Head of HR Switzerland - Fast-growing retail organisation

Michael Page (Switzerland); Basel; On-site; CHF 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page (Switzerland) is seeking a Head of HR Switzerland to design and lead a future-proof HR function aligned with Group HR strategy while meeting local requirements. You will shape scalable policies, processes and systems to support growth across Switzerland.

You will manage recruitment, talent development, and HR projects, acting as a trusted advisor to senior management and ensuring high-performance delivery in a fast-growing retail environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years HR experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of Swiss labour law and HR best practices.
• Experience in the retail industry.
• Fluent in German and English; French language skills are a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Set up a future-proof HR function aligned with Group HR strategy and local requirements.
• Lead a scalable HR department with compliant policies, processes, and systems.
• Develop and implement the Country People Plan in collaboration with management.
• Oversee HR systems localization and payroll governance collaboration.
• Manage recruitment, talent development, and succession planning in Switzerland.
• Lead HR projects and change management initiatives across the organisation.

Skills

Leadership

HR strategy

Stakeholder management

Project management

Change management

Strategic thinking

Education

Relevant business degree or HR certification

Tools

SuccessFactors

Job description

• Pragmatic HR leader with a hands-on approach and a strong execution mindset
• Fluent in German and English

About Our Client

For our client, a successful and fast-growing retail organisation with a strong store footprint across Europe, we are looking for Head of HR Switzerland. As part of an ambitious expansion strategy, the company is further strengthening its presence in Switzerland and investing in scalable structures to support long-term growth.

Job Description

As part of the country management team, you report directly to the Country General Manager with a dotted line to the Head of HR Operations. Your mission is to set up a future-proof HR function within company guidelines, ensuring full alignment with Group HR strategy while meeting local business and legal requirements. You shape and lead a scalable HR department, establishing compliant HR policies, processes, and systems to support the Swiss business in achieving its growth ambitions.

Policy/Strategy

• Contribute to the development and implementation of Group HR strategy, policies, and instruments
• Translate Group HR strategy into local HR policies and ensure effective execution within the country
• Define and drive the Country People Plan in close collaboration with the management team
• Establish a comprehensive HR policy framework and oversee its implementation
• Anticipate organisational challenges, workforce trends, and growth needs

HR frameworks and tools

• Recruitment and employer branding
• Social legal relations, compensation & benefits
• Health & safety compliancy, management of mandatory trainings
• Management & talent development
• Deliver input for the compliant configuration of the planning and time registration tool
• Own and develop the full HR landscape in the country, including: Recruitment and employer branding, Talent management, succession planning, and leadership development, Social legal relations, compensation & benefits, Health & safety compliance and social responsibility
• Ensure effective management of the talent pipeline to support business continuity and growth
• Oversee the localization and implementation of HR systems (e.g. SuccessFactors)
• Provide input into workforce planning and time registration tools
• Ensure alignment with payroll governance (with dotted-line collaboration to payroll services)
• Define and monitor relevant HR KPIs to track performance and drive decision-making

Operational Management

• Initiate, plan, and implement HR projects and initiatives aligned with business priorities
• Lead and coordinate change management and organisational transformation initiatives
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior management on HR strategy, policies, and complex cases
• Ensure HR delivers effective support on all operational people topics
• Oversee and support recruitment execution for current and future business needs
• Ensure high-quality personnel administration and compliance with local regulations

People Management

• Lead, develop, and inspire the local HR team (HR Advisors and support roles)
• Provide regular feedback and coaching to support performance and professional growth
• Foster a high-performance culture, encouraging collaboration, ownership, and continuous improvement
• Stimulate innovation, knowledge sharing, and proactive contribution within the team
• Ensure optimal staffing, retention, and capability development within the HR function

The Successful Applicant

• Relevant business degree and/or HR education/certification
• At least 10 years of HR experience, including a proven track record in a leadership role
• Strong knowledge of Swiss labour law and HR best practices
• Experience within the retail industry
• Exposure to a fast-growing, dynamic or scale-up environment is considered a plus
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage priorities, timelines, and delivery
• Fluent in German and English; French language skills are a strong asset

Competencies

• Strategic and operational mindset ("big picture" with hands-on execution)
• Proactive, structured, and highly organised
• Strong stakeholder management, influencing, and negotiation skills
• Ability to build consensus and drive decisions in complex environments
• High level of pragmatism, resilience, and determination
• Strong customer focus and results orientation

What's on Offer

Are you a self-starter who is capable of driving change and delivering tangible business impact? Are you looking for a role with high visibility and ownership in a fast-growing international environment?