We are assisting our client in the Canton of Basel in recruiting an experienced, committed assistant who can contribute from the outset. You’ll be at the heart of business operations, primarily supporting two members of the Executive Committee (EC). The role offers up to two days of remote work per week, with the expectation that you’ll use sound judgment and adjust your office presence to the needs of the business. The offices are just a 15-minute train ride from Basel’s central station.
About the company
The company fosters a culture of innovation and a shared commitment to improving health and people’s lives. With a global workforce and research, development, and commercial activities across Europe, North America, and Asia, it is dedicated to delivering innovative medicines to patients worldwide. Momentum is building rapidly. Work moves quickly, and priorities evolve. The executives provide direct feedback and value people who take ownership and work independently. While expectations are high, there’s a strong team spirit: people support one another, put their heart into their work, and share in the excitement of seeing their efforts move the company forward.
About the role
Your role is to support two EC members and their teams in performing at their best by filtering out the noise, anticipating their needs, and keeping their busy workdays organized from start to finish. You’ll communicate confidently with investors, external stakeholders, and board members, bringing clarity, tact, and professionalism to every interaction. You enjoy a varied workload, bring a collegial spirit, and take pride in making life easier for others. There’s plenty to keep you engaged, and priorities can shift. You’ll find your feet quickly if you stay composed, learn quickly, and take a practical approach to getting things done. You’ll also provide cover and support for the CEO’s assistant when needed. You’ll work closely together, sharing ideas, spotting what might otherwise be missed, and building a partnership you can both rely on. Creating that dependable support structure is an important part of the role; we’re looking for someone who enjoys it and brings lasting value to the team.
Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to
- Manage complex calendars, balancing competing priorities while keeping schedules aligned with business needs.
- Arrange travel and coordinate meeting logistics, anticipating requirements and managing changes.
- Prepare briefing materials, presentations, reports, and correspondence for internal and external meetings.
- Organize committee meetings and leadership off-sites, including agendas, materials, minutes, and action items.
- Support cross-functional projects and initiatives, track deadlines, and follow up on outstanding actions.
- Act as a liaison between executives and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and timely responses.
- Conduct research, compile data, and prepare concise summaries to support executive decision making.
- Assist with corporate governance requirements and handle sensitive information discreetly.
- Keep digital files and records well organized, and look for practical ways to improve administrative processes.
- Respond flexibly to ad hoc requests and provide support where needed.
About you | What you bring to the role
- A commercial vocational training, ideally complemented by a further qualification in executive assistance (Direktionsassistenz), a diploma from a renowned hotel management school (EHL, SHL), or a related qualification.
- At least six years of experience as an assistant supporting leadership (pharma/healthcare, or life sciences).
- Fluency in written and spoken English; German and French are considered a plus. Full proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaboration tools such as Zoom, Teams, and SharePoint.
- A structured, organized approach and the ability to communicate confidently with people at all levels.
- The judgment to understand what an assignment requires and follow it through with minimal supervision.
- The ability to read people and situations well, respond diplomatically, and build relationships; you see the bigger picture and help people work well together.
In short, we’re looking for someone who loves being the person others can count on. An assistant who gets things done, brings positive energy, and enjoys helping the team succeed.
Why consider this step in your career?
Your contribution will be noticed and appreciated. You’ll join the company at an exciting stage of its development, working with colleagues from diverse disciplines who value your ideas and commitment. The package includes a competitive salary, pension benefits, and a performance-based bonus. If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Please send your complete application documents, chronologically merged into a single PDF, along with a brief introductory note outlining your salary expectations and start date, to apply@barnickelfellows.ch. Please quote ref. «EA-EC-26».
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Switzerland, hold a valid Swiss work permit, or be a Swiss, EU, or EFTA citizen. Selected candidates will be invited to an initial video interview, followed by an online assessment.
Barnickel & Fellows | Talstrasse 58 | 8001 Zurich Switzerland