The Workshop Director, JDIW will support all aspects related to jewelry projects. Primary responsibility will be on overseeing the timely commercialization of Tiffany & Co. product, as well as key and strategic projects as they flow through the innovation facility. The position will focus on management of a prototype shop and Cad team as well as owning integrations with shop/CAD activities at suppliers. This position will consult with suppliers and internal teams to ensure that all product (inc. High , Fine and Silver Jewelry) meets the time, aesthetic and quality standards needed.

Key Accountabilities

Prototype, Product & File Creation

• Lead a cross functional team of Model Makers and CAD Designers to drive technical design and development, and innovation while aligning with overall strategic plans, brand identity, design integrity and manufacturing needs and capabilities
• Utilize an extensive, integrated, comprehensive knowledge of CAD, materials, metal-smithing techniques, metallurgy, advanced coatings, advanced ceramics, gemstone characteristics, model making techniques, fabrication methods, and gem setting techniques to provide leadership in solution focused, technical and functional design discussions with Creative, Product Development, Manufacturing & Engineering teams
• Partner to establish time-lines, manage technical resources and processes to ensure work meets standards of the creative directive and business standards, as well as ensuring technical repeatability
• Work with counterparts globally, inclusive of the European office to ensure that we are using similar approaches and processes to ensure consistent product – especially in the High Jewelry area.
• Oversee the planning, creation, and development for all 3D Finished Goods CAD models, Finished Goods Drawings, associated Technical Illustrations, Mock-Ups, and Prototypes for new products, existing products (reverse engineering), and line extensions. Oversee the planning, creation, and development of presentation quality artwork including photo-realistic concept renderings.
• Establish and drive modeling best practices and standards for both CAD and physical models (prototypes and mock-ups). Deliver mechanical and design solutions that align with manufacturing realities and capabilities.
• Identify and drive opportunities for Continuous Quality Improvement and the creation of efficiencies within areas of responsibility and overall department, with follow-up as needed for achieving successful outcomes
• Responsible for the creation of the annual Model Making, Materials, and CAD/RP budget, monthly reviews, forecasting, and reporting on budget status

Communication

• Ensure key product creation process dates/gates are met, tools are effectively utilized and cross-functional teamwork occurs. Communicate effectively internally and externally to keep team updated on project status, issues, and concerns.
• Proactively flag critical issues for consideration that may impact design and/or design aesthetic
• Proactively flag critical issues for consideration that may impact manufacturing and/or quality of final product
• Build and maintain open communication with suppliers to understand strength, weakness and overall execution abilities

Support for Cross Functional Partners

• Partner with project team to oversee process from concept design through product development and balance product line to meet the creative and business needs
• Provide Direct & Indirect leadership for technical functions
• Drive the development of CAD integration and supporting communication tools with Work Instructions, Critical Requirements, and other documentation tools as needed
• At any point in the development cycle, proactively provide feedback and alternate approaches to align Design Intent with manufacturing capabilities, and overall project timing for Product Development
• Provide ongoing direction during prototyping and initial sampling phases including but not limited to: Verbal or hands-on direction & clarification; working with Model Makers, Engineers & suppliers to provide alternative manufacturing approaches to align with manufacturing capabilities and still maintain design integrity; Creative CAD support (modifying the designs to align with manufacturing capabilities and maintain design integrity); Other direction/support as required

Collaboration and Leadership

• Lead the development and application of new materials, components, model making techniques, and CAD/Rapid Prototyping technologies in collaboration with JDIW, Design, Product Development, Manufacturing, and Jewelry Supply teams
• Partner and provide direction with JDIW, Product Development, Design and Manufacturing teams on technical aspects of development and their impacts on budget and time-lines
• Provide guidance, growth opportunities,/development and performance feedback to create high performing and dynamic integrated team

Technology Leader

• When required: research, develop, and implement best practice standards and procedures across key business areas including but not limited to existing materials; new materials; manufacturing; and mechanical functionality/approaches during the design, concept, and prototyping stages of design lifecycle
• Create opportunities to research and operationalize innovative processes during the design, concept, and prototyping stages of the design lifecycle
• Provide leadership for CAD and new technology for JDIW coworkers, Design teams, and Manufacturing. Propose, develop and enhance new and existing CAD workflows, and supporting communication tools as needed
• Drive the development of consistent/standardized formats for internal and external CAD, design & prototype reviews, supplemental technical consultation and guidance.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree or diploma in Jewelry Design, Jewelry Arts, Industrial or Fashion Design, or Engineering
• Minimum of 15 years jewelry experience in luxury
• Gemological training with GIA or FGA diploma
• Formal bench training and experience
• Significant CAD and model making training and experience (with at least 10,000hrs of hands-on model making)
• Expert skill-set, with high effectiveness and efficiency in Rhino, Modo, SolidWorks, T-Splines, Z-Brush, Adobe CS, KeyShot, V-Ray, Maxwell
• A wide range of industry experience (e.g., Quality Assurance, Custom Design & Manufacturing, Service & Repair, etc.)
• Extensive knowledge of the jewelry Manufacturing industry
• Formal creative design training and experience, with high degree of aesthetic sensibility
• Extensive experience working with diverse materials (e.g., woods/ceramics/rubber/etc.) and gemstones/diamonds
• Significant experience building, repairing, and troubleshooting metalsmithing/materials manufacturing processes while maintaining design integrity
• Experience applying formal training/skillset to the development of a successful design/collection
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Strong team player with a high level of professionalism
• Ability to adapt and meet urgent timelines under high demand conditions

Preferred Qualifications

• Formal goldsmithing and/or metalsmithing training
• Industry Certification