Head of Aviation and Defence Industry / Secretary General SWISS ASD (100%)

About the job

Head of Aviation and Defence Industry / Secretary General SWISS ASD (100%)

Swissmem is the leading association for SMEs and large companies in the Swiss tech industry. As one of the most significant business associations and employers' organisations, Swissmem promotes the national and international competitiveness of its over 1,500 member companies through effective advocacy, tailored services, targeted networking, and labour market-oriented training and further education of tech industry employees.

To strengthen our team, we are looking for a committed Head of Aviation and Defence Industry / Secretary General SWISS ASD (100%) starting January 2027.

Do you want to actively shape the framework conditions for Switzerland's aviation, security, and defence industry? Are you confident operating at the interface between industry, politics, the army, aviation, and the public, and do you know how to represent interests effectively and connect people?

Your tasks

You actively shape the political, regulatory, and economic framework conditions of the Swiss aviation, security, and defence industry. In doing so, you operate at the interface between industry, administration, politics, the army, and the public, represent the interests of the industry, and connect people.

Representation and positioning of the interests of member companies in the aviation, security, and defence industry towards politics, administration, the army, media, the public, and other stakeholders. Support and networking of member companies as well as needs-based further development of the sector's activities. Monitoring political and regulatory developments and developing and representing industry positions. Building and maintaining a sustainable network in industry, politics, administration, the army, and aviation. Representation of SWISS ASD in national and international committees and events. Leadership and further development of the industry sector as Secretary General in close cooperation with the president, the management team, and other internal and external bodies. Collaboration within the Swissmem industry sectors team.

Your profile

For this demanding and prominent role, we are looking for a personality who combines industry understanding, political acumen, communication skills, and a resilient network.

You have:

A university degree or equivalent qualification. Several years of experience in the aviation, security, or defence industry. Experience dealing with political decision-making processes and various stakeholders. Strong industry understanding as well as interest in technology, security, and industrial policy. Networking in the security and defence policy environment; experience in the Swiss army is an advantage. Communication skills, political sensitivity, and confident demeanour towards company management, authorities, politics, and media. Very good German skills as well as good French and English skills. 

You enjoy working independently, taking responsibility, and at the same time see yourself as part of a strong team. You feel comfortable in an environment where industry, security policy, technology, communication, and economic interests are closely linked.

What to expect

You will take on an exceptionally versatile and visible role within Swissmem, the leading association of the Swiss tech industry. In the direct environment of over 1,500 companies, you will gain access to a unique network in business, politics, administration, the army, and aviation.

You will shape the positioning of a strategically important sector and actively influence the development of the Swiss aviation, security, and defence industry. At the same time, as part of the industry sectors team, you will contribute to the work of Swissmem as a whole.

Swissmem offers you a professional environment, short decision-making paths, high personal responsibility, and the opportunity to achieve concrete impact together with leading Swiss technology companies.

How to apply

Adrian Vogle, Head of Industry Sectors, and the team look forward to receiving your application via our online application tool. Further information about Swissmem and our activities can be found on our website.