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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jewelry Supply Specialist

💰 $65,000 - $85,000

Supply ChainProcurementFashion & Luxury GoodsMerchandising

🎯 Role Definition

As a Jewelry Supply Specialist, you are the backbone of our creation process. You will be entrusted with the critical responsibility of sourcing, procuring, and managing the inventory of all materials that become our finished pieces—from ethically sourced gemstones and precious metals to unique findings and custom components. This role requires a unique blend of analytical prowess, keen negotiation skills, and a deep passion for the intricacies of jewelry. You will work cross-functionally with design, production, and finance to forecast needs, maintain optimal stock levels, and build robust relationships with a global network of suppliers, directly impacting our product quality and profitability.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Inventory Coordinator (in a related industry)
  • Assistant Buyer / Merchandiser
  • Jewelry Production Assistant
  • Gemstone Sorter/Grader

Advancement To:

  • Senior Supply Chain Manager
  • Procurement Manager / Director of Sourcing
  • Head of Materials & Vendor Management
  • Director of Operations

Lateral Moves:

  • Product Development Manager
  • Quality Assurance Manager
  • Senior Merchandiser

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Manage the end-to-end procurement lifecycle for all jewelry-making materials, including loose diamonds, colored gemstones, precious metals (gold, platinum, silver), pearls, and specialty findings.
  • Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with a global network of vendors, suppliers, and manufacturers to ensure a reliable and high-quality supply chain.
  • Conduct rigorous market research to identify new sourcing opportunities, innovative materials, and potential suppliers that align with our brand's quality and ethical standards.
  • Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to achieve favorable terms and secure cost savings without compromising quality.
  • Oversee and execute the complete inventory management process, including receiving, counting, and digitally logging all incoming materials into the ERP system with meticulous accuracy.
  • Develop and implement inventory control strategies to optimize stock levels, minimize carrying costs, and prevent stockouts of critical components.
  • Collaborate closely with the design and product development teams to source materials for new collections, providing expert guidance on material feasibility, cost, and availability.
  • Implement and manage a stringent quality control program, meticulously inspecting all incoming materials to ensure they meet our precise specifications for cut, color, clarity, and dimension.
  • Prepare and issue purchase orders, ensuring all details are accurate and tracked from issuance through to final delivery and invoice reconciliation.
  • Analyze sales data, production forecasts, and market trends to accurately predict future material requirements and inform purchasing decisions.
  • Maintain a comprehensive and organized library of physical material samples and a detailed digital database of supplier information, pricing history, and performance metrics.
  • Manage the logistics of high-value shipments, ensuring all materials are transported securely, insured properly, and compliant with international shipping regulations.
  • Champion and enforce ethical sourcing policies, ensuring all materials, particularly diamonds and colored gemstones, are conflict-free and adhere to standards like the Kimberley Process.
  • Resolve any supply chain issues, such as shipping delays, quality discrepancies, or customs problems, with a sense of urgency and effective problem-solving.
  • Generate regular reports for leadership on inventory valuation, material cost analysis, supplier performance, and key supply chain KPIs.
  • Coordinate with the jewelry production team to create and manage material kits for specific jobs, ensuring artisans have all necessary components for their work orders.
  • Oversee the return-to-vendor (RTV) process for any materials that fail to meet quality standards, ensuring proper documentation and credit processing.
  • Continuously evaluate and refine supply chain processes to improve efficiency, reduce lead times, and enhance overall operational effectiveness.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the finance team by providing accurate data for cost-of-goods-sold (COGS) analysis and participating in the monthly and quarterly financial closing processes.
  • Contribute to the development and enhancement of the company’s ERP/inventory management system to better suit the unique needs of jewelry material tracking.
  • Collaborate with the marketing and e-commerce teams to provide detailed material information and sourcing stories for product descriptions and campaigns.
  • Participate in industry trade shows and supplier visits to stay abreast of emerging trends, build network connections, and assess new partnership opportunities.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Gemological Expertise: Strong knowledge of diamonds and colored gemstones (the 4Cs), with a GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certification (e.g., GG, AJP) being highly desirable.
  • Inventory Management Systems: Proficiency with ERP/MRP software (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Fishbowl) for tracking high-value, serialized inventory.
  • Procurement & Sourcing: Demonstrated experience in strategic sourcing, purchase order management, and cost negotiation within a manufacturing or retail environment.
  • Quality Control Inspection: Hands-on ability to use jeweler's tools like loupes, calipers, and scales to assess the quality and specifications of materials.
  • Data Analysis & Forecasting: Ability to analyze sales and inventory data to forecast material needs and generate insightful reports.
  • Advanced Excel/Spreadsheets: Mastery of Excel for data manipulation, VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and creating detailed tracking sheets.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for detail is non-negotiable when dealing with valuable and minute components.
  • Strong Negotiation & Persuasion: The ability to confidently and effectively negotiate with suppliers to secure the best possible terms.
  • Vendor Relationship Management: A talent for building and maintaining positive, long-term partnerships with a diverse set of global suppliers.
  • Exceptional Organization & Time Management: Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, track numerous orders simultaneously, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
  • Problem-Solving Acumen: A proactive and resourceful approach to identifying and resolving supply chain disruptions and quality issues.
  • Cross-Functional Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively with design, production, and executive teams.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Relevant certification in a related field (e.g., GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional).

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field.
  • GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG) or similar advanced certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Business Administration
  • Merchandising
  • Gemology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of experience in inventory control, procurement, or supply chain management.

Preferred: Direct experience within the fine jewelry, watch, or luxury goods industry is strongly preferred. A proven track record of managing precious metals and gemstone inventory is a significant asset.

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