Laboratory Manager
Cartier — La Chaux-de-Fonds: Laboratory Manager (Responsable Laboratoire) to lead materials testing and quality for watchmaking and jewelry operations.
Overview
Cartier is a preeminent Maison of fine jewelry and haute horlogerie, recognized for exceptional craftsmanship and iconic design. The brand operates within the Richemont Group and combines artisanal ateliers with advanced technical capabilities to support global collections and manufacture activities.
Role & Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the laboratory operations supporting watchmaking and jewelry production, including metallurgical, chemical and functional testing.
- Develop, validate and maintain test methods and protocols (materials analysis, surface treatments, hardness, corrosion, ageing and functional tests).
- Ensure product quality and conformity by coordinating incoming-material inspections, in-process controls and final release testing.
- Supervise, train and mentor laboratory staff; plan resource allocation and maintain competency matrices.
- Partner with R&D, production, procurement and quality teams to troubleshoot failures, drive root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain laboratory accreditation and quality systems (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 9001) and ensure regulatory and safety compliance.
- Manage laboratory budget, capital equipment purchases, maintenance schedules and external laboratory relationships.
- Analyze test data, produce technical reports and present findings to cross-functional stakeholders to inform material choices and process adjustments.
Qualifications
- Degree in materials science, chemistry, metallurgy, mechanical engineering or a related scientific discipline (Master’s preferred).
- Proven managerial experience in an industrial laboratory environment—preferably within watchmaking, jewelry or precision manufacturing.
- Demonstrable knowledge of material behaviours used in luxury watch and jewelry production (precious metals, alloys, coatings, ceramics).
- Familiarity with laboratory accreditation standards and quality management systems (ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 9001).
- Strong competency in laboratory safety, chemical handling and environmental controls.
- Fluent technical written and verbal communication skills for report writing and cross-functional collaboration.
Skills
Experience
Typically requires a minimum of 5 years in laboratory roles within precision manufacturing or luxury goods, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial capacity; experience in watchmaking or jewelry is strongly preferred.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in materials science, chemistry, metallurgy, mechanical engineering or related field; Master’s degree or equivalent technical specialization preferred.
Culture
Cartier blends centuries-old artisanal tradition with contemporary technical excellence, fostering a workplace that values meticulous craftsmanship and innovation. The Maison promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration between ateliers, laboratories and design teams, with an emphasis on quality, discretion and professional development.