An experienced Operations, Product Development, Sourcing and Production specialist with a reputation for effectively managing the entire product lifecycle across Luxury Leather goods, Fine and Fashion Jewellery. Proven results in transformation and growth strategy implementing streamlined and efficient business practice with the ability to work with agility in a fast paced environment. Passionate about product design and quality with extensive experience of critical path management, European/Far East manufacturing, quality assurance and strategic partnership negotiation to deliver product on time and on budget. A kind and collaborative person with strong people management skills and the ability to nurture and retain talent. Specialities include: • Operations • Product Development • Production / Sourcing • Supplier management • Quality assurance and Sustainability • Critical Path Management • Defining process for best practice • Team leadership
I was a member of the senior leadership team and led the Global & UK teams in developing and sourcing product for Swarovski’s luxury business unit (ATELIER Swarovski) under the direction of fashion pioneer, Nadja Swarovski. I was involved in over 60 collaborations during my nine year tenure. COLLABORATIONS: Karl Lagerfeld | Dolce & Gabbana | Versace | Christopher Kane | Iris Apfel | Penelope Cruz | Jean-Paul Gaultier | Maison Margiela | Lanvin | Mary Katrantzou | Matthew Williamson | Peter Pilotto | Sandy Powell | Shaun Lean | Stephen Webster | Viktor & Rolf | Peter Dundas | Zaha Hadid | Disney | Warner Bros
Reporting directly to Nadja Swarovski, I led the design process for Atelier Swarovski. I was responsible for driving the entire product life cycle from design to delivery in store working closely with Merchandising, Operations, Sustainability and Marketing departments. I was responsible for increasing product development capacity to 15 collections per season, increasing on-time production delivery and reducing prohibited substances within jewellery and accessories. I developed and implemented a quality standard for ethical jewellery production.
I spent over 8 years with Ralph Lauren, working both in London and as a satellite design office to New York, working directly for Ralph Lauren himself, and with the Creative Director for the Purple Label, Blue Label and Polo brands, managing the design development and production life cycles. In addition I was part of the Woman's Accessories Design team in the development of iconic styles such as the Ricky and Aviator bag. I assisted with the sourcing and development of product for seasonal Runway shows. Positions held at Ralph Lauren: • Design Development Manager (July 2008) • Operations and Design Development Manager (September 2004) • Operations and Design Development Associate (November 2003) • Production Assistant (March 2003) • Admin Assistant (October 2002)
The Mountbatten Program provides a world-class paid internship program at leading companies, along with an accredited post-graduate business qualification up to MBA level. It is a unique combination of work, study and living abroad for graduates. I participated in this international career development program, which gave me the opportunity to live, work and study in New York. As part of the Mountbatten Program I was placed at Asprey & Garrard. The Program gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in the global business community and gain invaluable professional and personal development.