Executive Assistant to the CHRO

An exciting opportunity awaits an ambitious Executive Assistant who is eager to work alongside an inspiring, down-to-earth leader with both drive and a clear vision. This role places you at the heart of a truly global business: a multinational company with a large international workforce, operating across every continent and boasting strong hubs in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Its solutions are essential to the reliable flow of energy, supporting utilities, industries, and infrastructure projects worldwide. As the trusted Executive Assistant, you will provide high-level support in a dynamic, international environment.

The position offers flexibility, with one to two days a week working from home. At the same time, it requires judgment in knowing when being in the office makes a difference, especially on days when your manager is on-site. The modern offices are conveniently located in the Zurich area, just a 10-minute train ride from Zurich Main Station.

Working closely with the CHRO, you ensure they are well-informed about upcoming commitments and that follow-ups are managed with care. This requires both focus and flexibility, along with the ability to handle executive-level interactions while promoting best practices and collaborating effectively with other assistants, particularly the CEO’s Executive Assistant. You know how to cut through distractions, grasp the complexities of the business, and keep priorities firmly on track. With your manager frequently traveling, you ensure that every meeting is flawlessly prepared and executed seamlessly. In simple terms, your contribution enables the CHRO to perform at their very best.

Core Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the CHRO’s complex and dynamic calendar, scheduling across time zones to optimize time management and resolve conflicts. Arrange global travel and ensure all commitments align with business priorities.
• Monitor the CHRO’s inbox and other pending items, including independently answering queries, emails, and correspondence where appropriate; create win–win solutions for access to the CHRO’s time and office.
• Compile documents for meetings and conduct basic research to draft documents as requested.
• Maintain files to be accessed and retrieved efficiently, while maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Proactively address any ad hoc or unplanned tasks.

Strategic & Executive Support

• Prioritize conflicting needs, follow up on sensitive issues addressed to the CHRO, and determine the appropriate course of action, referral, or response.
• Coordinate people relations, act as a «barometer», staying attuned to operations, and keeping the CHRO informed.
• Produce deliverables and handle tasks that free the CHRO to focus entirely on core strategic projects.
• Contribute to project coordination and process improvements.

HR & Cultural Support

• Facilitate and coordinate global HR meetings and events with a clear understanding of agendas and priorities.
• Support global HR initiatives by coordinating projects, preparing presentations, and tracking deliverables with attention to both detail and impact.
• Work closely with HR colleagues worldwide, share best practices, and ensure consistency in how HR is represented.
• Act as a bridge for smooth communication between HR and stakeholders, building credibility, trust, and support.
• Foster collaboration by organizing team meetings and bringing colleagues together productively and positively.
• Coach and review the work of junior admin staff.
• Be an ambassador of the corporate culture, creating an approachable and respectful atmosphere around the CHRO’s office where employees and stakeholders feel heard, respected, and supported.

Entry Qualifications | Education, Experience & Abilities

Success starts with who you are. You combine confidence with warmth, communicating clearly and bringing positive energy into every interaction, while always respecting boundaries. You are open-minded and self-disciplined, qualities that will make you a natural fit for this role. Above all, you understand that true success here rests on one essential quality: absolute discretion and an unwavering respect for confidentiality.

• A commercial apprenticeship is required; a B.A. in business administration, executive assistance, or digital office management is welcome.
• A prerequisite for this role is solid corporate or group-level experience, ideally within a publicly listed company, combined with a strong background in working with international stakeholders.
• At least seven (7) years’ experience supporting executives in a global organization, which ensures a thorough understanding of structures, workflows, and processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a natural ability to choose the right words and tone, always representing HR with professionalism. Business fluency in German and English is required.
• A high-level user of the MS Office Suite and collaboration tools such as Teams, Zoom, and SharePoint.

Additionally, you bring:

• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to execute decisions, build networks, manage stakeholders, and administratively lead a busy back office.
• Adaptability to competing demands, sound judgment, and the capacity to balance multiple priorities.
• A self-directed, trustworthy approach with polished business manners and the acumen to interact with ease.
• Comfort in navigating a dynamic, ever-changing environment and responding appropriately to situations.
• A collaborative mindset as a resourceful team player, while also being effective independently.
• Emotional maturity, a proactive, can-do mentality, and commitment to building trust and caring about every detail.

Why Apply?

You will be part of an international environment with inspiring colleagues, a mix of young and experienced professionals who care about quality, impact, and team success. The working culture is agile and engaging, giving you the chance to take on varied tasks that keep each day interesting while supporting your personal development and growth. Alongside this, you can look forward to a competitive remuneration package, a solid pension scheme, and additional benefits. If this feels like the right next step in your career, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please send us your CV, references, and degree certificates in a single PDF, quoting «EA-CHRO25» to apply@barnickelfellows.ch. A cover letter or short motivational note that brings your personality to life is encouraged.

Kindly note that only applicants eligible to work in Switzerland and matching the prerequisites can be taken forward in this process.

Barnickel & Fellows | Talstrasse 58 | 8001 Zürich | +41 44 243 86 68