Stone Setting Director

Fine Jewelry Manufacturer • Lafayette, LA

67d

About The Position

Join our Manufacturing team - production, assembly, operation of equipment, and more - and help us deliver an unmatched selection of products made with quality materials and workmanship. The Stone Setting department is responsible for polishing, engraving, plating, and setting stones, demanding high dexterity, concentration, and attention to detail to ensure the quality of each piece. We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Director of Stone Setting to lead our custom jewelry production operations. This role is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end manufacturing process-including stone setting, engraving, ring sizing, and assembly-while driving continuous improvement through Lean manufacturing methodologies. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of fine jewelry craftsmanship, operational excellence, and team leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in jewelry manufacturing or custom production, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven expertise in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Strong understanding of jewelry techniques including stone setting, engraving, and assembly.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with ERP systems and production planning tools.

Nice To Haves

• Certification in Lean/Six Sigma.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM jewelry design.
• Experience in high-mix, low-volume production environments.
• Passion for craftsmanship and innovation in luxury goods.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies aligned with company goals and customer expectations.
• Lead and mentor a team of skilled artisans and production staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Implement and sustain Lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste, improve flow, and enhance quality.
• Analyze production workflows and identify opportunities for efficiency and cost reduction.
• Standardize work processes and ensure adherence to best practices.
• Oversee daily operations of custom manufacturing services including stone setting, engraving, ring sizing, and assembly.
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality products that meet design specifications and customer standards.
• Collaborate with design, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless production.
• Establish and monitor quality control systems to maintain craftsmanship standards.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Resolve production issues and implement corrective actions.
• Evaluate and integrate new tools, equipment, and technologies to enhance production capabilities.
• Support digital transformation initiatives in manufacturing and workflow management.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Miscellaneous Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees