Job: COO / VP of Operations (Luxury Watches)

Company Description

Our client is one of the very few luxury watch manufacturers in the United Kingdom. With a rich heritage and a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, they have established themselves as a prominent player in the luxury watch industry. The company operates through a network of retail partners, their own boutiques, and a direct-to-consumer (DTC) website. Having recently secured a substantial investment, they are embarking on an ambitious growth plan for the next five years.

Objective of the Role

The COO will play a pivotal role in driving the company’s operational excellence and ensuring the successful execution of the growth plan. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in luxury watch manufacturing and will be responsible for overseeing key departments, including Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Operations.

Ideal Profile

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional with a proven track record in luxury watch manufacturing. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the industry, with a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering exceptional timepieces. They should possess strong leadership and strategic abilities, coupled with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The successful candidate will have a demonstrable ability to drive operational efficiency, streamline processes, and enhance the overall customer experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Operations departments, ensuring the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and innovation.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to support the company’s growth objectives, including optimizing production processes, supply chain management, and operational effectiveness.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, driving innovation and identifying opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Design, Sales, and Marketing, to ensure seamless product development, launch, and distribution.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational performance and ensure the achievement of targets.
• Oversee the development and implementation of quality control processes to maintain the company’s reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and product excellence.
• Drive the adoption of sustainable practices and responsible sourcing within the manufacturing processes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including retail partners, suppliers, and industry influencers.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, market dynamics, and competitor activities, providing strategic insights and recommendations to the executive team.

Requirements

• Significant experience in luxury watch manufacturing, with a strong track record of leadership and operational excellence.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the luxury watch industry, including production processes, quality standards, and market dynamics.
• Proven experience in successfully managing and optimizing operations across multiple departments, including Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Operations.
• Strong strategic mindset, with the ability to develop and execute effective operational plans that support business growth and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Excellent leadership skills, with a track record of building and managing high-performing teams.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a strong focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders at all levels.
• Results-oriented mindset, with a proven ability to meet deadlines, manage priorities, and deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Business Administration) is required. A master’s degree or additional certifications in operations or management will be considered a plus.

Company Benefits

• 25 days annual leave increasing with length of service
• Private healthcare
• Excellent length of service awards featuring the issuing of those timepieces we are all so proud to produce.
• Significant permanent employee discounts on Watches, with great ‘family and friends’ Sales.
• Unique retail discounts for many different brands, available both locally and online.
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave.
• Wellbeing initiatives including counselling and 24/7 financial & legal advice.
• Strong support regarding time off for you partake in any commendable volunteer work.
• A day’s holiday for you to celebrate your birthday!
• We’re a sociable bunch and plan several social events throughout the year.
• Training programs offered with a focus on career development within the company.
• A fantastic and enviable new facility in which to work, very near the town centre