Strathberry is one of the most exciting contemporary luxury brands to emerge from the UK in the past decade. Founded in Edinburgh and handcrafted by skilled artisans in the renowned leather workshops of Spain, the brand is defined by its minimalist design language, refined craftsmanship and its signature bar hardware. Loved by global tastemakers, celebrities and royalty, Strathberry has cultivated a fast-growing international community drawn to modern elegance, timeless design and exceptional quality.
Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong pace of growth, the brand has built a significant direct-to-consumer business and is stocked in leading global retailers including Selfridges, Liberty, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. The retail footprint continues to expand with flagship stores in London and Edinburgh, supported by a new in-house atelier that brings craft, sampling and repair together in one creative space. This investment in infrastructure, talent and product innovation positions Strathberry for its next chapter of global scale.
Joining Strathberry means becoming part of a dynamic, ambitious and design-led business at a pivotal moment in its evolution. This is an opportunity to contribute to a brand with a clear identity, strong momentum and a bold ambition to reimagine contemporary luxury on an international stage.
The Role
We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Production to join our team. This role will be responsible for leading Strathberry’s end-to-end production and sourcing strategy, ensuring the delivery of exceptional luxury products that meet the brand’s uncompromising standards of quality, craftsmanship and sustainability.
Please note: This is a full-time, permanent position based in Edinburgh. We are currently operating a hybrid working approach with a minimum of 3 fixed days required each week working from our beautiful Townhouse in Edinburgh City Centre.
To apply please submit your CV and combined covering letter, outlining your relevant skills and experience and interest in this position by 12th July 2026. Please note that CVs submitted without a covering letter will not be considered.
Key Responsibilities
Production Management:
- Manage the production critical path from SMS sample to bulk, ensuring all products consistently meet Strathberry's exacting quality and craftsmanship standards while achieving on-time delivery targets.
- Ensure we have a flexible and dynamic supply base to deliver the best quality, price, and ethical production practices.
- Work closely with our Merchandising team on stock planning, managing production capacity and lead-times.
- Maintain strong relationships with our production partners.
- Monitor supplier quality metrics and implement improvement plans to achieve best-in-class manufacturing standards.
Cost and Margin Management:
- Protect and improve Gross Margin.
- Manage bulk negotiations with suppliers.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
Sourcing:
- Establish and maintain relationships with key raw material suppliers and manufacturers.
- Negotiate pricing, MOQs and delivery terms with suppliers and manufacturers.
- Evaluate and select production partners based on quality, capacity, and sustainability practices.
- Regularly report on supplier performance to identifying opportunity for improvement.
Raw materials:
- Ensure all raw materials meet Strathberry's luxury quality standards through rigorous supplier selection, testing, inspection, and continuous quality monitoring.
- Monitor and manage raw material inventory levels effectively, minimising waste and optimise utilisation.
Sustainability & Innovation:
- Stay ahead of industry trends, sourcing sustainable materials, and integrating eco-friendly practices in the production process.
- Advocate for sustainability throughout the product lifecycle, from concept to production.
- Drive ESG initiatives across the supply base, promoting responsible sourcing, ethical manufacturing practices, and environmental responsibility.
- Oversee supplier compliance with relevant social, environmental, and governance standards, ensuring timely completion of audits and corrective actions where required.
- Support the delivery of the company's sustainability objectives through supplier engagement, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement programmes.
- Lead, coach, and develop a small Production team, encouraging a high-performance and collaborative culture.
- Set clear objectives, priorities, and performance expectations for team members, ensuring alignment with company goals.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, provide feedback, and identify training and development opportunities.
- Allocate workloads effectively and manage team resources to ensure critical path milestones and production deadlines are achieved.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the team, promoting efficiency, accountability, and best practice processes.
- Act as a key liaison between Product Development, Merchandising, Logistics and external production partners, ensuring clear communication and alignment across stakeholders.
What we offer
- 29 days annual leave, plus 3 additional fixed bank holidays
- Never work on your birthday! Additional day holiday on your birthday
- Allocation of Strathberry products & discounts
- Early finish Friday
- Long service award
- Employee Assistance Programme
About You
To be a star candidate for this position, you must be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:
- Significant experience in a senior production, sourcing, or supply chain role within the luxury fashion, leather goods or accessories industry.
- Proven expertise in end-to-end production management, supplier relationship management, and delivering high-quality products on time.
- Strong commercial acumen, with experience managing production costs, supplier negotiations, and gross margin.
- Sound knowledge of luxury materials, manufacturing processes, quality standards, and production planning.
- Experience driving responsible sourcing, supplier compliance, and sustainability initiatives across a global supply base.
- Proven leadership experience, with the ability to develop high-performing teams and build strong cross-functional relationships.
- Excellent organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Proficiency in ERP/PLM systems and Microsoft Excel.
Interested?
To apply please submit your CV and combined covering letter, outlining your relevant skills and experience and interest in this position by 12th July 2026. Please note that CVs submitted without a covering letter will not be considered.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Production
✨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 Strathberry, 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!
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 Strathberry 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 Strathberry
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Strathberry, 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 Strathberry 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.
