- Location
- La Chaux-de-Fonds Neuchâtel Switzerland
- Employment
- Full-Time
- Seniority
- Manager
- Industry
- Fine Watches & Horology
- Posted
- Sep 30, 2026
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.
Breitling seeks a Production Manager – Finishing to lead its finishing department at the La Chaux-de-Fonds facility, reporting directly to operational leadership. The role combines hands-on production management with team leadership, requiring the successful candidate to orchestrate safety, quality, cost control, and scheduling across finishing operations. The incumbent will drive continuous improvement initiatives aligned with lean manufacturing principles, oversee first-line maintenance and equipment reliability, and cultivate a results-oriented team culture emphasizing autonomy, collaboration, and accountability.
Role & Responsibilities
- Pilot and optimize finishing production operations to meet safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives while anticipating disruptions and coordinating with support functions
- Monitor workshop KPIs and implement corrective action plans; lead performance management rituals and reporting mechanisms
- Ensure compliance with quality standards and facilitate problem-solving via QRQC (Quick Response Quality Control) methodology
- Identify and deploy process and equipment improvements to strengthen performance; supervise first-level maintenance and equipment reliability
- Guarantee adherence to work standards and champion 5S (Lean housekeeping) initiatives across the finishing workshop
- Contribute to capital projects including new equipment and tooling introduction
- Lead, develop, and unite team members through daily coaching and exemplary leadership
- Establish objectives, monitor performance metrics, and provide regular, constructive feedback
- Conduct performance appraisals and identify skill development needs
- Foster team empowerment, cross-functional cooperation, and engagement through equitable and discerning management
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of industrial production environment experience, with at least 3 years in team management capacity
- Degree in engineering or equivalent industrial discipline, with demonstrated project management experience
- Mastery of production management, associated management tools, and Lean Manufacturing principles
- Proficiency with budgeting processes and standard software (MS Office, Microsoft Teams)
- Strong communication skills with internal and external stakeholders across organizational levels
- Pragmatic, results-oriented leader capable of uniting teams and taking initiative
- Excellent analytical, synthesis, and anticipation capabilities; proactive problem-solver
- Ability to prioritize, adapt to demanding environments, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams
- Reputation for reliability, commitment, and collective values alignment
- Fluency in French (both spoken and written); English proficiency is advantageous
Skills
Experience
Minimum 5 years in an industrial production environment, including at least 3 years of team management responsibility.
Education
Engineering degree or equivalent qualification in an industrial discipline, with demonstrated experience in project management.
Workplace
The role is situated in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
Explore jobs in Neuchâtel or in Switzerland.
Benefits
Flexible working arrangements (subject to role requirements), employee watch discount/purchase program, employee referral scheme, professional development opportunities, maternity leave (17–19 weeks).
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like Breitling, titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «Finishing Operations Manager», «Manufacturing Manager – Case Finishing», «Production Supervisor – Finishing Department», «Workshop Manager – Finishing», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.