within an internationally minded luxury environment that values craft, cross‑disciplinary collaboration and long‑term supplier partnerships.