Head of Production
Salary:£60-£75k + bonus
Location: Potters Bar
️ Office requirement: 4 days per week in the office
Employment type: Full time, permanent role with 3 month probationary period
The role
As Head of Production you will lead the production operations for our global bags and accessories brand, overseeing the complete journey from sampling to final product delivery, travelling often. You will ensure all products meet our exacting standards for quality, timing, ethics and cost-effectiveness at significant scale. The position combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational excellence, driving continuous improvement across our global supply chain.
Sounds great, what will I be doing?
Global Production & Quality Management
* Oversee end-to-end production processes across multiple international manufacturing facilities, ensuring seamless coordination and quality consistency
* Partner with Design and Product Development teams to ensure technical feasibility and manufacturing efficiency
* Manage the critical path from prototype signoff through bulk production, maintaining strict adherence to seasonal timelines and delivery schedules
* Lead production capacity planning and allocation across global factory network, optimising efficiency and managing lead times, collaborating with Merchandising to align capacity with demand forecasts
* Implement supply chain risk management strategies to ensure business continuity
* Travel regularly to manufacturing facilities worldwide to conduct on-site quality assessments, process improvements, and relationship building
* Implement cost optimisation strategies while preserving product quality and maintaining healthy profit margins
* Continue to improve our robust quality control systems and processes to maintain consistent product excellence
Factory Development & Partnership Management
* Identify, evaluate, and onboard new manufacturing partners to expand production capabilities and geographic reach
* Conduct comprehensive factory assessments including technical capabilities, capacity, quality systems, and ethical compliance
* Build and maintain strategic partnerships with key production facilities, fostering long-term collaborative relationships
* Negotiate production terms, pricing structures, and capacity allocations to support business growth objectives
* Establish clear performance metrics and regularly review factory performance against quality, delivery, and compliance standards
Sustainability & Ethical Manufacturing
* Champion and implement comprehensive sustainability initiatives across all production operations
* With the Development team, drive continuous improvement in sustainable manufacturing processes and material innovation, including sourcing of materials
* Oversee all factory audits, certifications, and compliance requirements across the global supply base
Team Leadership & People Development
* Lead, mentor, and develop the existing production team, providing career growth opportunities and skills enhancement
* Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on excellence, innovation, and continuous learning
* Recruit and onboard new team members as the business expands, building production expertise and capabilities
What exactly is Elizabeth Scarlett?
A lifestyle and accessories brand that helps fund wildlife conservation — £2 Million in direct contributions by 2030 is our goal.
We predominantly sell personalised and embroidered velvet accessories across the Pouches, Makeup, Travel, Sleep and Bags categories. People love gifting, receiving and treating themselves with our products because of the little moments of joy and continuous reminders of wildlife they bring.
Our mission is to create joy by making exceptionally high-quality products that are inspired by nature, beautifully functional and adorned with hand-painted designs by our founder, Lizzie.
In 2025 we will be:
* Growing our US business to 50% (or more!) of total revenue
* Redefining our brand into a standout memorable asset
* Developing our product categories for commercial scale
What do I need to bring with me?
* Minimum 8-10 years of production management experience in bags, accessories, or luxury goods manufacturing
* Proven track record managing international production operations with extensive factory relationships in Asia, Europe, or other key manufacturing regions
* Strong leadership experience developing and managing high-performing production teams
* Deep understanding of bags and accessories manufacturing processes, materials, and quality standards
* Experience implementing sustainability initiatives and managing ethical compliance programs
* Excellent negotiation skills and ability to build strong supplier relationships
* Willingness and ability to travel internationally
* Fluency in English required; additional languages advantageous
What we can offer you
Salary with Performance-Based Bonus
* £60-£75k + bonus
Flexibility
* 1 day work from home
* 24 days holiday, plus bank holidays
Personal Development
* Annual Learning & Development budget (3% of gross salary)
* Access to 1:1 coaching
Team Perks
* £500 of Elizabeth Scarlett products per year + 60% team discount
* Personal code with a 25% discount for friends & family
* Annual Summer Retreat (e.g., 2 days at 42 Acres!)
* Regular team social events
* Birthday & anniversary budget!
* Enhanced family leave that goes beyond the standard statutory leave for Mat, Pat etc
Interview Steps
* Preliminary meeting with our People & Culture Manager
* First video interview with Amelia
* Prepare & submit a task
* Second video interview with Alex & Elizabeth
Interested? Apply Now!
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