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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the production of bespoke guns, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
- Company: Purdey, a prestigious London brand since 1814, crafts bespoke firearms and luxury clothing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, opportunities for personal growth, and a commitment to sustainability.
- Why this job: Join a heritage brand that values craftsmanship while driving innovation and operational transformation.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing leadership, transformation, and strong financial acumen required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values empathy, curiosity, and integrity.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE AN IMPACT?
We are seeking an experienced and empathetic Director of Manufacturing to lead the end-to-end production of our bespoke guns. This role sits at the heart of our heritage business, where craftsmanship and innovation go hand in hand. You will be responsible for delivering products on time and to the highest standard, while leading the business through a period of meaningful operational transformation.
This is a unique opportunity for a values-driven manufacturing leader who understands the importance of honouring tradition while driving change. You will oversee production, machining, and technology functions, and play a key role in implementing new processes, planning tools, and systems that will improve efficiency and support long-term sustainability.
Manufacturing Leadership:
- Lead the Production Team of highly skilled craftspeople to deliver world-class products on time and to exacting standards.
- Oversee the Machine Shop to ensure parts are delivered accurately and efficiently to support production flow.
- Guide the Technology Department, ensuring ongoing innovation in parts and product development while respecting the craftsmanship ethos.
- Champion a safe, clean, and compliant working environment across all areas.
Transformation & Innovation:
- Lead the factory through a period of change, implementing new technologies, planning tools, and processes to enhance performance.
- Maintain the delicate balance between traditional handcraft and modern manufacturing capability.
- Identify and introduce appropriate systems to support planning, scheduling, and resource management.
Financial Oversight:
- Take ownership of manufacturing financials including operational expenditure, stock, margin management, and absorption costing.
- Contribute to strategic discussions around pricing, profitability, and investment.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with the Gun Sales Team to ensure production aligns with customer demand and lead times.
- Collaborate with leadership and other departments to ensure operational alignment with overall business goals.
- Prepare and present updates to the Executive Committee (ExCo) as required.
Team Development:
- Lead with empathy—listen, encourage, and motivate a team that is passionate about their craft.
- Invest in the development of talent, creating opportunities for learning and skill progression.
- Build a culture of pride, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Lead a team of c.40 with 4 direct reports
HOW WILL YOU EXPERIENCE SUCCESS WITH US?
- Experience leading manufacturing operations in a small, quality-led environment, ideally with a heritage or craftsmanship component.
- Proven track record in leading transformation, with an understanding of both technical and cultural change.
- Strong leadership skills with a genuine commitment to developing and supporting people.
- Deep understanding of production planning, financials (including absorption costing), OPEX, and stock management.
- Skilled in implementing planning and scheduling tools in a hands-on setting.
- Able to communicate effectively at all levels and present confidently to senior leadership / ExCo.
- Comfortable working cross-functionally, especially with commercial teams.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint).
- Familiarity with health & safety practices and compliance standards.
- Detail-oriented, organised, and calm under pressure.
- Conscientious with strong interpersonal and team-building skills.
WHAT MAKES OUR GROUP DIFFERENT?
Our true power does not lie in our similarities but in the rich diversity of our arts, cultures, and human skills, as well as our specific ability to foster untapped potential.
- We value freedom, collegiality, loyalty, and solidarity
- We foster empathy, curiosity, courage, humility, and integrity
- We care for the world we live in
YOUR JOURNEY WITH US:
We aim to provide a valuable recruitment process, allowing you to gain exposure to some key decision makers and influencing individuals:
- Initial screening call with Richemont Talent Team
- Interview with the Hiring Manager
- Interview with the Head of HR
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Director of Manufacturing employer: Richemont
Contact Detail:
Richemont Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Manufacturing
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Purdey's heritage and craftsmanship. Understanding the brand's history and values will help you connect with their mission and demonstrate your commitment to preserving tradition while driving innovation.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the manufacturing and craftsmanship sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build relationships and gain insights that could be beneficial during your interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led transformation in manufacturing settings. Highlight your experience with implementing new technologies and processes, as this will resonate well with the role's focus on operational change.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style by emphasising empathy and team development. Be ready to share how you've motivated teams in the past and fostered a culture of continuous improvement, which is crucial for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in manufacturing operations, especially in quality-led environments. Emphasise any leadership roles and transformation projects you've led, as these are crucial for the Director of Manufacturing position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for craftsmanship and innovation. Discuss how your values align with Purdey's commitment to tradition and change, and provide specific examples of how you've successfully led teams through operational transformations.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: During the application process, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Highlight your empathetic approach and how you invest in team development. Mention any initiatives you've implemented that foster a culture of pride and continuous improvement.
Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, prepare to discuss your understanding of production planning, financial management, and compliance standards. Be ready to present your ideas on balancing traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques, as this is key to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Richemont
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Director of Manufacturing, your leadership skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams through transformation and change, particularly in quality-led environments. Highlight your ability to motivate and develop talent.
✨Demonstrate Understanding of Craftsmanship
Purdey values craftsmanship deeply. Make sure to express your appreciation for traditional manufacturing techniques while also discussing how you can integrate modern processes. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your respect for heritage and innovation.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various departments. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with sales or other teams in the past to align production with customer demand. Highlight your communication skills and ability to present to senior leadership.
✨Discuss Financial Acumen
Understanding manufacturing financials is key for this position. Prepare to talk about your experience with operational expenditure, stock management, and absorption costing. Be ready to provide examples of how you've contributed to strategic discussions around pricing and profitability.
