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- Tasks: Lead an immersive watchmaking programme, teaching specialist techniques and mentoring students.
- Company: The King’s Foundation, in partnership with Cartier, focused on craftsmanship and excellence.
- Benefits: Gain industry insight, develop high-level skills, and work in a creative environment.
- Other info: Based at Dumfries House, with opportunities for travel and professional networking.
- Why this job: Shape the future of decorative arts while inspiring the next generation of artisans.
- Qualifications: Degree in jewellery design or equivalent experience in the luxury jewellery sector.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The King’s Foundation is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Programme Manager to lead a new addition to our suite of craft programmes - Decorative Metiers d’Art in Watchmaking. This immersive programme will prepare recent graduates to enter the workplace with high-level skills, industry insight and/or elevate the skills of an early career jeweller or decorative watchmaker.
The post holder will take an operational role in the development and delivery of an industry-led, studio-based curriculum. They will lead workshops, teaching specialist techniques with a specific focus on enamelling. The Programme Manager will take an active role in leading the cohort successfully through the programme, ensuring exceptional technical training and fostering excellence and professionalism while embedding high-level skills within the cohort’s practice.
The Programme Manager will support a small cohort of 6 learners from diverse backgrounds to develop professional-level technical ability, creative confidence, and industry awareness, ensuring the programme reflects best practice in the jewellery and decorative arts sector. They will also contribute to planning, curriculum development, and industry engagement to ensure the programme remains relevant, innovative, and impactful.
Key Tasks- Deliver high-quality technical tuition in specialist craftsmanship of decorative watchmaking including enamel work, along with additional development in creative artisanal processes.
- Support students in developing confidence with industrial equipment and decorative watchmaking to a luxury standard.
- Embed broader learning themes such as sustainable practice, working with the principles of harmony, and preserving craft heritage through traditional techniques, delivered through tutorials, critiques, and peer-led reviews that promote collaborative and reflective learning.
- Guide and mentor students during self-directed sessions, helping them develop time management, self-evaluation, and the ability to meet programme expectations.
- Contribute to the planning, delivery, and coordination of timetabled workshops, studio activities and exhibitions.
- Ensure all workshop activity aligns with the ethos of The King’s Foundation and the values of craftsmanship and excellence.
- Manage partners and representatives to support the development of new content and delivery.
- Maintain a safe and inspiring learning environment and ensure all necessary materials, tools and resources are well managed.
- Lead on recruitment, pastoral care and post-course progression processes.
- Administration tasks include writing programme reports, collating data in line with reporting requirements and developing appropriate risk assessments.
- Plan and adhere to the annual budget for tutors and resources.
The essential skills, knowledge and experience required are:
- Degree-level qualification in jewellery design/manufacturing/silversmithing/applied arts, or a related subject, or equivalent, up-to-date industry experience in the jewellery sector with a specialist understanding of enamel techniques and processes.
- Strong knowledge of the education and training landscape, including Further/Higher Education, and alternative pathways into jewellery careers.
- Proven project management skills, with experience overseeing multiple creative projects, delivering educational or apprenticeship programmes, and managing staff or freelance teams.
- In-depth understanding of the luxury jewellery and watch sector.
- Established and maintain a professional network within the jewellery/silversmithing industries.
- Understanding of and support for the ethos and principles underlying The King’s Foundation and Harmony Education.
- Ability to perform under pressure, adapt to shifting priorities, and consistently deliver high-quality outcomes.
- Requirement to travel within the UK, and occasionally abroad (Geneva).
- Confident, innovative leader with excellent organisational skills and the ability to work independently.
The post will be based at Dumfries House, Cumnock, KA18 2NJ with the requirement to travel on occasion. Your working hours will be 37.5 hours per week (which will include occasional evening and weekend working as required to meet the needs of the centre). You must have the legal right to work in the UK. This post is considered to be a regulated activity therefore any offer will be subject to a satisfactory disclosure check with the Disclosure Scotland.
Applications: Please submit a cover letter and CV (please note one A4 page maximum each for CV and letter) to Gordon Watson, email address: - and request an application form. Closing date for applications: Friday 29th of May 2026 at 5pm. In-person interviews at Dumfries House Estate – 24th and 25th of June 2026.
Programme Manager: Decorative Metiers d’Art in Watchmaking in Cumnock employer: The King's Foundation
Contact Detail:
The King's Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager: Decorative Metiers d’Art in Watchmaking in Cumnock
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. We want to show that we’re not just a good fit for the role, but also for the culture. Tailor your answers to reflect how you align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors. We can help each other refine our responses and boost our confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows we’re genuinely interested and keeps us fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager: Decorative Metiers d’Art in Watchmaking in Cumnock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your experience in jewellery design and project management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your passion for decorative watchmaking.
Tailor Your CV: When it comes to your CV, tailor it to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. Focus on your technical abilities, especially in enamelling and luxury standards, as well as any relevant teaching or mentoring experience. We love a good fit!
Keep It Concise: Remember, both your cover letter and CV should be one A4 page each. Be concise and to the point! We appreciate clarity and brevity, so make every word count while still conveying your enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re following the correct process. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at The King's Foundation
✨Know Your Craft
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of decorative watchmaking and enamelling techniques. Be prepared to discuss your experience in these areas and how you can bring that expertise to the programme. Show them you’re not just familiar with the craft, but passionate about it!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Programme Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor students. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully guided a team or individual. Highlight your project management skills and how you've overseen educational programmes before.
✨Engage with Industry Insights
Stay updated on trends and best practices in the jewellery and decorative arts sector. Be ready to discuss how you can incorporate industry insights into the curriculum. This shows that you’re not only knowledgeable but also committed to keeping the programme relevant and impactful.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations, such as managing a diverse cohort or ensuring safety in the workshop. Think through potential challenges and your strategies for overcoming them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.