Senior HR Specialist (9-Month Temporary)

Edwards Lifesciences; Switzerland; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Edwards Lifesciences is seeking a temporary Senior HR Specialist for about 9 months to support maternity leave coverage. Location is Nyon, Switzerland; office-based with preference for candidates near Nyon for commuting flexibility.

You will handle onboarding, HR operations for Switzerland and Austria, contract administration, policy implementation and data integrity across HR systems, and partner with central teams on cross-border matters. Fluency in French and English is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in a multinational environment.
• Swiss HR Certificate preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree, commercial school qualification, or completed apprenticeship.
• Fluency in French and English.
• Knowledge of Swiss labour law and the Swiss social insurance system.

Responsibilities

• Manage onboarding and orientation for new employees.
• Front-line HR duties for Switzerland and Austria.
• Prepare and administer employment contracts and amendments.
• Ensure HR documentation complies with local laws.
• Maintain HR data accuracy and HR systems usage.
• Coordinate offboarding and exit processes.
• Manage absence and leave administration (maternity/paternity).
• Prepare HR reports and KPIs.
• Liaise with authorities, social insurance, pension funds and insurers; manage work permits.
• Lead health, safety and well-being initiatives and employee engagement activities.

Skills

Onboarding

Employee relations

Policy interpretation

HR data management

Cross-border coordination

Education

Swiss HR Certificate

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Workday

MS Office

Job description

For the back-up of an employee on maternity leave , we are looking for a temporary Senior HR Specialist (approx. 9 months).

Location: Nyon, Switzerland. This is an office-based position. Candidates should be based in the Nyon area or within a reasonable commuting distance to Nyon.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the onboarding and orientation process for new employees
• Perform front-line HR duties for employee groups in Switzerland (Regional HQ) and Austria
• Prepare and administer employment contracts, contract amendments, and related HR documentation in line with local labour laws
• Administer and implement internal policies in compliance with corporate requirements
• Manage HR data and ensure the proper use of all HR systems, maintaining data accuracy and compliance
• Manage employee lifecycle administration in coordination with central HR Operations Teams, including changes in employment status, promotions, transfers, personnel file maintenance, and the issuance of employment letters and work certificates
• Coordinate offboarding processes, including resignations, terminations, exit interviews, final settlements, and the return of company property
• Manage absence and leave administration (e.g., vacation, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, accidents) and monitor working time compliance
• Prepare HR reports, metrics, and analyses (e.g., headcount, turnover, absenteeism, HR KPIs) and respond to internal and external statistical requests
• Liaise with government authorities, social insurance institutions, pension funds, and insurers; manage work permits and cross-border employment requirements in coordination with central Operations Teams
• Manage health, safety, and well-being initiatives, as well as employee engagement and recognition activities
• Act as the first point of contact for employees and managers regarding HR policies, processes, and employment-related questions
• Perform other incidental duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in a multinational environment
• Swiss HR Certificate preferred
• Solid educational background required, with a Bachelor's degree, commercial school qualification, or completed apprenticeship
• Fluency in French and English
• Knowledge of Swiss labour law and the Swiss social insurance system

Additional Skills

• Proven expertise in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and HR systems such as Workday
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including consultative and relationship management skills, with the ability to drive the achievement of objectives
• Proven success in adhering to and managing project schedules and projects
• Strict attention to detail
• Ability to interact professionally with all organizational levels