Interim Head of HR (Retail) | Start: ASAP

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Interim Head of HR (Retail) | Start: ASAP

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.