Rolex Production Manager

About Rolex

Rolex is a preeminent Swiss watch manufacturer renowned for precision engineering, in-house production and uncompromising quality. As an independent high-luxury maison, Rolex combines artisanal know-how with industrial-scale manufacturing and invests in long-term skills development and technical excellence across its workshops.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate end-to-end production operations for watch components and assembly, ensuring delivery to quality, cost and schedule targets.
• Manage a multi-disciplinary production team, including supervisors, skilled technicians and operators; recruit, coach and conduct performance reviews.
• Implement and sustain continuous improvement programs (Lean, 5S, Kaizen) to increase productivity, reduce waste and stabilise process capability.
• Define and control production planning, capacity allocation and sequencing in collaboration with supply chain, quality and engineering functions.
• Maintain and develop quality systems (FMEA, SPC, 8D) to ensure compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee equipment maintenance strategy and capital investment requests; coordinate with engineering for qualification of new tools and processes.
• Drive cost-control initiatives and report key performance indicators (OEE, yield, throughput) to senior management.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, security and confidentiality protocols appropriate to high-value products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing or a recognised watchmaking qualification (WOSTEP or equivalent).
• Proven leadership experience managing production teams in high-precision manufacturing; prior experience in horology or micro-mechanics strongly preferred.
• Demonstrable track record of implementing Lean/continuous improvement methodologies and quality systems (ISO 9001, FMEA, SPC).
• Fluency in production planning and ERP usage; strong numeracy and analytical capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, quality and supply chain stakeholders.

Skills

Experience

Typically 5+ years of progressive experience in production or manufacturing roles with at least 2–3 years in a supervisory or managerial capacity; direct experience in watchmaking or fine-mechanical industries is highly advantageous.

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing management or equivalent professional diploma; certified watchmaking training (WOSTEP) is an asset.

Workplace

Culture

Rolex emphasises craft mastery, technical excellence and discretion. The workplace culture is disciplined and long-term oriented, combining traditional watchmaking savoir-faire with rigorous industrial standards and continuous improvement.

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.