Breitling Purchasing Agent

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

• Manage and optimise the supplier portfolio, sourcing new suppliers when required.
• Propose and implement actions to secure the supply chain.
• Support internal departments with technical-file management.
• Continuously improve activity performance and recommend improvements to the line manager.
• Resolve supplier disputes concerning quantities, delivery lead times or discrepancies in delivered items.
• Optimise costs and negotiate prices through requests for quotation and tender processes.
• Manage suppliers’ workload plans to align with the budget set at the beginning of the financial year and their production capacities.
• Contribute to preparing the purchasing budget and support the line manager throughout the process.
• Analyse and process material requirements planning (MRP) results, place purchase orders and verify data accuracy.
• Process requests for quotation (RFQs).
• Process order confirmations and verify their accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain the reliability of the purchasing portfolio by checking consistency between internal-system data and supplier information.
• Follow up proactively with suppliers and ensure deadlines are met for orders and returns.
• Inform relevant departments of confirmed delays and update delivery dates in the ERP system.
• Ensure non-conforming products returned after inspection are replaced or reworked under the agreed conditions for price, quantity and delivery lead time.
• Inform the line manager of deviations in delivery lead times or prices.
• Document instructions and procedures to ensure business continuity and cover within the area of responsibility during absences.
• Contribute to defining and maintaining relevant KPIs for monitoring Purchasing department performance.
• Define and implement action plans to achieve Purchasing department objectives.
• Communicate clearly, concisely and effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including the line manager, colleagues, employees from other departments, suppliers and consultants.

Qualifications

• Higher education qualification in Purchasing or Supply Chain Management.
• Strong understanding of watchmaking manufacturing processes and materials.
• Proficiency in tools relevant to the role and statistical analysis methods.
• Proficiency in specific IT tools, particularly ERP systems and pivot tables.
• Strong communication skills and confidence interacting with stakeholders at various levels, internally and externally.
• Committed and supportive team player.
• Results-oriented and focused on achieving objectives.
• Strong sense of responsibility; rigorous, organised and reliable.
• Service-oriented mindset with strong listening and communication skills.
• Flexible, dynamic and able to anticipate potential challenges.
• Proficiency in both English and French.

Skills

Experience

3 to 5 years as a Purchasing or Procurement Agent, ideally within the watchmaking industry.

Education

Higher education qualification in Purchasing or Supply Chain Management.

Benefits

Work-from-home option depending on position requirements; watch-to-wear/watch-to-buy program; referral program; development opportunities; 18 weeks of maternity leave; culture of feedback.

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.