Interim Head of HR (Retail) | Start: ASAP

• International scaling up organisation • Strategic leader with hands-on mentality About Our Client ## 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. Job 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 The Successful Applicant ## • 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 What's on 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. Quote job ref JN-062026-7041382 Job Function Human Resources Specialisation Head of HR Industry Retail Location Basel Contract Type Interim Job Reference JN-062026-7041382 Job Nature Home Office