Patrimony and Heritage Specialist

Company Description

You communicate easily and openly with your colleagues and enjoy being part of a talented and diverse team. Whether creative or analytical, you are attracted by our fascinating product: nature's hardest substance yet most tender gift. We work with the finest diamond cutters to bring customers the world's most beautiful diamonds.

Our diamonds inspire us to shine and we are committed to making a positive difference to the people and places we touch. If you have the personality and skills to share our passion for all that diamonds can do, we'd love to hear from you.

We're the world's leading diamond company - a unique luxury business that thrives on the creativity, passion and knowledge of our people. To push our company forwards, we always need to think differently. We welcome diverse perspectives, people who spark fresh thinking and aren't afraid to challenge assumptions.

In return, we provide you with the space and support to grow and achieve your ambitions.

Job Description

As Patrimony & Heritage Specialist, you will be the guardian of De Beers' rich legacy. You will oversee the Maison's archives, shape its historical narrative, and serve as the reference point for all matters relating to its cultural heritage. This role blends strategic vision with scholarly rigor and brand sensitivity, ensuring De Beers' story is preserved, celebrated, and activated across exhibitions, collaborations, and acquisitions.

In this role, you will be conducting research, developing preservation strategies, and engaging in educational outreach to enhance public understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage in order to position De Beers within cultural and historical contexts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Archives Management
  
  

Supervise and develop the central archive, ensuring its preservation, organization, and accessibility for internal and external use.

• Cultural Engagement, Collaboration & Representation
  
  

Act as the primary liaison with museums, cultural institutions, curators, and historians globally to respond to inquiries, shape collaborative exhibitions, and position De Beers within cultural and historical contexts. Promote cultural heritage through public outreach programs, exhibitions, and presentations. Engage with key partners to incorporate their knowledge and perspectives.

• Maison History & Chronology
  
  

Establish and maintain a verified, coherent chronology and narrative of the De Beers Maison, documenting key events, milestones, and figures.

• Academic & Historical Oversight
  
  

Guide and conduct in-depth research efforts with external historians, scholars, and institutions; oversee scholarly projects including white papers, publications, and an international symposium on the history of diamonds.

• Acquisition Strategy
  
  

Define and lead the heritage acquisition strategy to enrich the Maison's patrimony-focusing on archival materials, historical jewels, rare objects, and documents. Develop and implement strategies for the preservation and protection of cultural heritage. Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulation

• Auction House Relations
  
  

Serve as the main point of contact for auction houses regarding heritage pieces and potential acquisitions, advising on authentication and relevance.

• Internal Reference for Heritage
  
  

Be the go-to expert internally for all matters of heritage, patrimony, and historical accuracy-supporting teams across brand, marketing, product, and corporate communications.

• Research and Documentation
  
  

Conduct in-depth research on cultural heritage sites, artifacts, and traditions. Catalog and document findings for future reference.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Art History, History, Heritage Management, or related field
• Extensive years in heritage, cultural institutions, luxury maisons, or museums
• Strong communications background
• Proven experience in cultural heritage preservation, research, and management.
• Strong research, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups.
• Deep understanding of cultural heritage laws, regulations, and best practice
• A Patrimony & Heritage afficionado that approaches every task with enthusiasm and fresh thinking
• Eager to learn and have a strategic vision with scholarly rigor and brand sensitivity
• Deep understanding of archival practices and provenance research
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve shared goals
• Build strong, personal and effective working relationships
  
  

Additional Information

• A great working environment
• Fantastic pension scheme
• 27 days of holiday + bank holidays with the opportunity to buy or sell 5 more days
• Private Healthcare
• Mental health is a top priority for De Beers Group - we offer free subscription to Headspace and have mental health first aider
• Competitive salary
• Your Choice membership discounts
• Employee share schemes
• Staff discount
• Free breakfast & lunch at onsite restaurant
• Free onsite gym
• Flexible benefits package
  
  

Who We Are

De Beers Group is a company with a rich history and a sparkling future. Since 1888 our experts have searched the world for nature's most precious gem. Our diamonds bring beauty to the world. But we think they can do so much more. We want our diamonds, and our business, to make life brilliant - for our people, our customers and the world around us. Venetia Mine is part of De Beers Group Managed Operations Business which integrates mines, operations and support functions in the De Beers Group producer countries of Canada and South Africa to shape a safe, sustainable future for De Beers Group's people, shareholders, communities and partners.

Safety

Safety first is a way of life for us. We are unconditional about the safety, health and well-being of our colleagues, at work and at home, and about that of the communities where we work. We aim to lead the industry by investing in innovation to protect people, who are at the heart of our business. Our high performing teams take accountability for their own and others' actions, work collaboratively, and always show care and respect.

Inclusion & Diversity

We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are. We provide equality of opportunity to enable everyone to fulfil their potential. Referrals incentive applicable: This opportunity is open to a paid referral incentive according to the Referral Policy. Referral incentives are applicable to De Beers Group internal employees only.

Building Forever

Sustainability is at the heart of our decision-making - it is how we do business. Building Forever is key to our purpose as it represents our ambitious and holistic sustainability framework and is central to our ability to deliver long-term value to our communities and partners. This shapes how we protect our social and environmental license to operate, build a long-term legacy in our host communities and earn consumers' trust in our diamonds that they can wear with pride.

Background Checks

Successful candidates will be required to complete background screening which may include a criminal check and validation of qualifications.