The Life Science Career Network
CTC is a specialized search and recruitment partner for the Life Sciences industry, serving clients and candidates since 1997. We enable careers by connecting talented professionals with meaningful opportunities, and we support our clients in engaging, retaining, and developing the right talent when needed.
Our client, a global leader in the production and process support of active pharmaceutical ingredients in both the chemical and biotechnology sectors, is seeking a Senior Director (Total Rewards & HR Delivery) based in Basel (Switzerland) for an initial 12‑month contract position with possible extension.
The Senior Director, Total Rewards & HR Delivery will be responsible for driving, enabling and consulting on CHI Total Rewards Strategy globally.
The role will require a deep understanding of compensation & benefits principles, global market trends, and a strategic mindset to drive Total Reward agenda.
The individual will collaborate closely with the higher management as well as the global leadership teams, and other key stakeholders to ensure reward strategies align with business objectives and organizational culture. The role holder leads two employees.
Main Responsibilities
- Lead the execution of CHI total reward strategy globally (over 3,500 employees) by directly partnering with Heads of HR and HRBPs on day‑to‑day people matters as well as more strategic CHI projects.
- Provide expert advice to the leadership team and HRBPs and also help them navigate people challenges utilizing the TR Global Governance and ensuring compensation strategies and benefits are tailored to meet the unique needs of different sites and locations while maintaining alignment with global policy.
- Provide education, support and communication tools for existing and new total rewards initiatives, policies and programs, coaching HR colleagues and Managers on underlying concepts and helping to embed the pay for performance culture.
- Be an expert and drive the Pay Transparency agenda.
- Support compensation‑related aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and organizational changes, ensuring smooth integration of compensation programs and alignment with the company’s global compensation structure.
- Be a strong advocate of all reward aspects, including policy, practices and program interpretation and communication, recommend reward solutions for talent attraction, motivation, reward and retention.
- Lead cycle‑related activities, annual market benchmarking, the development of salary ranges and grading.
- Support local compliance with compensation‑related regulations and laws, including understanding and managing regional nuances in compensation practices.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience
- Relevant working/residency permit or Swiss/EU‑Citizenship required.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (preferred) in the following areas of study: HR, Business Administration, Economics, Finance or Tax.
- 15+ Years in Total Rewards, Benefits, Retirement, HR experience, ideally gained in consulting, project‑driven environment and in‑house with a multinational organization.
- Broad spectrum of knowledge to this position from prior work in leadership roles, having led rewards and annual compensation benchmarking processes and exceptionally strong business acumen.
- Previous experience gained in a fast‑growing multinational company or large consulting organization.
- Demonstrated depth of experience in global Total Rewards roles, Project Management and HR Systems.
- Experience with redesigning US benefit systems (incl. connection to payroll/vendor) would be preferred.
- Proven project management and project execution experience in a cross‑functional and international environment.
- Ability to perform successfully in a fast‑paced, service‑oriented environment and to navigate ambiguity, interpret rules and guidelines flexibly to enhance the business and in keeping with the company’s values and culture.
- Experience working successfully within a complex matrix‑structured organization is essential.
- Good experience and understanding of managing complex reporting relationships and incorporating multiple cultures.
- Fluency in English and very strong communication skills.
Would you like to learn more about CTC and the opportunity outlined? Please, get in contact with us: you may either use the ‘apply now’ button, or write an email to us, or reach out to us on the phone.