Head of design produits finis - CDD

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design – Finished Products (CDD)

Company: Chloé (Richemont Group)

Location: Paris, France

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (CDD)

Category: Creative Design & Product Development Operations

Date Posted: September 04, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creative vision and strategic development of finished products, ensuring alignment with Chloé's brand identity and luxury standards.

• Manage and mentor design teams, fostering a collaborative environment for collection conception and development.

• Oversee the end-to-end product lifecycle, from initial concept and prototyping to final validation and production readiness.

• Act as the primary creative liaison between internal teams (Development, Production) and external manufacturers, ensuring seamless execution.

• Drive innovation in product design, with a focus on luxury ready-to-wear, leather goods, and jersey craftsmanship.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for maintaining Chloé's luxury positioning and creative integrity. The "CDD" designation indicates a fixed-term contract, which is important for candidates to note. The emphasis on "Produits Finis" (Finished Products) highlights a focus on the final output and market-ready collections.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Champion the creative direction for all finished products, ensuring a cohesive and compelling aesthetic that reflects Chloé's brand ethos.

• Guide and develop the Design teams, providing clear direction and support throughout the collection development process.

• Supervise the technical development of product models, from initial sketches and prototypes through to final material and construction approvals.

• Translate creative concepts into tangible, high-quality finished products by collaborating closely with Development and Production departments.

• Conduct fittings, prototype reviews, and creative decision-making sessions to refine product designs and meet brand specifications.

• Serve as the key creative point of contact for internal stakeholders and external manufacturing partners, ensuring clear communication and shared understanding.

• Proactively identify and manage development challenges and timelines, ensuring all project milestones are met within the established calendar.

• Contribute to the strategic planning of product assortments and collection themes, aligning creative output with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative leadership and operational execution, requiring the candidate to manage both the "what" (creative vision) and the "how" (development and production). The focus on "fittings, revues de prototypes et arbitrages créatifs" points to a hands-on role in product refinement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Higher education degree in Design, Fashion, Textile, or a related creative field. Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product design and development, with a strong preference for candidates with luxury industry background. Required Skills:

• Proven ability to lead and manage creative teams, fostering innovation and collaboration.

• Deep understanding of the luxury fashion market and brand identity management.

• Expertise in the design and development of finished products, including material selection and construction techniques.

• Strong knowledge of leather goods and/or jersey manufacturing processes and associated fabrication techniques.

• Excellent product sensibility and a keen eye for detail, quality, and aesthetic coherence.

• Proficiency in managing project timelines and ensuring on-time delivery of design milestones.

• Fluent professional English, essential for international communication. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with B-Corp certified companies or a strong understanding of sustainable luxury practices.

• Familiarity with design software and product lifecycle management (PLM) systems.

• Cross-cultural communication skills and experience working with diverse international teams.

• A demonstrated passion for Chloé's brand heritage and future vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific knowledge in "Cuir" (Leather) and "Jersey" is crucial and indicates a specialization within the finished products category. The mention of "B-Corp certification" suggests an openness to sustainable practices, which is a growing area in luxury operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of finished product designs, demonstrating creative range and technical execution.

• Include examples of how you translated creative concepts into commercially viable products.

• Highlight projects where you managed the product development lifecycle from ideation to final sample.

• Present case studies of successful collection development, emphasizing problem-solving and collaboration.

• Demonstrate understanding of luxury product quality standards and manufacturing constraints. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of process optimization within design and development workflows.

• Examples of how you implemented standardized design review or prototyping processes.

• Documentation illustrating collaboration with development and production teams to achieve project goals.

• Case studies showing how you managed timelines and mitigated risks in product development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a strong portfolio is implicitly required for a Head of Design role. Candidates should prepare to showcase their ability to manage the entire product development process, including collaboration with technical and production teams, and demonstrate how they ensure creative vision translates into high-quality, manufacturable products.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Head of Design role in luxury fashion in Paris, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated annual gross salary range is approximately €75,000 - €100,000. This estimate is for a fixed-term contract (CDD) and may vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the duration of the contract. Benefits:

• Contribution to a dynamic and creative luxury fashion environment at Chloé.

• Opportunity to work with a renowned brand that values femininity, equity, and sustainable practices (B-Corp certified).

• Collaborative team environment with opportunities for cross-functional interaction.

• Potential for professional development within the Richemont Group.

• Standard French employment benefits as per CDD contract regulations. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility based on project needs and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in Paris luxury fashion and the provided experience level. Benefits are inferred from the company's stated values and industry norms for luxury employers. The CDD status may affect long-term benefit eligibility compared to permanent roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Fashion and Accessories. Chloé operates within the high-end ready-to-wear and accessories market, known for its sophisticated aesthetic and commitment to modern femininity.

Company Size: Part of the Richemont Group, Chloé itself is a significant luxury house. Richemont is a global luxury goods conglomerate, indicating a stable and well-resourced corporate backing.

Founded: Chloé was founded in 1952 by Gaby Aghion. Its rich heritage is characterized by a progressive vision of femininity and a commitment to empowering women.

Team Structure:

• The Head of Design will be part of the Studio, likely reporting to a Creative Director or Head of Design for a broader category.

• The role involves managing a team of Design professionals, including designers and potentially assistant designers.

• Close collaboration with Product Development, Production, Merchandising, and Marketing teams is essential. Methodology:

• Creative Vision: Driven by the brand's heritage and contemporary interpretation of femininity.

• Product Development: A structured process from concept to final product, emphasizing quality, craftsmanship, and adherence to brand standards.

• Sustainability Focus: Growing emphasis on ethical sourcing and production, as evidenced by B-Corp certification.

Company Website: https://www.chloe.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Chloé's emphasis on "women moving forward" and B-Corp certification provides a unique cultural context. Operations professionals in this role will need to balance creative excellence with a growing awareness of social and environmental impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position within the creative and product development function. It requires a blend of artistic direction and project management expertise. The role is responsible for a significant aspect of the product offering.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Design – Finished Products will likely report to a higher-level Creative Director or Head of Design, overseeing a dedicated team of designers.

Operations Impact: This role directly influences the brand's product offering, market perception, and ultimately, revenue. Successful product development and creative execution are critical for Chloé's commercial success and brand equity in the competitive luxury market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific product categories (e.g., leather goods, jersey) within the luxury sector.

• Leadership: Potential to advance to Creative Director roles or oversee larger design departments within Chloé or the Richemont Group.

• Strategic Input: Contribute to broader brand strategy and collection planning.

• Sustainability Leadership: Play a role in advancing Chloé's sustainable fashion initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a CDD, the immediate growth might be focused on excelling in the current role and demonstrating leadership potential. However, the connection to the Richemont Group offers broader long-term career possibilities for exceptional performers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Paris, a global fashion capital, within Chloé's operational offices. This environment is likely to be sophisticated, creative, and fast-paced, typical of a luxury fashion house.

Office Location(s): Paris, France, specifically at the office located at 5/7 Avenue Percier, 75008 Paris.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative studio environment where creativity and teamwork are paramount.

• Access to design resources, material libraries, and potentially prototyping facilities.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with cross-functional teams, including development, production, and merchandising.

• Exposure to the latest trends and innovations in luxury fashion.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours, with the expectation of dedication and flexibility required to meet collection launch deadlines. This often involves periods of intense work leading up to key fashion calendar events.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site in Paris offers immersion into the heart of the fashion industry. The collaborative studio setting is key for this role, emphasizing teamwork and shared creative processes.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio, focusing on relevant experience in luxury design and product development.

• First Interview: Typically with HR and/or a senior member of the design or creative team to assess overall fit, experience, and understanding of the brand.

• Creative/Technical Interview: In-depth discussion about your design philosophy, approach to product development, and specific expertise (e.g., leather, jersey). This stage will heavily involve a review of your portfolio.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key collaborators from Development, Production, and potentially other design leads to evaluate collaboration style and technical understanding.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive or Creative Director to discuss strategic alignment and final decision-making.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your leadership in finished product design, your understanding of luxury aesthetics, and your specific skills in leather and/or jersey.

• Showcase Process: Include examples of your design process, from initial concept sketches to final product development stages, highlighting your problem-solving approach.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or qualitative descriptions to illustrate the success of your designs (e.g., commercial performance, positive critical reception).

• Brand Alignment: Ensure your portfolio reflects an understanding of Chloé's brand identity and aesthetic.

• Presentation: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio, articulating your creative decisions, technical challenges overcome, and collaborative efforts.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical design challenges related to Chloé's product categories.

• Prepare to articulate your creative vision for future collections or specific product lines.

• Anticipate questions about managing design teams, timelines, and balancing creative vision with production realities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not just creative talent but also a structured approach to product development and a deep understanding of luxury manufacturing processes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is expected for concept development and presentation.

• CAD Software: Familiarity with CAD software for 3D modeling and technical drawing may be beneficial for product development.

• PLM Systems: Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software (e.g., Centric PLM, Lectra, Browzwear) for managing product data, specifications, and workflows is highly advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, understanding of sales data, market trends, and consumer feedback to inform design decisions is crucial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but awareness of how product information is managed and communicated through internal systems is helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools may vary, but a strong foundation in visual design software is essential. Familiarity with PLM systems is increasingly important for managing the complex product development cycles in luxury fashion.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Femininity & Empowerment: A core value at Chloé, focusing on creating products that celebrate and empower women.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and pushing creative boundaries within the established brand identity.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A commitment to excellence in product design, materials, and manufacturing.

• Responsibility & Sustainability: Growing emphasis on ethical practices, environmental impact, and B-Corp principles.

• Collaboration: Fostering a supportive and interactive environment where teams work together to achieve common goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, involving frequent interaction between design, development, production, and merchandising teams.

• Open communication and constructive feedback are encouraged to ensure the successful realization of creative visions.

• A fast-paced environment that requires agility and responsiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an alignment with Chloé's core values, particularly its progressive stance on femininity and its commitment to sustainability, which is becoming increasingly integrated into luxury operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Viability: Ensuring designs are innovative and align with brand identity while also meeting market demand and production constraints.

• Managing Global Supply Chains: Navigating the complexities of sourcing materials and working with manufacturers to ensure quality and ethical standards are met.

• Adapting to Evolving Fashion Trends and Consumer Expectations: Staying ahead of trends while maintaining brand integrity, especially concerning sustainability and digital engagement.

• Leading a Diverse Creative Team: Motivating and guiding designers with different strengths and perspectives to produce cohesive collections.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastering Luxury Craftsmanship: Deepening knowledge of high-end materials, techniques, and artisanal processes.

• Strategic Brand Development: Gaining insights into how product design contributes to overall brand strategy and market positioning.

• Sustainability in Luxury: Becoming proficient in sustainable sourcing, production, and eco-conscious design principles.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Developing a broader understanding of merchandising, production, and marketing within the luxury sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the intricate balance required in luxury fashion design operations, where creativity must be grounded in practical execution and market understanding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you define Chloé's current creative direction, and where do you see opportunities for evolution?"

• "Describe a time you successfully led a design team through a challenging collection development. What was your approach?"

• "How do you ensure creative concepts translate effectively into manufacturable products, especially when working with external partners?"

• "What is your process for staying abreast of luxury market trends and integrating them into design while maintaining brand DNA?"

• "Discuss your experience with sustainable practices in fashion design and how you would incorporate them at Chloé." Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Chloé and its brand values, particularly its commitment to femininity and sustainability?"

• "How do you foster a collaborative and innovative environment within a design team?"

• "Describe your experience working with B-Corp certified principles or similar ethical frameworks." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation around key projects, telling a story of how you approached challenges, developed concepts, and achieved results.

• Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate your role and impact, especially in managing teams and driving the design process.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss materials, construction, and manufacturing processes relevant to leather and jersey.

• Brand Connection: Explicitly link your work to Chloé's aesthetic and values.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your creative choices, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of the luxury market.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews for senior creative roles in luxury are highly focused on strategic thinking, brand understanding, and the ability to articulate a clear vision supported by concrete examples of past work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the official Richemont/Chloé careers portal.

• Curate your portfolio meticulously: Select your strongest work that showcases leadership in finished product design, expertise in leather and/or jersey, and a clear understanding of luxury aesthetics. Prepare to discuss your process and impact.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight experience relevant to luxury fashion, product development, team management, and specific material expertise. Use keywords from the job description.

• Research Chloé: Deepen your understanding of their recent collections, brand heritage, sustainability initiatives (B-Corp), and current market positioning.

• Prepare to articulate your vision: Be ready to discuss your creative philosophy and how it aligns with Chloé's brand identity and future direction.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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