Head of Vocational Training

• 04 September 2026
• 100%
• Indefinite period
• Villigen PSI

L-Institut Paul Scherrer PSI is the largest research institute in natural sciences and engineering in Switzerland. At PSI, we conduct cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation, as well as the foundations of nature. Through fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for central issues of society, science, and the economy. The training of young people is a central concern of PSI. This is why approximately one quarter of our employees are postdocs, doctoral students, or apprentices. In total, PSI employs 2300 employees.

Your tasks

• Responsibility for the strategic, organizational, and professional development of vocational training at PSI. In collaboration with vocational trainers, specialized departments, line managers, as well as internal and external partners, you ensure high-quality and future-oriented training.
• You actively contribute to the future orientation of vocational training and advance the necessary organizational and structural developments. You combine a strategic vision with a strong implementation capacity and navigate confidently between conceptual work, leadership, and daily operational management.
• As a manager of a committed central team, you also strengthen the interprofessional community of vocational trainers. You succeed in connecting people with varied roles and perspectives, rallying them to common goals, and promoting a culture of collaboration and mutual trust.
• You purposefully maintain and develop a wide network inside and outside of PSI. In a demanding environment of stakeholders, you moderate diverse interests, create engagement, and develop sustainable solutions.
• You understand and manage vocational training as a holistic system. You thus achieve an impact far beyond your direct responsibility and create links between people, organizational units, and external partners - for the benefit of learners and PSI.

Your profile

• Higher education as well as solid practical experience in vocational training and very good knowledge of the Swiss vocational training system thanks to personal leadership experience.
• Several years of experience in the successful management and development of large teams or complex organizational units, as well as the pleasure of motivating people, promoting talents, and creating a common identity.
• Pronounced strategic and conceptual thinking as well as the ability to identify development potentials early and to deduce and implement concrete measures.
• Experience in complex matrix organizations and a good sense for bringing together different interests and developing sustainable solutions.
• Very good network in the Swiss vocational training landscape and strong relationships with schools, associations, authorities, and other relevant actors.
• Pronounced communication and moderation skills as well as a confident presence, associated with competence, authenticity, and reliability.
• Personal initiative, strong capacity for cooperation, and a pragmatic, action-oriented mentality.
• Passion for the development of young people and the desire to create framework conditions in which learners can develop their potential and start their professional lives with excellence in training.

We offer

Our institute is based on interdisciplinary, innovative, and dynamic collaboration. In addition to systematic integration, you benefit from individual development opportunities and our pronounced culture of continuous training. For questions relating to the optimal reconciliation of work and family or personal interests, we support you with modern employment conditions and on-site facilities.

For professional information, please contact Chantal Büchi Neher at the following telephone number: +41 56 310 42 43.

We look forward to receiving your online application for the position of Head of Vocational Training (ref. 1380-29169).

Institut Paul Scherrer, People & Culture, Mikela Szolansky, 5232 Villigen PSI, Suisse.

www.psi.ch