Senior Category Manager, Watch

Where passion meets opportunity

The best of your adventures is the one you have yet to sail!

The Senior Category Manager Watches is responsible for developing and executing the global watch assortment across MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.

Working closely with the Head of Watches & Jewelry, the role ensures that the assortment reflects guest expectations, market trends and brand positioning while maximizing commercial performance across the fleet.

The position combines deep product expertise with strong analytical capabilities, to optimize assortment architecture, product lifecycle, inventory productivity and in-store presentation. Acting as the product expert for the watch category, the Senior Category Manager Watches partners with leading watch maisons and cross-functional teams to deliver an exceptional onboard retail experience.

• Build and maintain the global watch assortment across all cruise brands and ship classes.
• Develop balanced assortments across luxury, premium and contemporary watch brands.
• Continuously review product performance to optimize assortment productivity.
• Recommend new references, discontinue underperforming products and manage product lifecycle.
• Ensure product architecture reflects guest demographics, itineraries and retail concepts.

• Act as the internal expert for the global watch category.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of brands, collections, complications, movements, materials and industry innovations.
• Monitor global watch trends, competitive landscape and consumer preferences.
• Support the introduction of new collections and exclusive products.
• Provide recommendations based on commercial opportunities and market intelligence.

• Analyse sales performance, sell-through, inventory productivity and assortment efficiency.
• Support pricing reviews, promotional activities and commercial initiatives.
• Monitor KPI performance by SKU, brand, boutique and vessel.
• Identify opportunities to improve conversion, average transaction value and category productivity.
• Prepare regular business reviews and performance reports.

• Maintain day-to-day relationships with watch suppliers and brand representatives.
• Coordinate product launches, allocations, deliveries and assortment updates.
• Ensure product information, technical specifications and commercial documentation remain accurate.
• Support supplier meetings, business reviews and brand presentations.

• Partner closely with Retail Operations to maximize onboard commercial execution.
• Work with Planning and Order Management to ensure optimal inventory availability while minimizing excess stock.
• Partner with Performance to monitor category profitability and investment performance.
• Interface with cross-functional departments and stakeholders to ensure optimal coordination, communication, alignment and execution across the organization.

• Maintain product master data, assortment files and merchandising tools.
• Ensure accuracy of product attributes, pricing, imagery and product descriptions.
• Support seasonal assortment reviews and product planning processes.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of merchandising processes and reporting.

• 5–8 years of experience in luxury watch (mandatory) merchandising, buying or category management.
• Strong knowledge of the Swiss watch industry and international luxury brands.
• Experience in luxury retail, travel retail or department stores.
• Proven analytical skills and experience working with merchandising and reporting tools.
• Experience working with ERP and merchandise planning systems.

• Passion for luxury watches and strong product knowledge.
• Excellent analytical and numerical skills.
• Strong understanding of merchandising principles and assortment planning.
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in an international environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and merchandising systems.
• Fluent English; additional languages are considered an advantage.
• Willingness to travel internationally when required.

We are committed to building a future that values diverse perspectives, embraces the world beyond borders, and fosters an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves. Our commitment extends to taking meaningful, measurable actions that have a long-term positive impact on our guests, our employees and our planet.

Ready to turn your passion into something extraordinary? Join us at MSC Cruises, where new opportunities await. Your journey starts here!