Interim Operations Transformation Director

Job Description

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.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Transformation Leadership

• 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.

2. Manufacturing Planning & Raw Materials

• 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.

3. Supply Chain, Inventory & Logistics

• 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. Work 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.

5. Client Excellence

• 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.

Our Leadership Behaviours

• Act Like an Owner: Take accountability for stabilising and transforming the end-to-end operation, making balanced decisions that protect clients, quality, and profitability.
• Create Clarity: Set clear transformation priorities, outcomes, accountabilities and measures; communicate decisions and trade-offs transparently.
• Empower Teams: Build capability and confidence, enabling teams to solve problems, use data and continuously improve performance.
• Succeed Together: Build strong cross-functional relationships to ensure cohesive and successful execution of initiatives
• Challenge Conventions: Question legacy practices constructively and introduce pragmatic, best-practice and cost-effective solutions.

Qualifications

• 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.

Additional Information

What you’ll get at De Beers Group

At De Beers Group, our purpose is to Make Life Brilliant — and that starts with supporting our people to thrive at work and beyond with benefits that support your health, time, and financial wellbeing.

• Time that’s yours: 27 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell leave via our flexible benefits platform.
• A pension that invests in your future: minimum 4% employee contribution plus 11% company contribution (15% total).
• Healthcare you can rely on: company‑funded core Private Medical Insurance (Bupa), with options to upgrade or extend cover.
• Support when life gets busy: 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme, access to a Mental Health First Aider network, and wider wellbeing resources.
• Financial perks & savings: access to our flexible benefits platform, including options such as holiday trading, travel insurance, dental cover, critical illness protection, retail vouchers and more.
• Share schemes: opportunities to participate in Anglo American share plans, including Free Shares, SIP and SAYE.
• Lifestyle perks: employee discounts, staff discount options, and onsite benefits where available (e.g. gym and restaurant facilities).

Benefits may vary and are subject to scheme terms and eligibility.

Who we are

De Beers Group is a company with a rich history and a sparkling future. Since 1888 our experts have searched the world for nature’s most precious gem. Our diamonds bring beauty to the world. But we think they can do so much more. We want our diamonds, and our business, to make life brilliant – for our people, our customers and the world around us. Venetia Mine is part of De Beers Group Managed Operations Business which integrates mines, operations and support functions in the De Beers Group producer countries of Canada and South Africa to shape a safe, sustainable future for De Beers Group’s people, shareholders, communities and partners.

Safety

Safety first is a way of life for us. We are unconditional about the safety, health and well-being of our colleagues, at work and at home, and about that of the communities where we work. We aim to lead the industry by investing in innovation to protect people, who are at the heart of our business. Our high performing teams take accountability for their own and others' actions, work collaboratively, and always show care and respect.

Inclusion & Diversity

We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are. We provide equality of opportunity to enable everyone to fulfil their potential. Referrals incentive applicable: This opportunity is open to a paid referral incentive according to the Referral Policy. Referral incentives are applicable to De Beers Group internal employees only. 

Building Forever

Sustainability is at the heart of our decision-making – it is how we do business.   Building Forever is key to our purpose as it represents our ambitious and holistic sustainability framework and is central to our ability to deliver long-term value to our communities and partners. This shapes how we protect our social and environmental license to operate, build a long-term legacy in our host communities and earn consumers’ trust in our diamonds that they can wear with pride. 

Background Checks

Successful candidates will be required to complete background screening which may include a criminal check and validation of qualifications.

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