David Yurman Director of Manufacturing Excellence

About David Yurman

Founded in New York in 1980 by sculptor David Yurman and painter Sybil Yurman, David Yurman is an American luxury jewelry house distinguished by its artistic heritage and iconic Cable design. Blending sculptural form, exceptional materials, and meticulous craftsmanship, the brand brings a distinctive creative perspective to fine jewelry. As an employer, it encompasses disciplines ranging from jewelry design and product development to retail, client services, and corporate functions. Its professional environment connects artistic expression with the exacting standards of luxury, inviting employees to contribute to a shared legacy of design innovation while cultivating enduring relationships with a discerning clientele.

Role & Responsibilities

• Partner with New York design leadership early in development to ensure engineering requirements are met.
• Provide hands-on bench support for the Women’s Mainline project, validating construction, finishing and manufacturing methods in support of the New York design and product development teams.
• Work daily with the Bangkok Manufacturing Excellence team to foster inter-office cohesion, align technical standards, share learnings and support a consistent global manufacturing strategy.
• Collaborate with Product Development to evaluate and determine best practices for producing David Yurman jewelry.
• Coach and mentor the junior Manufacturing Excellence team member in New York, including training in problem-solving, vendor communication and engineering best practices.
• Work with vendors, particularly domestic and Italian vendors, to ensure first-sample execution is understood, troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, uphold quality-control standards and communicate learnings to cross-functional teams.
• Provide direct technical support to vendors across the United States and Europe, resolving sample issues, improving manufacturability and closing critical engineering actions.
• Document and regularly update best practices in a Manufacturing Excellence Manual.
• Participate in the R&D, DFM and CTM committees.
• Partner with R&D to assess manufacturing feasibility.
• Work with the DY Shop to create prototypes and reference samples for design review and vendor use during sampling.
• Lead ECN projects, including vendor communication; inspect models and assembly methods; develop solutions or alternatives to known issues; obtain final updated vendor samples that pass DY QC; and inform the repair team when solutions are implemented.
• Stay current on new manufacturing techniques and technologies.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required.

Qualifications

• Four-year BA or BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Design.
• At least 8 years of practical jewelry manufacturing experience, including production manufacturing, or equivalent tenured jewelry manufacturing experience.
• Extensive hands-on model-making and jewelry assembly experience with sterling silver, gold alloys, platinum, titanium and aluminum.
• Extensive knowledge of jewelry casting, including rubber mold and wax production.
• Extensive knowledge of stone-setting techniques, including hand pavé, pin setting, bezel setting, prong setting, baguette setting and invisible setting; hands-on experience preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of white and black rhodium electroplating, including pen and bath plating.
• Experience with multiple finishing techniques, such as silver oxidation, satin, burnished and mechanical finishing.
• High-level understanding of RHINO 3D Version 8 and rapid prototyping.
• Strong understanding of jewelry mechanisms such as clasps, hinges and springs.
• Keen understanding of stamping and machining techniques.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems at every stage of the jewelry manufacturing process.
• Good sense of design.
• Familiarity with Rhino; proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, and mechanical drawing software and/or Adobe Photo Deluxe.
• Demonstrated hands-on bench jewelry manufacturing experience, with the ability to analyze complex product construction, manufacturing methods and engineering challenges.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop engineering talent while providing technical leadership across cross-functional teams.

Skills

Experience

At least 8 years of practical jewelry manufacturing experience, including production manufacturing, or equivalent tenured jewelry manufacturing experience.

Education

Four-year BA or BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Design.

Compensation

The base compensation for this position ranges from USD 190,000 to USD 215,000 per annum.

Benefits

Eligible employees may receive healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan, a bonus, employee discounts, Summer Fridays for corporate roles, generous paid time off and sick time.

Culture

David Yurman’s workplace culture is rooted in the artistic partnership of its founders, blending a sculptor’s eye for form with a painter’s sensitivity to color. As a family-founded American luxury jeweler, the brand places craftsmanship, creativity, and attention to detail at the heart of its professional environment. Its teams bring this artistic heritage to life through distinctive design and a refined, personal approach to client service.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.