Job Type: Permanent / Full TimeDepartment: Swiss TimeLocation: EssexReports to: Director of Retail (DOR), Operations ManagerDirect Reports: 4+
Role Summary
As a key member of the Swiss Time leadership team, the Assistant Workshop Manager will support and deputise for the Workshop Manager in the day-to-day running and strategic development of the workshop. This role ensures that operational flow, service standards, and brand policies are upheld to the highest level while contributing to long-term departmental growth.
Role Objectives
*Assist in driving the workshop vision and operational strategy.
*Translate strategy into actionable goals for performance and growth, contributing to centre-wide goal setting, performance management, and annual planning.
*Oversee operations and employee performance, fostering a highly inclusive and supportive culture.
*Ensure effective recruitment, onboarding, development, performance management, and retention across all teams.
*Uphold company, legal, and compliance standards, taking corrective action where required.
Role Responsibilities
*Ensure opening and closing of the centre adheres to Security Policy.
*Assist or train colleagues across all operational areas including diagnostics, materials, casing/polishing, and quality control.
*Work with brand partners on outsourcing projects.
*Support in overseeing workshop operations aligned with business plans and objectives.
*Deliver and monitor high performance across all workshop functions.
*Maintain exceptional levels of customer service in line with service policies.
*Develop and maintain policies and procedures to ensure a safe and healthy working environment.
*Build and maintain trusted relationships with customers, partners, brands, and stakeholders.
*Monitor performance metrics, implement corrective measures, and prepare current and forecasted reports.
*Support development and control of the workshop budget.
*Advise on all operational matters, keeping up to date with industry developments to support continuous improvement.
*Ensure maintenance of all equipment and report issues to the Workshop Manager where necessary.
Skills and Qualifications
*Minimum 3 years’ experience as a watch technician or watchmaker.
*Strong diagnostic skills with the ability to identify and anticipate issues.
*Proven leadership and managerial experience with the ability to motivate and engage teams.
*Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
*Highly organised with the ability to balance reactive and proactive workloads.
*Strong time-management skills and ability to coordinate multiple activities simultaneously.
*Sound decision-making ability, using judgement and data to reach effective conclusions.