- 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 an experienced Production Manager – Finishing Machines to oversee the finishing operations at its La Chaux-de-Fonds manufacturing facility. The successful candidate will pilot production activities to achieve safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives while maintaining the precision standards essential to luxury timepiece manufacturing. This role encompasses production leadership, continuous improvement through quality management and process optimization, and team management across a dynamic manufacturing environment.
Role & Responsibilities
- Pilot and optimize finishing machine production activities to meet safety, quality, cost, and delivery targets
- Anticipate operational disruptions and coordinate support functions to ensure effective communication and problem resolution
- Monitor workshop key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement action plans to sustain performance objectives
- Facilitate performance management rituals and tools within the production environment
- Guarantee application of quality standards and lead problem-solving through rapid response and quality control (QRQC) methodologies
- Identify and deploy continuous improvements to enhance process and equipment performance
- Supervise first-level maintenance and ensure equipment reliability and uptime
- Enforce working standards and champion the 5S workplace organization methodology throughout the finishing area
- Contribute to improvement projects and support the integration of new equipment and tooling
- Mentor, develop, and align team members with clear leadership and exemplary conduct
- Set performance objectives, provide regular constructive feedback, and conduct performance reviews
- Identify skill development needs and foster employee autonomy, cooperation, and engagement
- Manage interpersonal situations with fairness and sound judgment
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of experience in an industrial manufacturing environment
- Minimum 3 years of team management experience
- Engineering diploma or equivalent qualification in an industrial discipline with project management experience
- Mastery of production management, associated performance-management tools, and Lean Manufacturing principles
- Proficiency in budgetary processes and standard IT tools (MS Office, Teams)
- Comfortable communicating with internal and external stakeholders at all organizational levels
- Pragmatic, results-oriented leadership mindset with demonstrated ability to align and mobilize teams
- Strong analytical, synthesis, and anticipatory capabilities with a proactive, solution-oriented approach
- Skilled at prioritization and effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams in demanding environments
- Recognized for reliability, commitment, and collective spirit aligned with company values
- Fluent in French (spoken and written); English proficiency is an asset
Skills
Experience
Minimum 5 years in an industrial manufacturing environment, including at least 3 years in team management or production leadership roles.
Education
Engineering diploma or equivalent professional qualification in an industrial discipline, with demonstrated project management experience.
Workplace
This position is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
Explore jobs in Neuchâtel or in Switzerland.
Benefits
Flexible working arrangements (subject to role requirements); employee watch program (wear/purchase options); referral/employee advocacy program; career 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 «Manufacturing Manager – Finishing Operations», «Production Supervisor – Finishing Department», «Operations Manager – Machine Finishing», «Finishing Production Lead», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.