Head of HR Switzerland - Retail

Our client is a successful and fast-growing retail organisation with a strong store footprint across Europe. 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.
Head of HR Switzerland - Retail
Our client is a successful and fast-growing retail organisation with a strong store footprint across Europe. 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.
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
Profile

• €¢
  
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

• €¢
  
Experience within the retail industry

• €¢
  
Exposure to a fast-growing or scale-up environment is a plus

• €¢
  
Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage priorities, timelines, and delivery

• €¢
  
Excellent English skills (verbal and written); additional local language(s) are a plus
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
Job 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? Then, apply online now.
Page Group Switzerland
Caroline Bourgouin