Head of Category - Watches (m/w/d)

What this position has to offer:

• Unique, family-like culture with long-term and sustainable corporate management
• Work on emotional, high-quality products with international appeal
• A strategically central role with great scope for design
• Leadership of employees
• Attractive benefits for the pension fund and social insurances
• Strong, international brand

Job Summary

Do you want to combine strategy, product innovation, and leadership to shape the global development of a watch category? Then we should get to know each other. As the exclusive recruiting partner for Victorinox, we are looking for a convincing leader as Head of Category Watches (m/f/d), 80–100%. In this strategic key role, you will be responsible for the further development of the global Watches category and manage the entire product lifecycle – from market analysis and concept development to international market launch. You will report directly to the Chief Product Officer and lead an interdisciplinary product team. You will work closely with design, development, production, marketing, and sales, connecting the product organization across locations between the headquarters in Ibach and the Watches site in Delémont. As one of the "Best Employers in Switzerland 2026", Victorinox offers an international environment and the opportunity to set sustainable impulses for product strategy, innovation, and team leadership. Interested? Then we look forward to exchanging ideas with you. #Watches #CategoryManagement #Victorinox #Watches

Your responsibilities

• Development and implementation of the global product category strategy for Watches in line with Victorinox's brand and corporate goals.
• Responsibility for the entire product lifecycle – from the concept phase and product definition through development and industrialization to international market launch and lifecycle management.
• Analysis of market trends, customer needs, and competitors to identify innovation and growth potential for the category and to continuously develop the strategy.
• Responsibility for pricing strategy, product positioning, and assortment planning to sustainably strengthen the profitability and market position of the Watches category.
• Leadership and further development of the product team (Product Management, Design, and Development) as well as promotion of collaboration in a cross-functional environment.
• Cross-location collaboration and bridging function between the teams in Delémont and Ibach and relevant interfaces such as Marketing, Sales, Retail, and Supply Chain.
• Representation of the category towards internal and external stakeholders, e.g., in management presentations, product launches, trade fairs, and media events.
• Monitoring of KPIs, sales figures, and market performance, as well as derivation of measures for the further development of the international watch business.

What sets you apart for the job

• Several years of experience in product or category management in the consumer goods industry, ideally in an international environment.
• Experience in leading and developing a cross-functional product team.
• Strong strategic competence and experience in developing and implementing product or category strategies.
• Ability to convincingly represent strategies at management level and gain buy-in from different stakeholders.
• Experience in a manufacturing company in the consumer goods sector, with B2B experience, as well as a sound understanding of product development, industrialization, and supply chain processes.
• Entrepreneurial thinking, assertiveness, and resilience in a dynamic environment.
• Strong understanding of product innovation, market trends, and customer needs.
• Excellent communication and networking skills, and enjoyment of collaboration in an international environment.
• Residence in Switzerland and willingness to commute regularly between the Delémont and Ibach locations.
• English: B2 – Independent language use
• French: C1 – Professional language skills
• German: B2 – Independent language use

Team

Victorinox stands for a strong team culture, trust, and a shared pursuit of quality and innovation. You will be part of an international environment where collaboration, commitment, and entrepreneurial thinking are valued. Together with the Watches product team in Delémont – consisting of Product Management, Design, and Development – you will actively shape the future of the category. Your leadership and expertise will directly contribute to our shared success.

• Reporting to: Chief Product Officer
• Colleagues: 7
• Team language: French & German

Benefits

• Pension fund program
• Contribution to further training opportunities
• Attractive social insurance/benefits package
• Exciting discounts from external providers & employee purchase discounts
• Service anniversaries
• 30% discount in Victorinox Stores (worldwide)
• Annual employee warehouse sale
• Lunch & Learn on various topics
• Discount on selected insurance policies
• Free admission: Sports clubs, mountain railways, Swiss Museum of Transport Lucerne
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities
• Up to 30 days of vacation (depending on age), bridge days, and 15 paid public holidays
• Team events

About Victorinox AG

In 1884, Swiss pioneer Karl Elsener founded his cutlery business. A few years later, he paved the way for an unparalleled company history with the development of the legendary "Original Swiss Army Knife". Victorinox produces and sells unique, high-quality products worldwide that are of practical use in various areas of life: Swiss Army Knives, household and professional knives, watches, and luggage. The company's headquarters are located in Ibach, Schwyz, in the heart of Switzerland.

• Industry: Consumer Goods & Premium Goods