Purdey Director of Manufacturing
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Join Purdey in London as a Director of Manufacturing. Lead bespoke gun production in a heritage environment, driving innovation and operational transformation.
Overview
Purdey, a distinguished name in bespoke gun craftsmanship, is part of the Richemont Group, a global leader in luxury goods. As an employer, Purdey offers an environment steeped in tradition, where innovation and heritage craftsmanship are seamlessly integrated. The Richemont Group is renowned for its commitment to fostering diversity and nurturing talent across its prestigious portfolio of luxury brands.
Role & Responsibilities
- Lead a team of highly skilled craftspeople in the production of bespoke guns, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to exacting standards.
- Oversee the Machine Shop to ensure efficient and accurate parts delivery, supporting production flow.
- Guide the Technology Department in ongoing innovation while maintaining the craftsmanship ethos.
- Champion a safe, clean, and compliant working environment across all manufacturing areas.
- Implement new technologies, planning tools, and processes to enhance manufacturing performance and support long-term sustainability.
- Balance traditional handcraft with modern manufacturing capabilities.
- Manage manufacturing financials, including operational expenditure, stock, margin management, and absorption costing.
- Collaborate with the Gun Sales Team to align production with customer demand and lead times.
- Work closely with leadership and other departments to ensure operational alignment with business goals.
- Prepare and present updates to the Executive Committee as required.
- Lead with empathy, encouraging and motivating a team passionate about their craft.
- Invest in talent development, creating opportunities for learning and skill progression.
- Build a culture of pride, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- Experience leading manufacturing operations in a 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 commitment to developing and supporting people.
- Deep understanding of production planning, financials, OPEX, and stock management.
- Skilled in implementing planning and scheduling tools in a hands-on setting.
- Effective communication skills at all levels, with the ability to present confidently to senior leadership.
- Comfortable working cross-functionally, especially with commercial teams.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, including Excel and PowerPoint.
- Familiarity with health and safety practices and compliance standards.
Skills
Experience
Proven experience in leading manufacturing operations, ideally within a heritage or craftsmanship-focused environment, with a track record of successful transformation leadership.
Workplace
This position is based in London, England, UK, within easy reach of London. Cerulean lists 435 open roles in London, including 16 posted recently. The broader England area accounts for 544 active listings on Cerulean, 19 of which are new. In UK as a whole, Cerulean currently features 572 open positions, with 22 posted this week.
Benefits
Purdey, as part of the Richemont Group, offers a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering empathy, curiosity, courage, humility, and integrity. Employees benefit from a culture that values freedom, collegiality, loyalty, and solidarity.
Culture
Purdey prides itself on a workplace culture that honors tradition while embracing innovation. The company values diversity in arts, cultures, and human skills, fostering an environment where untapped potential is nurtured. The Richemont Group's commitment to caring for the world and its people is reflected in Purdey's empathetic and inclusive approach.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.