Blancpain Procurement & Subcontracting Manager

About Blancpain

Blancpain is a Swiss haute horlogerie manufacture renowned for artisanal watchmaking and technical excellence, with heritage tracing back to 1735. The brand operates specialized production sites including Blancpain Habillage, which manufactures cases and straps, and forms part of a larger Swiss watchmaking group.

Role & Responsibilities

• Define and execute the procurement strategy for the Delémont site, covering direct purchases, subcontracting and outsourced manufacturing.
• Source, qualify and develop suppliers and subcontractors to ensure cost‑competitive, high‑quality and punctual delivery of watch cases and straps.
• Negotiate commercial and contractual terms, manage purchase agreements, framework contracts and service level agreements with suppliers.
• Coordinate cross‑functional stakeholders (production, quality, engineering, planning) to align purchasing activities with manufacturing requirements and lead times.
• Implement and monitor supplier performance metrics (quality, cost, delivery), conduct supplier audits and drive continuous improvement actions.
• Manage purchase orders, change notices and escalation of supply risks; work with ERP systems to maintain accurate procurement records and forecasts.
• Control purchasing budgets, identify cost‑reduction opportunities and support make‑vs‑buy decisions and subcontracting strategies.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, environmental and corporate sourcing policies, and support supplier sustainability assessments.

Qualifications

• Proven managerial experience in procurement or purchasing, ideally within precision manufacturing, watchmaking or related luxury supply chains.
• Strong track record in subcontractor management, supplier qualification and contract negotiation.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes (metalworking, finishing, assembly) and quality control in an industrial environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross‑functionally with production, quality and engineering teams to meet tight lead times.
• Analytical mindset with experience in cost modelling, supplier scorecards and risk mitigation.
• Professional proficiency in French and good working knowledge of English.
• Willingness to travel to supplier sites for audits and supplier development.

Skills

Experience

Managerial responsibility with several years of hands‑on procurement and supplier/subcontractor management in a manufacturing environment; experience in luxury goods or precision components preferred.

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, engineering, industrial management or business; a master's degree or equivalent is advantageous.

Workplace

Culture

Blancpain combines a deep artisanal tradition with a rigorous industrial approach, cultivating technical mastery and meticulous attention to detail. The workplace values craftsmanship, cross‑disciplinary collaboration and long‑term supplier relationships consistent with high‑end watchmaking.

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.