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