Director, Diamond Identification

GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

. Define and execute a multi-year global strategy, operating model, and annual plan for diamond identification .

Posted 11/11/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $150,000 - $205,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in gemology and laboratory operations, with a strong focus on strategic planning, operational performance, and stakeholder engagement. Proven ability to lead geographically dispersed teams and implement scalable operating practices while maintaining high technical and quality standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Graduate Gemologist CredentialMulti-Site ImprovementOperational Performance AccountabilityLaboratory Systems ExperiencePeople Leadership Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

GemologyLaboratory OperationsScientific OperationsBudget ManagementCapacity PlanningProcess StandardizationData CollectionAnalytical SkillsOperational Data ReportingTechnical Standards Implementation

Soft Skills

Stakeholder InfluenceCross-Functional CollaborationChange ManagementMentoringCommunication

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office ApplicationsReporting ToolsLaboratory Systems

Certifications & Qualifications

Graduate Gemologist CredentialFGA Diploma

Industry Keywords

Diamond IdentificationGlobal StrategyPerformance MetricsQuality StandardsService EvolutionOperational ReadinessTalent DevelopmentGeographically Dispersed OperationsContinuous ImprovementStakeholder Alignment

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and execute a multi-year global strategy, operating model, and annual plan for diamond identification
Establish global governance, decision rights, service standards, policies, and performance expectations
Maintain an enterprise roadmap for capability, capacity, technology, facilities, and service evolution
Own the global operating budget, forecasts, workforce plan, capacity strategy, and resource allocation
Monitor global performance covering quality, turnaround, productivity, cost, capacity utilization, service, and risk
Hold site and regional leaders accountable through structured business reviews and transparent metrics
Lead cross-location process standardization and continuous improvement
Translate proprietary scientific methods into validated, scalable, consistently executed operating practices
Maintain global technical standards, qualification requirements, escalation paths, and proficiency mechanisms
Ensure technical, quality, and service risks are identified, escalated, investigated, and resolved
Lead a geographically dispersed organization through regional and/or site leaders
Build succession depth through talent reviews, development plans, mobility, mentoring, and targeted recruitment
Foster high-performing local cultures aligned with GIA values
Align organization design, roles, spans of control, and capabilities with strategy
Lead change with clear communication and disciplined adoption planning
Serve as diamond identification subject-matter expert and operational partner to Business Development and Marketing
Evaluate proposed services, market commitments, and growth opportunities for feasibility
Represent the function in industry, client, and institutional forums
Strengthen stakeholder alignment and ensure operational readiness for launches, changes, and enterprise initiatives

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in geology, earth sciences, gemology, business, operations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
Graduate Gemologist credential, FGA diploma, or a comparable recognized gemological qualification required
At least twelve years of progressively responsible experience in gemology, laboratory operations, scientific operations, or a closely related technical environment
At least seven years of people leadership experience, including demonstrated success leading leaders and geographically dispersed or comparably complex operations
Demonstrated accountability for a material operating budget, workforce and capacity planning, operational performance, and multi-site improvement or transformation
Experience converting scientific or technical standards into repeatable operating processes and measurable service outcomes
Demonstrated success influencing senior stakeholders and partnering across Research, Quality, Operations, Finance, HR, Technology, Business Development, Marketing, and related functions
Strong analytical and digital fluency
Experience with laboratory systems, reporting tools, operational data, and Microsoft Office applications
Regular on-site presence is required
Ability to travel domestically and internationally, generally 15–25% of the time
Ability to work across global time zones and respond to material operational, quality, or stakeholder issues outside standard local hours
Must handle confidential scientific, employee, financial, and business information with appropriate discretion
Must be able to collect data using multiple instruments simultaneously
Ability to constantly grasp, grip, and/or turn small objects with tweezers or a stone holder while viewing and analyzing gems using a microscope
Ability to use a computer mouse repetitively to plot inclusions on computerized diagrams of gems
Ability to adjust a microscope, requiring fine hand manipulation and eye-to-hand coordination

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid flexibility consistent with business and leadership needs
Ability to travel domestically and internationally
Reasonable accommodations available upon request