Interim Operations Transformation Director

The Interim Operations Transformation Director will lead the transformation of De Beers London's end-to-end operations and supply chain, creating a more integrated, data-led, cost-effective and client-focused operating model. The role will stabilise delivery while accelerating sustainable change across manufacturing and quality, raw materials planning, inventory, logistics, customs compliance and aftersales. Working in close partnership with the IT function, the role will translate operational priorities into clear technology, data and process requirements. The Director will bring proven legacy transformation experience, embed best-practice ways of working and lead the cultural change required to create lasting operational discipline, accountability and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Execute the focused operations transformation roadmap aligned to DBL's strategy, client experience and financial priorities, with clear outcomes, sequencing, governance and benefits tracking; Lead with pace through the interim period, balancing immediate operational stabilisation with the implementation of scalable, sustainable solutions; Drive cultural change across global teams, building ownership, accountability, collaboration and a continuous-improvement mindset; Lead integrated manufacturing planning across internal and external production, translating demand and product priorities into capacity, resource and delivery plans; Establish disciplined raw-material planning and controls, including availability, allocation, consumption, traceability, risk and working-capital management; Optimise manufacturing capacity, supplier capability, lead times and production flow to improve delivery reliability, profitability, quality and responsiveness; Lead end-to-end supply chain performance across 3PL contract management, inventory, fulfilment, warehousing and distribution; Optimise service levels, operational processes, stock accuracy, security and controls, reporting across the global network; Embed best-practice forecasting and inventory disciplines; Use data and performance insight to improve forecast accuracy, inventory productivity, working capital, throughput and on-time delivery; Establish clear operational KPIs, dashboards and governance routines to enable timely decisions and sustained performance improvement; Oversee customs compliance, import and export controls, documentation and classification, working with internal specialists and external advisers to optimise duty efficiency; Own the performance and commercial management of freight, carriage and related service contracts, ensuring service quality, resilience, compliance and value for money; Ensure appropriate contingency plans and controls are in place for high-value goods, critical materials and market disruption; Place client excellence at the centre of operations, ensuring planning, fulfilment, after-sales and special-order processes support a seamless luxury experience; Partner with Retail, Client Development and Commercial teams to define service standards and reporting, resolve recurring pain points to support the luxury client experience; Use client and operational data to identify service opportunities, monitor performance and prioritise improvements; Work in close partnership with the IT function to translate operational priorities into technology, data and process requirements

Requirements

Extensive senior operational leadership experience across integrated operations, manufacturing and supply chain, ideally within luxury, jewellery, high-value goods or another quality-led retail environment; Proven transformation experience within a legacy business; Client first approach with the ability to connect operational decisions to luxury service standards; Data-led and commercially astute, with experience using metrics, analytics and benefits tracking to improve cost, cash, service and quality; Demonstrated success in driving cultural change, influencing senior stakeholders and mobilising cross-functional teams through ambiguity and pace; Pragmatic and solutions-focused

Benefits

27 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell leave via flexible benefits platform; Pension with minimum 4% employee contribution plus 11% company contribution (15% total); Company-funded core Private Medical Insurance (Bupa), with options to upgrade or extend cover; 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme, access to a Mental Health First Aider network, and wider wellbeing resources; Flexible benefits platform including holiday trading, travel insurance, dental cover, critical illness protection, retail vouchers and more; Participation in Anglo American share plans, including Free Shares, SIP and SAYE; Employee discounts, staff discount options, and onsite benefits where available (e.g. gym and restaurant facilities)