Swatch Retail Design Project Leader

About Swatch

Swatch is an iconic Swiss watchmaking brand that has redefined timekeeping through bold design, precision engineering, and a democratic spirit of creativity since 1983. As an employer, the brand offers an energetic, international environment where innovation, craftsmanship, marketing flair, and cultural relevance converge. Employees are invited to contribute to a house known for challenging convention, celebrating individuality, and bringing Swiss quality to a global audience. With the strength of the Swatch Group behind it, Swatch provides opportunities across product development, retail, communications, operations, and digital transformation, attracting talents who thrive at the intersection of design, technology, and contemporary lifestyle.

Swatch seeks a Retail Design Project Leader for its Retail Environment Design team at its Biel/Bienne headquarters. The role leads worldwide store design projects from concept through construction and delivery, overseeing budgets, suppliers, stakeholders and project standards. The position is full-time at 100%.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of retail concepts for Swatch points of sale, in line with the brand’s corporate identity and global design standards.
• Manage the full store design lifecycle, from concept development and technical review of supplier and local architect drawings through construction coordination and project completion, ensuring compliance with Swatch design guidelines.
• Plan, manage and control project budgets, including capital expenditure, cost tracking and financial reporting through final close-out.
• Negotiate with and manage suppliers, contractors and service providers to deliver projects cost-effectively and to a high standard.
• Oversee multiple projects independently and simultaneously, ensuring delivery on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including architects, consultants, contractors, landlords and suppliers, and internal departments including Visual Merchandising, Retail Operations, Finance, Marketing, Sales and Logistics.
• Coordinate and supervise external architects, consultants, engineers and vendors throughout the project lifecycle.
• Communicate proactively and effectively with management, providing regular updates and reporting on milestones, risks and opportunities.
• Handle sensitive or complex situations with professionalism, diplomacy and sound judgment.
• Identify, address and escalate project challenges promptly and with a solution-oriented approach.
• Ensure project documentation is accurate, complete, current and maintained according to company standards.
• Validate and benchmark investment proposals before project initiation, ensuring initial estimates remain aligned with actual costs throughout development.
• Continuously monitor project performance and implement corrective actions as needed to optimize efficiency, quality and cost control.

Qualifications

• University degree in Architecture or Interior Design.
• At least 5 years of retail experience or experience in related fields or project management; at least 5 years of professional experience in the retail field.
• Proficiency in CAD, preferably AutoCAD; ability to work with Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Package.
• Fluent English; French, German or any additional language is an advantage.

Skills

Experience

At least 5 years of retail experience or experience in related fields or project management; at least 5 years of professional experience in the retail field.

Education

University degree in Architecture or Interior Design.

Workplace

Culture

Swatch fosters a vibrant, creative workplace where Swiss precision meets bold self-expression and accessible design. As an employer, it encourages innovation, collaboration, and a playful entrepreneurial spirit, bringing together diverse teams across retail, design, marketing, and operations in a dynamic international environment.

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.