BALENCIAGA - Sustainable Materials Research Intern - March 2026 (F/M)

Summary About us Founded by Spanish-born Cristóbal Balenciaga in 1917 and established in Paris in 1937, the original House of Balenciaga defined modern couture with its many innovations to form and technique. Today it continues to uphold the vision of the House through boundary-pushing collections including women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, accessories, and objets d’art. The brand’s unprecedented interactions with the expanding digital realm, material developments, and today’s social responsibilities keep it at the forefront of modernity. In 2021, Balenciaga’s 50th Couture collection—the House’s first since its founder retired in 1968 – reintroduces a standard of cutting-edge elegance. From October 2015 to July 2025, Demna designed both men’s and women’s collections as the Artistic Director. In July 2025, Pierpaolo Piccioli was appointed Creative Director of Balenciaga. Job Description 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. Starting end of February or latest early March, 6-months internship. HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE Contribute to the research for sustainable concepts, materials, and processes. Assist the team in the research and sourcing of innovative raw materials and methods. Assist the team in verifying the alignment with the sustainability, quality, and performance requirements, the creative briefs, and seasonal calendar timelines. Support the team to prepare and organize meetings with internal teams and suppliers to develop novel sustainable materials and techniques that fulfill both excellence and sustainability goals. Attend to the meetings and support the team with data collection and follow-up. Support with mechanical, chemical, and analytical expertise of materials. Contribute to developing tools for the application of eco-conception practices in design and development teams Support operationally in the 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 library, digital and physical Manage the administrative and legal framework of the relationships with external stakeholders (NDA, compliance, invoices…) Support in other operational tasks linked to the sustainability department WHO YOU ARE Robust awareness of the sustainability concepts and impacts specific to the fashion industry. Proactive approach, problem solver approach Product affinity and high interest for fashion Experience in material and processes development is appreciated Excellent work organization and project management skills First internship (consulting firm or company) with Sustainability specialization Delivering high-quality outcomes through a structured, analytical and data-supported approach. Full mastering of Powerpoint and Excel. 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 Knowledge of the Life Cycle Analysis method is an asset. Targeting an Engineering or Master’s degree in sustainable materials, materials and/or chemical science, or comparable degree/education. 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. Job Type Student (durée déterminée) (stagiaire) Start Date 2026-02-20 Schedule Full time Organization BALENCIAGA S.A.S.