In France, more than one million direct and indirect jobs depend on the luxury sector. This value-creating field encompasses several sectors such as automotive, cosmetics, jewelry, and fashion. While luxury has its own codes, it has a strong need for professionals specializing in project management.

If you have a sense of responsibility and know how to manage a team, then a career as a luxury project manager is for you. Responsibilities, skills and qualities, salary... Find out everything you need to know about this position!

The project manager plays a key role in the organization of a company operating in the luxury and fashion sector. They are responsible for a wide variety of projects, including launching new products, collections, or offerings, as well as planning events. They mobilize all available resources to develop a marketing strategy with the aim of increasing the company's reputation and brand visibility.

As the job title suggests, the luxury project manager manages various projects. They ensure that these projects are carried out properly and delivered on time. Here are the main tasks performed by the project manager:

• Drafting of specifications from the project outline stage, highlighting the technical, legal, and financial aspects related to the new product to be launched on the market or to the services provided by the company.
• Approval of the specifications.
• Responsible for the marketing and advertising aspects of the project: analyzing market research, monitoring the competition, assessing audience needs, and developing a communication strategy.
• Presentation of the final result to the client and consideration of feedback.
• Monitoring files and liaising with partners: the project manager acts as an intermediary between clients and their teams. They delegate tasks to their colleagues and supervise partner companies involved in the project.
• Management of various tasks performed by his teams: meetings and conferences, event planning, new product development, integration of a new service.

The position of luxury project manager requires excellent team management and negotiation skills. Indeed, the expert will be required to motivate and supervise their colleagues in order to ensure the success of the project.

Diplomatic and socially adept, the project manager communicates fluently and clearly, both verbally and in writing. He or she is decisive and capable of making decisions.

Responsible for both events and product development within their company, project managers demonstrate management and logical skills. They manage several projects simultaneously. Optimal organization is expected to ensure that each stage runs smoothly.

This job requires creativity, innovation, good stress management, and a strategic mindset.

Here are seven key skills to develop as a luxury project manager:

• Very good knowledge of communication and marketing.
• Very good knowledge of web marketing levers.
• Very good knowledge of fashion, luxury goods, retail, events, and design.
• Proficiency in various analysis and tracking tools (Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager).
• Proficiency in a content management system (WordPress).
• Mastery of various paid and free acquisition levers.
• Language skills: particularly English and Mandarin. Mandarin is becoming increasingly important in the luxury sector due to strong demand from China.

Several training programs prepare students for careers as project managers in the luxury goods sector. In general, professionals must have completed at least three years of higher education in marketing, management, or business.

To maximize your chances, it is recommended that you pursue specialized training in the luxury sector.

ISAL Paris is open to students who wish to specialize in fashion and luxury professions.

Here are two essential work-study programs for becoming a project manager:

• The Bachelor's Degree in Fashion, Luxury Goods, and Digital Marketing : This work-study bachelor's degree is open to students who have studied business, marketing, and communication. It provides students with real knowledge about the products and materials used in fashion. The following topics are covered: digital marketing, digital communication, English or Chinese, website design (e-commerce and CMS website development), business management, fashion, and luxury goods.
• The Master's degree in communication and branding : This Master's degree is ideal for those wishing to pursue a career as a digital project manager, digital brand manager, or advertising manager. It trains future professionals in the business and technical aspects of brand promotion. Students learn how to manage web projects and ensure the consistency and overall strategy of a brand. In addition, they develop a genuine understanding of fashion and luxury culture.

At the start of their career, project managers earn around €2,000 gross per month. This amount varies depending on the brand, the company they work for, and their experience.

After several years in the profession, this professional can move into positions with a high level of responsibility, such as project manager, product development manager, event manager, or company director in the luxury sector.