Operations Manager - Polished Diamonds

Company Description

De Beers Group (DBG) is a 135-year-old rough diamond mining, sorting and selling organisation. Within DBG sits the De Beers Polished Diamond Division which aims to vertically integrate De Beers by managing the polishing and procurement of diamonds for De Beers London, Forevermark, and the Origin polish program. It is poised to enhance De Beers’ market position by ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality polished diamonds and leveraging advanced technologies for market competitiveness. The Polished Diamond Division seeks to streamline operations to improve margins and ensure a high-quality diamond supply for De Beers brands. By utilizing AI and machine learning, the division aims to validate demand and optimize inventory management. Additionally, it will enable De Beers to establish and grow contract polishing, develop new polishing facilities, and explore mergers and acquisitions for further expansion.

Reporting to the Vice President, Sales & Client Management - Europe, the Operations Manager – Polished Diamonds is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a diamond polishing facility, ensuring efficient production, quality control, and timely delivery of polished diamonds, while optimizing processes, managing inventory, and maintaining compliance with industry standards, all while leading a team of diamond polishers to meet production goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support all functions of operations ensuring efficient administration of business activities.
• Support Vice President of Sales and Client Management, Europe with the sorting of new polished inventory and creation of polished parcels.
• Ensure proper movement of product including shipments, transfers, consignments and movement between overseas offices, partners and retailers.
• Track import and export of polished diamonds and finished jewelry from Sightholders, contract manufacturers, polished suppliers and jewelry manufacturers with supporting documentation, as well as relevant declarations.
• Ensure all new and existing polished inventory is captured on Polished System in collaboration with CFO.
• Manage uploads and tracking for polished diamonds being supplied to De Beers London and retail partners
• Support Vice President of Sales and Client Management, Europe with raising of purchase orders and populating customer templates to capture Polished Division commissions and supplier information.
• Work closely with De Beers London supply planning team and retailers to capture and collate forecasts for polished requirements to be sourced by Polished Division.
• Support on due diligence of the Polished Division’s counterparties including verifying information and conducting due diligence under oversight of the BPP team.
• BPP and PI submissions for the Polished Division (self-assessments) and supporting BPP and PI audit processes.

A full job description will be provided at interview stage.

• Undergraduate qualification (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant functional discipline, e.g., Business, Commercial, Marketing or equivalent record of extensive experience in a role and context of similar complexity.
• Experience in developing and executing operations strategies that drive revenue growth.
• Previous experience in diamond support office is a must.
• Strong background in operations, budgeting, and performance analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key clients.
• Experience in developing client retention strategies and improving customer satisfaction.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and interpersonal skills proficient in Excel, SAP and CRM systems.
• Existing knowledge of import and export requirements for rough and polished diamonds.
• Expertise in handling complex client negotiations and resolving conflicts.
• Deep understanding of the industry in which the company operates, including market trends and competitive landscape.
• Experience in strategic planning, including market analysis and identifying growth opportunities.
• Must have strong relationships with key retailers and wholesalers in the region

• A great working environment
• The opportunity to develop your skills within a growing company
• Staff discount
• Fantastic pension scheme
• We have up to 27days of holiday with the opportunity to buy or sell 5 more days
• Mental health is a top priority for De Beers Group.
• We offer free subscription to Headspace and have mental health first aider
• Competitive salary
• Exceptional benefits package
• Employee share schemes and variable salary components
• Your Choice membership discounts
• Free breakfast and lunch at on-site staff restaurant

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 Referral incentive applicable: This opportunity is open to a paid referral incentive according to the Employee Referral Scheme. Referral incentives are applicable to De Beers Group internal employees only.

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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