At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of watchmakers, ensuring quality and precision in crafting exceptional timepieces.
- Company: Nomadic Watches, an independent brand aiming to elevate Belfast's watchmaking reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, modern workshop, and influence over technical direction.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with global collaborations and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of watchmaking while mentoring the next generation of artisans.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of watchmaking experience and a recognised horological qualification.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Nomadic Watches is an independent watch brand on a mission to put Belfast on the watchmaking map - creating timepieces that connect people to their roots and their defining moments in life.
We are a fast-growing company with a global customer base, an award-winning team, and an immersive flagship store in the heart of Belfast.
As we scale, we are building a specialist workshop team focused on quality, precision, and craftsmanship.
Through partnerships with organisations such as the Irish Football Association (IFA) and the North West 200, alongside a growing portfolio of international collaborations, we are expanding both the technical complexity and global reach of our watches.
This gives our watchmakers the opportunity to work on increasingly ambitious projects and contribute directly to products that are gaining recognition on a global stage.
Joining Nomadic at this stage offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of a growing watchmaking operation, influence how a modern workshop is built, and help develop the next generation of watchmakers in Belfast.
The Role
You will be the technical leader within the workshop, providing expertise, stability, and mentorship to a growing watchmaking team.
You will act as the primary escalation point for complex technical issues, oversee service and repair operations, develop workshop standards, and support the introduction of new products into production.
This role combines hands-on watchmaking with technical leadership, training, continuous improvement, and operational support.
You will play a key role in ensuring Nomadic's workshop capability grows in line with the company's ambitious plans.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership
- Act as the primary technical escalation point for assembly and watchmaking issues
- Conduct root cause analysis of recurring defects and failures
- Refine, maintain, and improve assembly standards
- Create and maintain technical Standard Work Instructions
- Establish best-practice assembly and servicing methodologies
- Support implementation of continuous improvement initiatives within the workshop
- Training & Competency
- Train and mentor Assembly Watchmakers and Service Technicians
- Conduct competency assessments and identify skills gaps
- Create development plans aligned with recognised industry watchmaking pathways
- Certify team members on new products, processes, and equipment
- Deliver toolbox talks, technical briefings, and workshop training sessions
- Support onboarding of new Watchmaking staff
- Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Lead corrective actions relating to assembly and quality defects
- Investigate supplier-related defects impacting production
- Maintain assembly tool calibration and verification systems
- Participate in PFMEA
- Drive improvements in First Pass Yield, quality performance, and workshop efficiency
- Support implementation of in process validation and defect reduction initiatives
- Production Support & New Product Introduction
- Support workload balancing and technical resource planning within the workshop
- Evaluate new components and assemblies before release to production
- Support prototype, pilot, and NPI builds
- Validate production readiness prior to product launches
- Support manufacturing documentation and production control processes
- Conduct technical review of supplier quality issues
- Participate in supplier corrective action activities
- Review prototype samples and provide technical feedback
- Define acceptance criteria for inbound components
- Support supplier development and quality improvement initiatives
Skills & Experience
- Minimum 5 years' professional watchmaking experience
- WOSTEP, BHI, or equivalent recognised horological qualification
- Proven experience servicing and regulating mechanical watch movements
- Strong diagnostic and fault-finding capability
- Experience developing or improving workshop processes and standards
- Experience training, mentoring, or supervising other watchmakers
- Strong understanding of quality management and continuous improvement principles
- Computer literacy with the ability to create technical documentation and standard operating procedures
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
- Experience within a manufacturing or production watchmaking environment
- Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Knowledge of PFMEA, root cause analysis, and corrective action methodologies
- Experience working with Swiss OEM movements
- Key Behaviours
- Technical Excellence: Sets the benchmark for watchmaking standards and workmanship
- Leadership: Develops people and raises capability across the team
- Ownership: Takes responsibility for technical performance and quality outcomes
- Continuous Improvement: Constantly seeks better ways of working
- Collaboration: Works effectively across Operations, Product, Quality, and Supply Chain
- Professionalism: Maintains high standards and leads by example
- Performance Expectations
- Improve workshop First Pass Yield and reduce defect rates
- Develop and maintain robust assembly and service standards
- Successfully train and certify workshop personnel
- Support successful introduction of new products into production
- Improve workshop capability, efficiency, and technical maturit y
- What Success Looks Like
- A highly capable and confident watchmaking team
- Reduced assembly defects and warranty returns
- Strong technical standards and documentation across the workshop
- Successful product launches with minimal production issues
- Continuous improvement culture embedded within the team
What we offer
- Opportunity to shape the future of an independent watchmaking company
- Significant influence over workshop standards and technical direction
- Career growth within a rapidly expanding brand
- Modern workshop environment and investment in tools and equipment
- Competitive salary dependent on experience
- Be part of putting Belfast on the global watchmaking map
How to apply
If you're an experienced watchmaker looking for an opportunity to make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Join a growing independent brand where your expertise will help build both exceptional watches and the next generation of watchmakers.
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Watchmaker in Belfast employer: Nomadic Watches Ltd
At Nomadic Watches Ltd, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture in the heart of Belfast. As a Senior Watchmaker, you will not only lead a talented team but also benefit from our commitment to employee growth through mentorship and continuous improvement initiatives. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment where your expertise will directly contribute to crafting exceptional timepieces for a global audience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Watchmaker in Belfast
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Nomadic Watches Ltd, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Watchmaker in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Nomadic Watches Ltd specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nomadic Watches Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Nomadic Watches Ltd, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Nomadic Watches Ltd value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
