Project Lead - High Jewelry Product Development

About the Role

The Project Lead-Product Development supports project management for all new products for internal manufacturing, overseeing the full product lifecycle from intake of new designs and soft prototypes through tooling, hard prototype development, and production launch.

Responsibilities

• Support the New Product Integration process for major launches and event items, including intake of Critical Requirements, Tooling reviews, and Production Launch.
• Communicate critical project information to key stakeholders, including Product Development, Internal Manufacturing, and external vendors.
• Manage project timelines and organize resource requirements with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ensure all critical requirements are met for new products.
• Provide cost estimates with clearly stated assumptions and create final Bills of Material (BOMs) and Routes for new products.
• Develop and cultivate working relationships with cross-functional partners in Design and Product Development to oversee the process from concept to final product delivery.
• Interface with Directors, Managers, Designers, and cross-functional departments on project direction, timelines, and issues.
• Attend and participate in departmental meetings to identify new or updated standards and template needs.
• Proactively communicate risks and opportunities to relevant stakeholders.
• Support internal and external suppliers in demonstrating product requirements and techniques.
• Represent assigned projects at all Product Development cross-functional meetings.
• Partner with the Manufacturing team for the development of production tooling and fixtures.
• Serve as the primary contact for external component development.
• Run development process meetings and provide clear summaries and updates throughout the project lifecycle.
• Maintain project timelines and track on-time delivery of samples, costing accuracy, and quality yields.
• Support Senior Project Leads in tracking internal sample management and location.
• Control inventory assets (e.g., precious metals/stones) in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Draft and refine BOMs, manufacturing routes, work instructions, and cost models; review CAD models and technical drawings.
• Ensure consistent format, creation, maintenance, and storage of all product-related project plans and documentation.
• Oversee team alignment with file management protocols, including nomenclature and transfer.
• Develop, maintain, and apply an integrated component library (CAD and physical models) for High Jewelry projects.
• Enter and verify all project-related data (e.g., critical product requirements, BOMs, routes, costs) adhering to SOPs and best practices.
• Oversee the accuracy and completion of project timelines, CAD models, technical drawings, and estimated costs.
• Support department metrics definition, data collection, and reporting.
• Generate, maintain, track, close, and report on all project work orders.
• Work safely by following all safety procedures and promptly reporting incidents or issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, manufacturing technology, process engineering, automation, or a related field.
• Experience in a high-quality, highly customized, precision manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience implementing and managing manufacturing technologies and systems.
• Strong project and program management experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting New Product Development.
• Strong process improvement and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with automation, equipment integration, and/or advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• High jewelry industry experience.
• Graduate Gemologist Certification and/or Accredited Jewelry Professional.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience navigating JD Edwards business system.
• Knowledge of CAD (Rhino).

Pay

The hiring range for this position is $84,000 - $99,000. The rate of pay offered will be dependent upon candidates' relevant skills and experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive global benefits, including adoption and surrogacy assistance, and parental leave.
• Programs supporting mental, emotional, physical, and financial well-being.
• Competitive pay, medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plans with company match.
• Paid time off and other meaningful employee offerings.