Head of Manufacturing

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Company Description

As part of De Beers Group, we are The Home of Diamonds since 1888, bringing our pioneering diamond perfection to our clients through over 30 stores and a worldwide digital presence.

At De Beers Jewellers we are committed to guiding individuals on their personal journey of discovery. Harnessing nature's finest work of art, De Beers Jewellers hand select the rarest natural diamonds, creating distinctive designs, each as unique as its wearer.

The key to success within our brand is an attitude of excellence, passion and delivering for our clients. We seek motivated, ambitious people who will thrive in an environment which fosters collaboration, inclusivity and creativity.

Job Description

As the Head of Manufacturing and Supply Director you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of manufacturing, product development, Quality and the service centre activities to ensure the timely production of high-quality jewellery products. You will lead a team of professionals to optimise manufacturing processes, drive product innovation, and manage the sourcing of materials and components. Your strategic leadership will be essential in achieving operational excellence, maintaining product quality standards, and supporting the growth and profitability of the business.

With the COO you will:

• Define and lead the building of in house product development capability.
• Define and lead strategic manufacturing plan to ensure DBJ has access to the capabilities and capacities to deliver the future growth plans.
• Ensure that DBJ is always at the forefront of provenance and tracability standards in supply chain and that governance standards of these processes are high.

Product Development:

• Oversee the product development process, collaborating with design and product marketing teams to bring innovative jewellery designs from concept to production.
• Drive continuous improvement in product design and development processes to ensure alignment with market trends, customer preferences, and quality standards.
• Drive successful collaboration with cross-functional teams to manage the introduction of new products and ensure smooth transition from prototype to mass production.

Sourcing and Supply Chain Management:

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies to identify and qualify suppliers of finished jewellery and components, ensuring a reliable and cost-effective supply chain.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with jewellery manufacturing suppliers to secure favourable terms, pricing, and delivery schedules.
• Implement supplier performance management processes to monitor supplier quality performance, address issues, and drive continuous improvement.

Compliance and Governance:

• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, regulations, and ethical sourcing practices.
• Responsible for ensuring DBJ and DBJ manufacturers comply with all relevant BPP and/or RJC standards
• Ensure that diamond sourcing protocols are adhered to and drive the continuous evaluation of the appropriate metal sourcing protocols in line with the ethical and sustainability team guidance.

Product Development:

• Lead Oversee the product development process, collaborating with design and product marketing teams to bring innovative jewellery designs from concept to production.
• Drive continuous improvement in product design and development processes to ensure alignment with market trends, customer preferences, and quality standards.
• Work closely with Drive successful collaboration with cross-functional teams to manage the introduction of new products and ensure smooth transition from prototype to mass production.

Sourcing and Supply Chain Management:

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies to identify and qualify suppliers of finished jewellery and components, ensuring a reliable and cost-effective supply chain.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with jewellery manufacturing suppliers to secure favourable terms, pricing, and delivery schedules.
• Implement supplier performance management processes to monitor supplier quality performance, address issues, and drive continuous improvement.

Quality Assurance and Compliance and Governance :

• Establish rigorous quality standards to ensure that jewellery products meet or exceed quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Implement quality control measures throughout the manufacturing process, from raw materials inspection to final product assembly and packaging.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, regulations, and ethical sourcing practices.
• Responsible for ensuring DBJ and DBJ manufacturers comply with all relevant BPP and/or RJC standards
• Ensure that diamond sourcing protocols are adhered to and drive the continuous evaluation of the appropriate metal sourcing protocols in line with the ethical and sustainability team guidance.

Quality Control

• Establish rigorous quality standards to ensure that jewellery products meet or exceed quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Implement quality control measures throughout the manufacturing process, from raw materials inspection to final product assembly and packaging.

Service Centre Management:

• Ensure that the service centre delivers a high quality, timely service to stores and clients through strong processes, SLA targets and a culture of client satisfaction.
• Lead (with the service centre manager) greater visibility of all costs and service times in global aftersales, driving greater cost control, service standards and global consistency in the offering.
• Ensure the global network of workshops servicing DBJ are aligned and delivering a consistent quality and cost.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Provide leadership and direction to the manufacturing, product development, QC and service centre teams (18 in total) fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Coach and develop team members to enhance their skills, capabilities, and performance, promoting a high-performing and engaged workforce.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, supply chain management, or a related field is desirable.
• Considerable proven experience in manufacturing, product development, and supply chain management roles within the jewellery industry or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in new product development, from concept ideation to commercialisation.
• Expertise in sourcing and supplier management, including negotiation, contract management, and supplier performance evaluation
• Strong technical knowledge of jewellery manufacturing processes, materials, and quality standards.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and ethical sourcing practices in the jewellery industry.
• Proficiency in manufacturing and supply chain management software systems.
• A track record of effectively balancing the delivery of solutions to the business at multiple levels, including strategic, tactical, project and operational

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 gym onsite
• 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

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