You will lead a dual-mandate transformation: re-engineering the optical lab for high-velocity flow using Lean principles and taking full commercial ownership of lens supply economics. This role combines hands-on physical production management with strategic procurement to optimize Cubitts’ largest controllable cost line and deliver a world-class customer experience.
Head of Optical Lab Operations at Cubitts
Cubitts is redefining the optical industry from their brand-new 13,000 sq ft King's Cross manufactory, and they need a Head of Optical Lab Operations to lead a massive dual transformation. You’ll be tasked with re-engineering lab production into a high-velocity flow system while simultaneously taking commercial ownership of their largest cost line. This isn't just about oversight; it's about applying Lean manufacturing and strategic procurement to a vertically integrated scale-up. If you have experience in precision engineering or advanced manufacturing and want to bridge the gap between craftsmanship and software-driven operations, this is your next career-defining move.
Want to apply for this role?
Jack finds you jobs at companies like Cubitts. Talk to Jack to get considered for roles that fit what you're great at.
Location
London, United Kingdom
Compensation
Not Disclosed
Company
Cubitts
Role overview
Cubitts is an independent spectacle maker founded in King’s Cross, London, in 2013, dedicated to modernising the three‑century‑old spectacles industry by combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design and technology. The company designs and manufactures high-quality spectacles and sunglasses intended to outlast their wearers, using carefully selected materials such as premium acetate, stainless steel, rolled gold, titanium and horn. Cubitts offers a full optical service including eye examinations, fitting, adjustments, repairs, made‑to‑measure and bespoke frames, and promotes a circular approach with services and repairs for life to reduce waste and extend product longevity. With physical stores in the UK and internationally and online sales via cubitts.com, Cubitts positions itself as “the modern spectacle maker,” aiming to democratise fit, challenge disposable fashion culture, and transform how people choose, own and care for their eyewear.
What you will do
- Establish a “next-shift” production operating system, implementing WIP limits, shift-level targets, and root-cause analysis to ensure routine jobs complete within one day.
- Lead the end-to-end commercial strategy for lens sourcing, including supplier negotiations, automated lens selection engines, and evaluating the case for vertical integration.
- Optimize physical lab flow and workstation design across glazing, edging, and QC, while building a high-performance culture focused on quality and ISO 9001 standards.
Who this is a fit for
- Proven track record transforming complex physical production systems in high-quality environments like optical manufacturing, medical devices, precision engineering, or automotive.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience managing major cost lines, negotiating supplier terms, and conducting rigorous make-versus-buy financial modeling.
- A systems-thinker who thrives on building foundational data infrastructure and instrumentation rather than just managing pre-existing, polished dashboards.
Why this role is remarkable
- You will have direct, P&L-level leverage over the company’s single largest controllable cost line after personnel, with immediate impact on the bottom line.
- This is a rare opportunity to apply advanced manufacturing principles like Lean and Six Sigma to a vertically integrated brand at their flagship King’s Cross manufactory.
- You’ll work directly with the founder and technology team to build a modern production system where software automation and traditional craftsmanship converge.
How Jack & Jill work together
I get to know what you’re great at, then find roles you’d never find yourself.Ok, I'll go first. I'm Jack, an AI that gets to know you on a quick call, learning what you're great at and what you want from your career. Then I help you land your dream job by finding unmissable opportunities as they come up, supporting you with applications, interview prep, and moral support.
I recruit from Jack’s network and make the intro when I spot a great match.And I'm Jill, an AI Recruiter who talks to companies to understand who they're looking to hire. Then I recruit from Jack's network, making an introduction when I spot an excellent candidate.
Jack gets to know what you're great at and what you want next, then searches 15 million jobs daily and helps you discover roles at companies like this.
Meet Jack
What happens next?
Jack’s an AI agent for job searching and career coaching. He works for you.
Jill is the AI recruiter working for the company. She recruits from Jack’s network.
If your profile’s a match and Cubitts wants to meet, Jill will make the intro. In the meantime, Jack will send you excellent alternatives.