Manager - Colorstone Procurement

1)   Procurement & Sourcing

Ø Source precious & semi-precious gemstones (emerald, ruby, sapphire, tanzanite, tourmaline, topaz, etc.)

Ø Build and manage a reliable global supplier network (India, Thailand, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Africa, etc.)

Ø Ensure competitive pricing while maintaining quality standards

Ø Identify new sources/mines/suppliers for unique stones

Ø Ensure adherence to ethical sourcing, traceability, certifications, and export compliance norms in the jewellery sector.

2)   Quality Control & Selection

Ø Evaluate stones based on a) Color consistency, b) Clarity & cut, c) Calibration & matching

Ø Ensure stones meet export quality standards (especially US market expectations)

Ø Work closely with design & production teams for stone feasibility

3)   Inventory Planning

Ø Maintain optimum stock levels of fast-moving stones

Ø Forecast requirements based on a) Order pipeline, b) Seasonal trends

Ø Reduce dead stock and slow-moving inventory

4)   Costing & Negotiation

Ø Negotiation with vendors for competitive pricing

Ø Ensure Consistency in supply

Ø Maintain cost sheets and contribute to product costing

5)   Trend & Market Understanding

Ø Track global jewellery trends (especially United States retail trends)

Ø Suggest stones based on a) Color trends, b) Customer preferences

Ø Support the design team with new stone ideas

6)   Vendor Management

Ø Develop long-term relationships with key suppliers

Ø Conduct periodic vendor evaluation based on a) Quality, b) Pricing, c) Delivery reliability

Ø Travel (domestic/international) for sourcing if required

Desired Candidate Profile

 Ø 10 – 15 years experience handling the above profile.

Ø Bachelor's degree in Gemology, Jewellery Design/Manufacturing, Business Administration, Commerce, or related field. Professional certification in Gemology highly preferred (e.g., GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG), FGA, or equivalent from IIGJ/GJEPC-recognized institutes).

Ø Additional certifications in supply chain management, negotiation, or inventory planning are advantageous.

Key Skills

Ø Technical / Gemological Skills — In-depth knowledge of precious & semi-precious gemstones, identification of genuine vs. treated/enhanced stones, grading basics (color, clarity, cut), treatments & enhancements, stone cutting/calibration/matching techniques.

Ø Commercial & Procurement Skills — Strong negotiation, cost control, vendor development & management, supplier evaluation, contract negotiation, inventory planning & forecasting, MRP/ERP usage for stock management.

Ø Market & Trend Knowledge — Understanding of global (especially USA) jewellery retail trends, color forecasting, fashion influences, and buyer preferences in colored stones.

Ø Analytical & Operational Skills — Data analysis for cost sheets/inventory metrics, demand forecasting, bottleneck resolution, KPI tracking (cost savings, rejection rate, on-time availability, turnover ratio, vendor score).

Ø Soft & Coordination Skills — Exceptional eye for detail, sharp decision-making, professional communication (verbal & written), stakeholder coordination, ability to thrive under pressure with tight export deadlines.

Personal Attributes

Ø Detail-oriented with a keen visual and analytical eye for gemstone quality.

Ø Proactive, commercially savvy, and results-driven with a strong sense of urgency for meeting international buyer timelines.

Ø Excellent relationship-builder capable of fostering long-term supplier partnerships.

Ø Adaptable to travel (domestic/international) and dynamic market changes in the fashion jewellery sector.

Ø Ethical mindset with commitment to responsible sourcing practices.