Chauffeur - Executive Driver (m/f/d)

Syngenta; Basel; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive bonus system

Onsite doctor

Fitness room

Canteen

Family-friendly initiatives

Job summary

Syngenta Crop Protection is seeking an experienced Chauffeur / Executive Driver to support the CEO, senior leadership, and VIP guests across Switzerland and neighbouring regions. You will deliver a discreet, high-quality driving experience, manage routes and schedules, and coordinate with reception and security teams.

We expect 4–5 years in executive transport, fluent German and English, a valid category B license, and a professional, confidential demeanor.

Qualifications

• 4–5 years of experience as an Executive Driver or similar VIP transport role.
• Fluent in German and English (written and spoken).
• Valid Category B driving license; Category 121 is a plus.
• Excellent driving skills with emphasis on safety; defensive driving training a plus.
• Discretion, trustworthiness and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Drive the CEO, senior leadership and VIP guests within Switzerland and on international routes as needed.
• Plan routes, manage schedules, and coordinate with reception and security teams.
• Maintain the company vehicle(s): cleaning, routine checks, servicing, and inspections.
• Assist with facilities management tasks during driving downtimes and support archives/projects.
• Handle couriers and transport sensitive documents/materials securely.

Skills

Executive driving experience

German fluency

English fluency

VIP handling

Discretion & confidentiality

Safe driving

Vehicle knowledge basic

Education

Vocational training or equivalent

Valid Category B driving license

Category 121 (professional passenger transport) is a plus

First Aid/ CPR certification

Job description

Company Description

At Syngenta Crop Protection, we're pioneering solutions that safeguard global food security while championing sustainable agriculture. As a world market leader headquartered in Switzerland, we empower farmers with innovative crop protection technologies that defend against nature's toughest challenges. We unite advanced science with digital solutions to develop intelligent crop protection that maximizes yields while minimizing environmental impact. Join our mission of revolutionizing plant protection from seed to harvest.

Syngenta has been ranked as atop employerby Science Magazine and it has been awarded with the "Friendly Work Space" label to all its Swiss sites.

Job Description

Purpose

As Chauffeur / Executive Driver, you will ensure the safe, proactive, and discreet execution of driving duties for the CEO, senior leadership, and VIP guests. You will deliver a highly professional, representative and service-oriented driving experience, ensure the operational readiness and safety of the company vehicle, seamlessly support key logistical and administrative tasks for both Executive/Board Services and Facility Management, actively contributing to projects and archiving activities.

Accountabilities

Executive Driving

• Conduct driving assignments for the CEO, senior leadership, and VIP guests within Switzerland (and internationally/near borders as required).
• Provide safe, smooth, and comfort-oriented driving; maintain situational behavior under elevated security requirements.
• Ensure professional reception, care, and logistics for visitors/guests (e.g., at airports/hotel), including luggage handling and coordination with reception/security.
• Perform independent route and schedule planning, proactively considering traffic, roadworks, weather, security situations, and alternative routes.
• Execute courier trips, errands, and transport sensitive documents/materials with the utmost care and confidentiality.
• Coordinate and prioritize driving assignments; align with the CEO Office, Executive Assistants, and Board Secretariat.
• Demonstrate high flexibility (e.g., short-term changes, waiting times, evening appointments) within the framework of working hours regulations.
• Ensure compliance with all legal regulations (Swiss Road Traffic Act - SVG, rest/working hours if applicable, safety regulations) and internal policies.

Vehicle Management

• Ensure the care, cleaning, and value preservation of the company vehicle (interior/exterior), including fuel and charging management.
• Guarantee operational safety: conduct routine checks of tyres, fluids, lighting; schedule/coordinate servicing, tyre changes, MFK (mandatory vehicle inspection) and repairs.

Facilities Management Support

• Collaborate closely with the Facility Management team during driving downtimes.
• Assist with various activities within the Facilities Management area, such as archiving and project support.

Qualifications

• Completed vocational training or equivalent qualification.
• Valid Category B driving license (mandatory); Category 121 (professional passenger transport) is a plus.
• Minimum of 4-5 years of experience as an Executive Driver, Chauffeur, or in a comparable service/security role (e.g., VIP transport, hotel/concierge, corporate aviation).
• Proven experience in dealing with senior executives and/or VIP guests.
• Full professional proficiency in both German and English (written and spoken) is required. Additional language skills are considered an advantage.
• Excellent driving skills with a strong focus on safety; completed specialized advanced driving courses (e.g. defensive driving, safety or security driving training) are a plus.
• Valid First Aid / CPR certification (or willingness to acquire/renew it).
• Very good knowledge of the Swiss road network (including major transit routes, airports, hotels, and business locations) or willingness to learn this.
• Basic technical understanding of vehicles to identify and coordinate maintenance needs.
• Absolute discretion, trustworthiness, and confidentiality in handling sensitive information; professional, reserved demeanor.
• High service orientation and flexibility regarding working hours: assignments may occur early in the morning, evenings, and occasionally on weekends; short-term adjustments are possible.

Additional Information

• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment
• A superb working environment with an open culture and diverse workforce where new ideas are always welcome
• The opportunity to work with and learn from highly qualified and experienced employees and gain scientific and technical excellence
• Learning culture (Together we Grow) and wide range of training options
• You will benefit from a competitive pension fund plan, flexible working arrangements, an attractive bonus system, an onsite doctor, a fitness room, a canteen, and other benefits such as family-friendly initiatives and child and family allowances.

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.