Product Development Manager
Officine Panerai in Neuchâtel seeks a Product Development Manager to lead watch development projects and manage cross‑functional technical delivery.
Overview
Officine Panerai is a luxury watchmaker combining Italian design heritage with Swiss watchmaking expertise and is part of the Richemont group. The brand is recognized for robust, design-forward timepieces and a production footprint anchored in Neuchâtel, where technical precision and artisanal craftsmanship converge.
Role & Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end product development for new watch collections and technical product initiatives, from concept validation through industrialization and launch.
- Define and translate product briefs into detailed technical specifications, drawings, bills of materials and functional requirements for internal teams and suppliers.
- Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders — design, engineering, manufacturing, quality, sourcing and marketing — to ensure schedule, cost and technical targets are met.
- Manage prototyping, testing and validation programs, including supplier development, samples follow-up and corrective actions.
- Control development budgets, drive trade-off decisions, and escalate technical or commercial risks when necessary.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, quality and watchmaking standards; maintain documentation for traceability and product lifecycle management.
- Mentor and guide junior engineers or product developers; foster continuous improvement in processes and methodologies.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, Materials Science, or equivalent; formal watchmaking qualification (e.g., WOSTEP) highly valued.
- Proven track record in product development within Swiss watchmaking or luxury mechanical goods.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multi-disciplinary development projects and interact effectively with external suppliers.
- Strong technical acumen in micro-mechanics, materials, tolerances and manufacturing processes applicable to high-end watches.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and experience with prototype validation and failure analysis.
Skills
Experience
Typically requires 5+ years in product development or engineering within Swiss watchmaking or luxury mechanical products, including experience leading cross-functional projects and working with external suppliers; prior line management or project leadership experience preferred.
Education
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, Materials Science, or equivalent; watchmaking diploma (WOSTEP or similar) advantageous.
Culture
The workplace culture emphasizes craftsmanship, technical excellence and respect for heritage, combined with a drive for innovation. Teams are cross-disciplinary and collaborative, operating in a detail-oriented environment where precision and quality are paramount.