General Manager / General Manageress

About AQC

AQC is a Swiss-based international association founded in June 2014 to promote quality and safety in leather bracelet manufacturing. Established to provide additional services to all stakeholders within the watch and leather industries, AQC strives to ensure that every leather bracelet meets the highest safety standards while advocating for a responsible global supply chain.

Position Overview

As a member of a small and dedicated team, you will operate under the direct supervision of the Board and the President. This role entails leading initiatives that guarantee the smooth functioning of AQC and the successful implementation of projects assigned by the Board.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead team members to ensure the smooth operation of AQC and the execution of Board-assigned projects.
• Ensure the achievement of defined targets across the four pillars of AQC's strategy: Chemical Compliance, Traceability, Credibility and Certification, Communication and Networking.
• Develop and manage the chemical compliance strategy.
• Oversee internal and external audits and certifications, proactively updating them to align with the needs of the leather and watch industries as well as international regulatory requirements.

Key Missions

Mission 1: Ensure Smooth Association Operations

• Participate in strategic development and organizational matters with statutory bodies, adhering to established processes.
• Establish and oversee proper execution of the budget in line with defined responsibilities.
• Report project progress to the Board.
• Prepare and participate in statutory and operational meetings with the administrative manager.
• Supervise staff and manage relationships with external service providers.
• Foster external relations while representing the association and its members.
• Keep AQC members and stakeholders informed on current and proposed regulatory requirements and their implications.

Mission 2: Chemical Compliance

• Define testing policies and control plans for all components and finished products.
• Manage proper sampling processes, laboratory submissions, report reviews, and database summaries.
• Lead the Scientific Department for Harm Reduction Programs at AQC.
• Address non-conformities through investigations and action plans.
• Conduct regulatory reviews of chemical compliance contracts for members.
• Provide technical and regulatory advisories to prepare members for future regulations.
• Analyze brand commitments related to chemical compliance from members.

Mission 3: Internal Quality System

• Manage the internal quality documentation system.
• Oversee technical and operational aspects of quality assurance.
• Implement and monitor ISO certification.
• Track performance using quality indicators.
• Enhance processes through PDCA methodology.
• Maintain and update quality documentation.
• Conduct risk analysis and implement preventive measures to mitigate identified risks, especially those related to confidentiality and data security.

Mission 4: Traceability

• Conduct traceability services, including Supply Chain Mapping.
• Monitor technical and regulatory changes, particularly those affecting the EUDR.
• Engage with other stakeholders on traceability programs for knowledge exchange and cooperation.

Mission 5: Credibility

• Coordinate with members to define certification requirements based on regulatory contexts and watch brand needs.
• Decide on certifications and issue AQC certificates.
• Update evaluation criteria for leather suppliers and conduct annual assessments.
• Plan and coordinate audits of production sites including tanneries and wristband manufacturers.
• Manage relationships with auditors and monitor action plans.
• Organize and conduct laboratory listing audits.
• Update the certification recognition plan.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Degree in Chemical Compliance.
• Extensive experience in the leather or textile industry, ideally with exposure to the watch industry.
• Proven digital capabilities and a proactive approach to incorporating AI within the organization.
• Solid background in Quality Management (Quality Control/Quality Assurance).
• Fluency in English and French (Italian is a plus).
• Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory aspects, with a proactive mindset.
• Team management experience and a collaborative spirit.
• Project management expertise with a process-oriented focus.
• Exceptional organization and event preparation skills.
• Compelling presentation skills, both oral and written.
• Effective leadership and moderating abilities.
• Strong public relations skills; act as an ambassador for AQC.
• Analytical and solution-oriented mindset.
• Comfort and skill in negotiating with diverse stakeholders, demonstrating diplomacy.
• Strong sense of initiative and responsibility.
• Exceptional management, organizational, and rigorous skills.

Experience

Ideal candidates will have experience in leading and motivating a small team, particularly within an association or similar setting in the leather or watch industry. Significant background in chemical compliance, traceability, certification, and quality management—as well as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and regulatory affairs—is essential, with experience in a scientific environment such as chemistry, pharmaceuticals, or tanning within a Quality Control/Quality Assurance department.

Location

This position is based in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Home office options are available.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.