Head of Applied Finishes

Introduction

Nigel Wright are partnering with Charles Edwards to appoint a 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.

Location: South Wimbledon, London (predominantly site-based)

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.