Lead - Grader (Diamond Retail)

Job Requirements

The role is responsible for evaluating and grading diamonds based on the globally recognized 4Cs \u2014 Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat \u2014 ensuring adherence to strict quality standards. The role demands precision, consistency, and integrity in grading processes, supporting product excellence and customer trust in a high-value, luxury product environment.

Quality:

\u00B7 Define key quality parameters (Titan quality standards for diamonds and colour stones) to be measured for every diamond or colour stone brought into the titan ecosystem

\u00B7 Define testing criteria and mechanism for each of the quality parameters and ensure implementation of the same

\u00B7 Define and own SOPs for all the quality processes of diamond and colour stone sourcing

\u00B7 Devise mechanisms to: reduce rejections due to stones quality (Original Defect) from Stone Sourcing at Final QA and ensure pipeline integrity of diamonds, have zero synthetics detected, reduce no. of obvious defects at QA

\u00B7 Guide team to resolve customer escalations and consumer court complaints

Training & Certifications:

\u00B7 Conduct retail trainings to educate the sales force on diamonds (cut, color, clarity and carat etc.)

\u00B7 Conduct sessions to provide inputs to brand, design and merchandising on diamonds (4C\u2019s, advertising usage etc.)

\u00B7 Monitor, track quality of diamonds as per defined criteria and devise plans where necessary to ensure BIS Hallmark certification

Industry Practices:

\u00B7 Scan the environment to keep abreast with leading practices in diamond & colour stone procurement, diamond & colour stone quality tests etc.

\u00B7 Lead trips to diamond mines to understand diamond mining processes to ensure responsible sourcing

Stakeholder Management:

\u00B7 Maintain clear, professional communication with supervisors, merchandisers, and product teams to ensure grading standards are understood and followed. Contribute to meetings where grading consistency, policy updates, or trend reports are reviewed.

\u00B7 Address conflicts related to differing grading opinions by conducting re-evaluation based on standard protocols and ensuring transparent documentation.

\u00B7 Collaborate with graders or quality leads when disputes arise on Cut, Clarity, or Color grades, especially for high-value stones. Support TEP teams and merchandisers by rechecking grades when pricing mismatches or tagging errors are reported.

\u00B7 Ensure grading inputs are provided promptly to avoid process delays or stock holds.

\u00B7 In case of escalations from stores or end-customers regarding a diamond\u2019s grade, assist with re-verification and provide clarity to internal stakeholders. Help customer-facing teams communicate factual, gemmology-based explanations to maintain customer trust.

\u00B7 Encourage team-based discussions to align on borderline cases or when new challenges arise (e.g., synthetics, new treatments).

\u00B7 Recognize when to escalate grading disputes to supervisors or QA managers, particularly if the resolution impacts product value or customer satisfaction. Follow escalation protocols and ensure all cases are logged and traceable.

People Management:

\u00B7 Foster high level of employee engagement and retention of talent

\u00B7 Support leadership & functional capability building initiatives to facilitate succession planning for critical roles within the department

\u00B7 Identify training needs for the team and follow-up with the corporate training team to ensure delivery

\u00B7 Monitor and review performance parameters of the team and provide feedback on frequent basis to the team members

\u00B7 Provide subordinates with adequate exposure and growth opportunities to enable readiness for higher roles

\u00B7 Ensure periodic follow-up with the recruitment team to fill the vacant positions within stipulated time; in case of deviations escalate it to appropriate authority.

Work Experience

Required Qualifications:

\u00B7 Bachelor\u2019s degree in business, Operations, Gemmology, or related field;

\u00B7 Understanding of gemmology or luxury retail operations strongly preferred.

\u00B7 Minimum 7-10 years of experience

Skills & Competencies:

\u00B7 Strong knowledge of diamond grading parameters.

\u00B7 Excellent attention to detail and manual dexterity.

\u00B7 Familiarity with gemmological tools and digital grading software.

\u00B7 Ability to work with integrity under minimal supervision.

\u00B7 Team-oriented with good communication skills.