HR SPECIALIST (80-90%)-SWITZERLAND TOURISM
Posted on: December 16, 2025 | Hybrid (Center of Zurich)
Company Name: Switzerland Tourism (Schweiz Tourism)
Reports to: Human Resources Manager
Division: Human Resources (HR)
Location: Zurich, Switzerland | Employment Type: Part-Time
Schedule: Hybrid (Office & WFH) | Experience Level: 05+ Years
Are You Excited About the Tourism Industry?
Switzerland Tourism invites passionate HR professionals to join our dynamic team in promoting one of the world's most beautiful destinations. This is more than just an HR role—it's an opportunity to be part of an organization that showcases Switzerland to the world while working in an innovative, international environment that values creativity, independence, and excellence.
About Switzerland Tourism: Our Mission and Global Presence
Switzerland Tourism (Schweiz Tourismus) serves as the national and international promotional authority for Switzerland as a premier destination for holidays, travel, and congress events. We are entrusted with the vital mission of presenting Switzerland to the world—showcasing its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, world-class hospitality, and unique experiences that make our country an unforgettable destination for millions of visitors annually.
Our Global Organization
With our headquarters strategically located in the vibrant center of Zurich, Switzerland Tourism operates an impressive global network of 35 offices spanning 21 international markets. This extensive presence allows us to maintain close connections with travelers, tourism partners, and industry stakeholders worldwide, ensuring Switzerland remains top-of-mind as a travel destination.
Our dedicated team of 280 employees works collaboratively across continents, marketing Switzerland every single day in innovative and unconventional ways. We pride ourselves on breaking traditional tourism marketing molds, embracing creativity, and finding fresh approaches to showcase Switzerland as a particularly attractive and diverse travel destination. From digital campaigns that reach millions to experiential marketing that brings Switzerland's magic to life, our team constantly pushes boundaries in tourism promotion.
Our Approach and Values
We believe in marketing that resonates emotionally with travelers while providing practical information that inspires action. Our campaigns celebrate Switzerland's natural beauty—from the majestic Alps to pristine lakes—while highlighting vibrant cities, charming villages, culinary excellence, and world-renowned hospitality. We market Switzerland authentically, capturing the essence of what makes our country special while adapting our messaging to resonate with diverse international audiences.
The Opportunity: An Exciting HR Challenge in Tourism
An exciting and multifaceted challenge awaits you in our dynamic tourism environment. We are seeking a committed HR Specialist to become an integral part of our HR team, contributing to the success of our organization by ensuring smooth personnel administration and supporting various strategic human resources management projects.
This role offers the unique opportunity to work in an international context, supporting employees across multiple countries and cultures while being based in our modern Zurich headquarters. You'll be working at the intersection of operational HR excellence and strategic HR initiatives, making this an ideal position for someone who enjoys both the precision of administrative work and the creativity of employer branding and employee experience projects.
Why This Role Matters
As an HR Specialist at Switzerland Tourism, you'll play a crucial role in supporting our most valuable asset—our people. The 280 employees across our global network depend on efficient, reliable HR services to focus on their mission of promoting Switzerland. Your work will directly enable our colleagues to perform at their best, whether they're developing marketing campaigns in Tokyo, managing partnerships in New York, or coordinating events in London.
Your Area of Responsibility: Comprehensive HR Functions
Personnel Administration Throughout the Employee Lifecycle
You will take ownership of comprehensive personnel administration covering the entire employee lifecycle—from recruitment and onboarding through development and, when necessary, separation. This includes maintaining accurate employee records in our HR systems, processing employment contracts and amendments, managing probationary period documentation, coordinating employment reference letters, and ensuring all personnel data is current, accurate, and compliant with Swiss labor law and international regulations.
Your attention to detail and systematic approach will ensure that every employee receives timely, accurate administrative support, creating a foundation of trust and reliability that characterizes excellent HR service delivery.
Organization and Coordination of HR Events
Take the lead in organizing various HR events that strengthen our company culture and foster employee engagement. This includes planning and executing onboarding events for new employees, coordinating team-building activities, organizing employee appreciation events, managing internal communication around HR initiatives, and supporting special occasions like service anniversaries and employee milestones.
These events are crucial touchpoints that shape employee experience and reinforce our values of collaboration, appreciation, and community. Your creativity and organizational skills will shine as you design experiences that bring our global team together, whether virtually or in person.
Intern Program Management and Support
Participate actively in our internship program by coordinating the recruitment and selection process for interns, organizing comprehensive onboarding experiences, providing ongoing guidance and support throughout their tenure, facilitating meaningful learning opportunities, and ensuring interns have positive, developmental experiences that reflect well on Switzerland Tourism as an employer.
Our internship program is an important talent pipeline and a reflection of our commitment to developing the next generation of tourism professionals. Your mentorship and support will help interns grow professionally while contributing meaningfully to our organization.
Global Support for Office Managers
Provide expert HR support and guidance to office managers across our worldwide branch network. This involves serving as the primary HR point of contact for questions about policies and procedures, advising on local employment matters within the framework of Swiss headquarters standards, coordinating cross-border personnel matters, supporting managers with employee relations issues, and ensuring consistent HR practices across our international locations.
This aspect of the role requires cultural sensitivity, clear communication across time zones, and the ability to translate complex HR policies into practical guidance for managers operating in diverse markets.
Personnel Marketing and Employer Branding Initiatives
Coordinate and actively participate in various personnel marketing measures spanning employer branding and social media activities. This includes developing compelling employer value proposition content, managing social media channels focused on employer branding (such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and career-specific platforms), creating engaging content that showcases life at Switzerland Tourism, coordinating recruitment marketing campaigns, participating in employer branding events and career fairs, and measuring the effectiveness of employer branding initiatives.
In today's competitive talent market, strong employer branding is essential for attracting top talent. Your work in this area will help position Switzerland Tourism as an employer of choice in the tourism industry, highlighting our unique culture, international opportunities, and meaningful mission.
HR System Development and Process Optimization
Drive the continuous improvement and optimization of HR processes within our SuccessFactors and UKG systems. This involves identifying opportunities for process automation and efficiency gains, implementing system enhancements that improve user experience, developing and updating standard operating procedures, training employees and managers on system functionality, and ensuring our HR technology stack supports both employee needs and business objectives.
Your IT affinity and process-oriented mindset will be valuable as you help modernize our HR operations, reducing administrative burden while improving data quality and accessibility.
Collaboration with HR Team Members
Work closely with HR Consultants and our Payroll Manager to ensure seamless HR service delivery. This collaborative approach ensures that employee inquiries are handled efficiently, payroll processing is accurate and timely, HR projects are executed successfully, and employees receive consistent, high-quality support across all HR functions.
You'll be part of a committed HR team that values mutual support, knowledge sharing, and collective success. Your contributions will strengthen the overall effectiveness of the HR function.
Strategic Support for HR Management
Provide valuable support to HR management in various tasks including preparing reports and analyses, contributing to strategic HR projects, participating in policy development and updates, supporting change management initiatives, and assisting with special projects as needed.
This aspect of the role offers exposure to strategic HR work and opportunities to contribute beyond your core administrative responsibilities, supporting your professional development and broadening your HR expertise.
Our Requirements: Your Qualifications and Experience
Educational Foundation
We require candidates to have completed basic commercial training (kaufmännische Grundbildung) complemented by further training in human resources. This might include certifications such as HR-Fachfrau/HR-Fachmann with federal certificate, HRSE (Human Resources Swiss Exams) qualifications, or equivalent HR education that demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of Swiss HR practices, employment law, and human resources management principles.
Professional Experience in Swiss HR
You bring at least 2 years of professional experience working in human resources within Switzerland. This Swiss-specific experience is crucial as you'll need to navigate Swiss employment law, understand local HR practices, be familiar with Swiss social security systems (AHV, IV, ALV, etc.), and have experience with Swiss payroll requirements and procedures.
Your experience should demonstrate a track record of reliable personnel administration, successful project execution, and the ability to handle sensitive employee matters with discretion and professionalism.
Technical Proficiency and IT Affinity
You possess very good Microsoft Office knowledge spanning Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, with the ability to create professional documents, analyze data effectively, and communicate efficiently. Additionally, you have a high IT affinity—you're comfortable learning new systems quickly, troubleshooting basic technical issues independently, and leveraging technology to improve work processes.
Experience with SuccessFactors (our HR management system) is considered a significant advantage, though we're willing to train the right candidate who demonstrates strong technical aptitude and learning agility.
Language Capabilities
You have excellent knowledge of both German and English, as these are essential for supporting our international organization and communicating with employees and partners worldwide. German proficiency is particularly important for local personnel administration and compliance matters, while English enables effective communication with our global offices.
Good language skills in a second Swiss national language (French or Italian) are considered an advantage, as they would enable you to support employees in their preferred language and demonstrate cultural sensitivity to Switzerland's multilingual nature.
Service Orientation and Networking Mindset
You possess a high service orientation—you genuinely enjoy helping others, respond promptly to inquiries, take ownership of issues until they're resolved, and consistently deliver high-quality support that exceeds expectations. Combined with a networked mindset, you understand how to build productive relationships across the organization, collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, and leverage your network to solve problems efficiently.
Personality and Work Style
We seek someone with a humorous and team-ready personality who brings positive energy to the workplace, contributes to a supportive team culture, handles pressure with grace and good humor, and makes work more enjoyable for colleagues. Your fast comprehension allows you to quickly understand new concepts, adapt to changing priorities, and grasp the nuances of complex situations.
Your working methods are both precise and forward-looking—you pay careful attention to detail while also anticipating future needs, planning proactively, and thinking strategically about how your work contributes to broader organizational goals.
HR Passion and Tourist Enthusiasm
You genuinely enjoy the role as an HR all-rounder, finding satisfaction in the administrative processing of the HR core business. You appreciate the variety that comes from handling diverse HR matters and take pride in maintaining high standards of administrative excellence.
Finally, you bring enthusiasm for tourist Switzerland—an appreciation for what makes our country special and excitement about promoting Switzerland to the world. This passion for our mission will energize your work and help you connect authentically with colleagues who share this enthusiasm.
What We Offer: Comprehensive Benefits and Opportunities
A Versatile and Responsible Position
We offer a versatile and responsible job in an international environment where no two days are exactly alike. You'll work independently with significant creative freedom to shape your approach, make decisions within your area of responsibility, and contribute ideas that improve our HR function. The international dimension of our organization means you'll gain exposure to diverse perspectives and develop cultural competence that's increasingly valuable in today's globalized workplace.
Professional Development Opportunities
We invest in our employees' growth through various internal training opportunities covering technical skills, language development, methodological competence, and leadership capabilities. Our Brown Bag Lunch sessions provide informal learning opportunities on diverse topics, while Staff and Development Talks ensure regular conversations about your career aspirations and development needs.
We also support external education and training when aligned with your role and career goals, recognizing that investing in your development benefits both you and the organization. Our diverse international career opportunities mean talented employees can explore different roles across our global network, broadening their experience and advancing their careers within Switzerland Tourism.
Pleasant Working Atmosphere
Join a committed HR team characterized by mutual support, collaboration, and shared commitment to excellence. We maintain a pleasant working atmosphere where colleagues genuinely enjoy working together, celebrate successes collectively, and support each other through challenges. Regular team events, sporting activities, and annual employee weekends strengthen bonds and create lasting friendships.
Modern Workplace in Prime Location
Work in the center of Zurich at our historic office space equipped with modern infrastructure. Our location offers excellent public transportation connections, proximity to shops and restaurants, and the energy of Switzerland's largest city. Inside, you'll find contemporary workspaces designed for collaboration and focus, a cafeteria for informal gatherings and meals, shower and changing room facilities supporting active lifestyles, and all the technology and tools you need to work effectively.
Conditions of Employment and Remuneration
Working Hours and Flexibility
The position entails annual working hours averaging 42 hours per week at 80-90% workload, providing an excellent work-life balance. We offer flexible working hours that allow you to adapt your schedule to personal needs and peak productivity times, as long as core business hours are covered and team collaboration needs are met.
Our hybrid working model permits home office work according to company regulations, recognizing that different work environments suit different tasks and providing flexibility that supports work-life integration.
Generous Vacation and Time Off
You'll receive 25 vacation days annually, increasing to 30 vacation days from age 50, ensuring ample time to rest, travel, and pursue personal interests. Beyond standard vacation, we offer several unique time-off benefits:
- Holiday Purchase: Purchase up to 3 additional weeks of vacation annually, providing extra flexibility for extended trips or personal time
- Unpaid Vacation: Take up to 3 months unpaid vacation for special circumstances like sabbaticals, extended travel, or personal projects
- Wedding Holidays and Allowance: Celebrate your marriage with dedicated time off plus a wedding allowance
- Maternity Leave: Up to 6 months of maternity leave, including 4 months with full continued payment of wages—far exceeding statutory requirements
- Paternity Leave: 2 weeks of paternity leave for new fathers
Competitive Compensation
We provide market-oriented salary that reflects your qualifications, experience, and the responsibilities of the role. Our compensation philosophy emphasizes fair, equitable pay that recognizes contribution and performance. Additionally, we offer loyalty bonuses for service anniversaries every five years, celebrating long-term commitment to the organization.
Provision and Social Benefits: Supporting Your Wellbeing
Retirement Security
Our pension fund provides retirement security through an average employer contribution of 60% of savings contributions—significantly higher than many employers. This generous contribution helps you build substantial retirement assets while you're building your career with us.
Insurance and Risk Protection
We provide above-average benefits in the event of accident and illness, including private accident insurance with worldwide coverage. This comprehensive protection ensures you and your family are well-supported if unexpected events occur, providing financial security and peace of mind.
Early Retirement Support
The employer provides financial participation in the event of early retirement, supporting employees who wish to transition to retirement before standard retirement age. This benefit recognizes long service and provides flexibility in retirement planning.
Family-Friendly Policies and Support
We recognize that our employees have lives and families beyond work, and we're committed to supporting work-family balance through thoughtful policies and benefits:
Balancing Work and Family
Flexible working time models enable you to balance professional responsibilities with family commitments. Whether you're caring for children, supporting aging parents, or managing other family obligations, we work with you to find arrangements that meet both business needs and personal circumstances.
Birth and Child Support
We provide a birth allowance to celebrate and support the arrival of new family members. Additionally, we offer higher child allowances than required by law, providing meaningful financial support for families with children.
Work Environment and Lifestyle Benefits
Transportation Support
We provide generous participation in SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) and ZVV (Zurich public transport) subscriptions, making your commute more affordable and supporting sustainable transportation choices. For those who prefer active transportation, we offer free rental e-bikes, promoting health and environmental sustainability.
Tourism Industry Perks
Working in tourism comes with unique benefits. You'll receive Reka Checks for vacation and leisure purchases, numerous free tickets from our tourist partners allowing you to experience Swiss attractions firsthand, and preferential conditions with business partners across the tourism industry. These benefits allow you to explore Switzerland while deepening your understanding of the destinations and experiences we promote.
Technology and Equipment
Every employee receives MacBook Pro work equipment, providing powerful, reliable technology that supports productivity whether you're working from the office or remotely. Our modern IT infrastructure ensures you have the tools needed to work effectively across locations.
Employee Events and Community
We believe work should include fun and connection. Throughout the year, we organize various employee events that bring the team together, joint sporting activities that promote health and camaraderie, and annual weekends for employees that create lasting memories and strengthen relationships across the organization.
Join Our Mission: Promoting Switzerland to the World
This HR Specialist position offers the rare combination of operational excellence and strategic impact within an organization whose mission inspires passion. You'll support colleagues who are doing meaningful work—introducing travelers to Switzerland's beauty, supporting tourism businesses across the country, and contributing to an industry that creates jobs and economic opportunity throughout Switzerland.
Every personnel file you maintain, every event you organize, every employer branding post you create, and every system improvement you implement contributes to this larger mission. When our marketing teams can focus on creativity because their HR administrative needs are expertly handled, when new employees feel welcomed and supported from day one, when our employer brand attracts top talent who strengthen our capabilities—that's the impact of excellent HR work.
Application Process
If you're excited about this opportunity to combine your HR expertise with a passion for tourism, contributing to an organization with a meaningful mission while enjoying excellent benefits and work-life balance, we'd love to hear from you.
We're seeking someone who brings not only the required qualifications and experience but also enthusiasm for Switzerland, commitment to service excellence, and excitement about being part of our dynamic international team.
Ready to embark on this exciting HR journey with Switzerland Tourism? Apply today and become part of our story.
About Equal Opportunity and Inclusion
Switzerland Tourism values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. We welcome applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, cultural background, or other characteristics protected by law.
Switzerland Tourism - Promoting Switzerland as a holiday, travel, and congress destination
Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland | Global Network: 35 offices in 21 markets | 280 dedicated employees worldwide
Visit: Switzerland.com
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