At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the evolution of luxury finishing processes and develop a world-class team.
- Company: Join a prestigious British manufacturer known for exquisite handcrafted lighting.
- Benefits: Significant autonomy, career growth, and the chance to shape a luxury brand's future.
- Other info: Work closely with artisans and influence key business decisions.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on craftsmanship and luxury design in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in metal finishing or related fields with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
Introduction
Nigel Wright are partnering with Charles Edwards to appoint an Head of Applied Finishes.
This is a rare opportunity to join a growing British luxury manufacturer at a pivotal stage in its development, combining craftsmanship, technical expertise and strategic leadership.
This role will lead the evolution of a business-critical finishing function, ensuring the exceptional quality and character that define Charles Edwards products today while helping shape the future of the company's manufacturing capabilities.
Charles Edwards is a London-based designer and manufacturer of luxury decorative lighting, renowned for creating handcrafted pieces inspired by historical design references.
Working with leading interior designers and discerning clients around the world, the company produces both bespoke commissions and collection products for prestigious residential and commercial projects.
The business is experiencing strong growth and continues to invest in its manufacturing capabilities, creating exciting opportunities for ambitious individuals who want to make a lasting impact.
The Role
This is far more than a traditional finishing or production role.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to safeguard and develop specialist finishing expertise, work closely with highly skilled artisan suppliers, and create a roadmap for bringing key capabilities in-house.
You'll be trusted to shape strategy, influence investment decisions, develop new processes, and ultimately build a world-class finishing operation within a respected luxury British brand.
Reporting into the leadership team, you will take ownership of all aspects of applied finishes and metal finishing strategy.
Key responsibilities include
- Managing relationships with specialist finishing suppliers and subcontractors.
- Leading quality, testing and compliance standards across all finishes.
- Driving research and development of luxury brass finishes, patinas and coatings.
- Creating the business case and implementation plan for an in-house finishing facility.
- Establishing manufacturing processes, standards and best practices.
- Building and leading a specialist finishing team as the function evolves.
- Working closely with Operations, Production, Product Development and Finance to support business growth and continuous improvement.
What We're Looking For
- 10+ years' experience within metal finishing, surface treatments, coatings, architectural metalwork, decorative manufacturing or related specialist industries.
- Strong knowledge of brass finishing, patination, coatings, polishing or surface treatment technologies.
- Experience managing teams, suppliers, technical partners or specialist manufacturing operations.
- A track record of leading change, developing new capabilities or scaling production environments.
- Commercial awareness and the ability to contribute to investment and business planning decisions.
- A genuine appreciation for craftsmanship, heritage products, design and manufacturing excellence.
- Strong leadership and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence a broad range of stakeholders.
- Why This Role Stands Out
- Opportunity to build and shape a new in-house finishing capability.
- Direct influence on the future growth of a premium British manufacturer.
- A rare blend of technical expertise, craftsmanship, leadership and strategy.
- Exposure to luxury products, heritage design and bespoke manufacturing.
- The chance to preserve and develop specialist finishing skills within an internationally recognised brand.
- A highly visible role with significant autonomy and long-term career potential.
Head of Applied Finishes in London employer: Jobiqo
Bromley Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package, including a local government pension scheme and unique discounts, the Council prioritises employee well-being and career growth. Located in the vibrant Bromley Civic Centre, you will be part of a team that plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the borough while enjoying the balance of urban and suburban life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Applied Finishes in London
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Jobiqo, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Applied Finishes in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Jobiqo specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobiqo
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Jobiqo, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Jobiqo value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
