Breitling Procurement Manager, Movement Components

About Breitling

Founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling, Breitling is a Swiss watchmaker renowned for its precision chronographs and enduring ties to aviation. Headquartered in Grenchen, the brand combines a distinctive technical heritage with a contemporary approach to luxury, design and responsible business. As an employer, Breitling offers a professional environment spanning watchmaking, engineering, product development, marketing and international retail. Its global presence connects specialist expertise with diverse markets, while its identity remains rooted in Swiss craftsmanship and innovation. For professionals drawn to both mechanical excellence and brand transformation, Breitling represents an opportunity to contribute to the continuing evolution of an established watchmaking house.

Role & Responsibilities

• Prepare, analyze, and monitor monthly capacity reservations and annual departmental and supplier budgets with movement component suppliers, coordinating with Production Planning and Product Development
• Define and enforce strategic purchasing parameters including pricing, batch sizes, sourcing strategies, and supply protocols
• Support product development and new launches through request-for-quotation (RFQ) management, supplier selection, value analysis, and component procurement
• Negotiate prices and lead times with suppliers while implementing initiatives to enhance supplier security, flexibility, and responsiveness
• Manage supplier order portfolios through monthly reviews, identify delivery delays, and maintain systematic follow-up on exceptions and discrepancies
• Maintain ERP systems with current supplier data, including pricing, lead times, and delivery schedules, and resolve supply chain exceptions
• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the Purchasing & Supply Department and suppliers, providing qualitative reporting and driving continuous improvement
• Manage component origin and provenance data, including common-law and preferential origin declarations
• Set and monitor team objectives, conduct performance reviews, provide feedback, and prepare compensation recommendations for direct reports
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, training, and skills development initiatives, maintaining competency matrices in collaboration with Human Resources
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders including department directors, production management, and cross-functional teams
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with external suppliers and consultants, ensuring fair, professional, and neutral collaboration

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in Purchasing and Supply Management specializing in movement components or similar precision mechanical assemblies
• 3–5 years of direct team management experience
• Technical background in Mechanical Engineering, Microtechnology, or related engineering discipline, complemented by formal training in Supply Chain, Logistics, or Purchasing (or equivalent combination of field experience and education)
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic purchasing, operational procurement, and supply chain management
• Solid understanding of the movement component supplier network and, ideally, prior experience in the horological or watchmaking industry
• Advanced proficiency in ERP systems, data analysis tools, pivot tables, and Excel
• Excellent communication and negotiation capabilities, comfortable engaging with stakeholders and suppliers across all organizational levels
• Fluency in English and French (written and spoken)

Skills

Experience

5–10 years in Purchasing and Supply Management of movement components or comparable precision-engineered components, with at least 3–5 years of supervisory or team management responsibility. Experience within the horological industry or a related precision manufacturing sector is highly valued.

Education

Technical degree in Mechanical Engineering, Microtechnology, or a related engineering field; complemented by formal training or certification in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or Procurement. Equivalent professional experience and self-directed learning may substitute for formal qualifications.

Benefits

Work-from-home flexibility (position-dependent), watch-to-wear and watch-to-buy employee programs, referral incentive program, professional development opportunities, 18-week maternity leave, and a culture of ongoing feedback and performance dialogue.

Culture

Breitling’s workplace culture draws on its Swiss watchmaking heritage and close ties to aviation, placing precision, technical expertise and a pioneering spirit at the heart of its professional environment. The brand brings together craftsmanship and contemporary design, offering a distinctive setting for professionals who value both tradition and innovation in luxury 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.