BALENCIAGA - Intern Sustainable Materials Research Assistant - July 2025 (F/H)

Job description

About us Cristóbal Balenciaga founded the House in 1917 in his home of Spain. In 1937, he established the brand in Paris, designing its collections there until 1968. Cristóbal Balenciaga had a reputation as a couturier of uncompromising standards and was referred to as "the master of us all" by Christian Dior and as “The Couturier of the Couturiers” by Gabrielle Chanel. The ultra-modern shapes were trademarks of the house. While the brand’s identity is firmly rooted in its highly conceptual prêt-à-porter collections, its leather goods, footwear, and accessories experience worldwide success as well. Among the archetypal products of the House are its handbag collections. A new focus on the development of Balenciaga ready-to-wear collections for men was quickly established as highly successful. Since October 2015, Demna has designed both men’s and women’s collections as the artistic director. The Balenciaga House, part of the Kering group since 2001, is one of the most influential names in fashion.

Your opportunity

In the Sustainability team, you will work on researching sustainable and innovative materials and processes for our Accessories and RTW departments, aligning with our sustainability goals and stakeholder priorities.

How you will contribute

·  Contribute to the research for sustainable concepts, materials, and processes. Ensure the research and sourcing of innovative raw materials and methods align with the sustainability, quality, and performance requirements, the creative briefs, and seasonal calendar timelines.
·  Collaborate with operation teams and suppliers to develop novel sustainable materials and techniques that fulfill both excellence and sustainability goals.
·  Support with mechanical, chemical, and analytical expertise of materials.
·  Contribute to developing the application of eco-conception practices in design and development teams
·  Conduct a permanent intelligence watch on sustainable materials, processes, and technology innovation opportunities appropriate for fashion in close partnership with internal and external partners.
·  Provide regular progress reports of projects and data analysis, report insights to key stakeholders, escalate issues as appropriate, and suggest opportunities to improve our sustainable sourcing further.
·  Maintain the internal Materials and Innovations Database

Who you are

·  Robust awareness of the sustainability concepts and impacts specific to the fashion industry.
·  Knowledge of the Life Cycle Analysis method is an asset.
·  First internship (consulting firm or company) with Sustainability specialization
·  Experience in material and processes development is appreciated
·  Targeting an Engineering or Master’s degree in sustainable materials, materials and/or chemical science, or comparable degree/education.
·  Delivering high-quality outcomes through a structured, analytical and data-supported approach.
·  Full mastering of Powerpoint and Excel.
·  Excellent work organization and project management skills
·  Excellent writing and speaking skills, both in French and English. Italian is a plus
·  Strong networking and relational skills, numerous interactions with both internal and external stakeholders.
·  High autonomy and a good team spirit who constantly strives to make a significant positive impact.
·  Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
·  Curiosity and openness to innovation

Why work with us?

At the heart of the House's creative activity, you will join the Balenciaga adventure and actively contribute to the development of new and exciting projects, while integrating a dynamic and innovative studio.

Balenciaga is committed to thriving your professional development within the House or in the Kering group. We empower leaders to create, build and sustain high performing teams that excel in execution. We guide every employee to reach their full potential in a stimulating and fulfilling workplace environment.

Diversity Commitment

Balenciaga is committed to fostering a diverse workforce. We believe that diversity in all its forms - gender, age, nationality, culture, disability, sexual orientation… - enriches the workplace and our client experience. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome all applications and select our talents based on competencies and in alignment with our brand behaviors. Setting people for success is what we live for. It is part of our interview process to discuss with you how to excel in our company.

·  Full time
·  Europe
·  France