Blancpain Purchasing & Subcontracting Manager

Blancpain is a Swiss haute horlogerie manufacture renowned for its mechanical watchmaking and artisanal expertise. Part of a major Swiss watchmaking group, the company combines traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art production techniques and a commitment to excellence across its manufacturing sites.

1. Define and implement procurement strategy for components, materials and subcontracted operations to support the Habillage division (watch cases and straps).
2. Source, select and qualify suppliers and subcontractors in line with quality, cost and delivery objectives.
3. Negotiate commercial terms and long‑term contracts, managing price, lead times and service level agreements.
4. Manage supplier performance through KPIs, audits and continuous improvement plans; lead corrective actions when necessary.
5. Collaborate closely with Production, Quality, Engineering and Logistics to ensure material availability and conformity to technical specifications.
6. Run RFQs and tender processes, analyse total cost of ownership and recommend sourcing solutions.
7. Control procurement budgets and drive cost‑optimization initiatives while protecting product integrity and brand standards.
8. Ensure compliance with regulatory, environmental and ethical standards across the supply chain.

1. Proven experience in procurement and subcontractor management, ideally within precision manufacturing or the watchmaking/luxury goods sector.
2. Strong negotiation skills and commercial acumen with a track record of delivering cost and service improvements.
3. Ability to manage cross‑functional stakeholders and lead supplier development programs.
4. Business‑level French is required; professional English is strongly desirable.
5. Familiarity with quality management and supplier qualification processes (audits, PPAP, FAI).
6. Experience with ERP systems; SAP experience preferred.

1. Strategic sourcing
2. Supplier relationship management
3. Contract negotiation
4. Subcontractor management
5. Cost and margin optimisation
6. Quality and compliance oversight
7. RFQ and tender management
8. Cross‑functional collaboration (Production, Quality, Engineering, Logistics)
9. SAP

Minimum five years of progressive procurement experience with direct responsibility for supplier selection, contract negotiation and subcontractor management; prior experience in precision manufacturing or the luxury watch industry preferred.

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering or a related discipline; advanced degree or professional procurement certification is an advantage.

Blancpain cultivates a culture of craftsmanship, precision and continuous improvement, where technical excellence and respect for heritage meet modern manufacturing practices. Teams operate in a collaborative, detail‑oriented environment focused on product quality and innovation.