At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a watchmaking team, ensuring quality and precision in every timepiece.
- Company: Nomadic Watches, an independent brand aiming to elevate Belfast's watchmaking scene.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, modern workshop environment, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to craftsmanship and innovation.
- 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. 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.
Role Overview
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
- Supplier & Component Support
- 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
- Essential
- 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
- Desirable
- 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 maturity
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. Send your CV along with a short email explaining why you're excited about the role. Join us in shaping the future of watchmaking in Northern Ireland!
Watchmaker in Belfast employer: Nomadic Watches
At Nomadic Watches, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of craftsmanship and innovation in the heart of Belfast. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through mentorship opportunities, competitive salaries, and a modern workshop environment equipped with the latest tools. Join us to not only shape the future of our independent watchmaking brand but also to contribute to Belfast's rising prominence in the global watch industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Watchmaker in Belfast
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Watchmaker in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Nomadic Watches's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Nomadic Watches. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nomadic Watches
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Nomadic Watches.
