dnata is one of the world’s largest air and travel services providers; offering ground handling, cargo, travel and catering & retail services at over 130 airports in more than 30 countries across six continents. At dnata, we are by your side for the entire travel experience.
dnata Switzerland operates across two sites Zurich & Geneva, with approximately 1200 Headcount. In Switzerland, we provide an exceptional and comprehensive range of Ground handling services to our airline customers including but not limited to; passenger services, cargo services, amp services, de-icing, cabin cleaning, as well as welcoming airline passengers to our marhaba lounges.
As HR Director* dnata Switzerland you will be responsible for developing and delivering a strategic people plan for dnata Switzerland, whilst leading the HR teams across Zurich & Geneva. Working within a matrix structure with multiple stakeholders, collaborating with Head Office HR in Dubai and the local leadership team you will define, develop, and execute HR initiatives to enable the successful achievement of business objectives.
In this role, you will:
- Translate business strategy into HR strategies and goals, lead and direct the dnata Switzerland HR team ensuring achievement of HR objectives.
- Oversee the day-to-day HR operations covering all key areas within HR including but not limited to recruitment and selection, training and development, compensation and benefits, industrial relations, employee wellbeing and HR Admin.
- Ensure accurate and timely payroll service.
- Lead the Learning & Talent function for dnata Switzerland.
- Drive employer attractiveness and establish a comprehensive people sourcing strategy.
- Maintain an understanding of what is happening across the business and plan HR activities with an annual plan.
- Develop and ensure implementation of HR policies, procedures and controls to ensure procedural/legislative requirements are fulfilled.
- Responsible for ensuring compliance within the required standards as set in ‘The dnata way’ and that local legislations are successfully met in all dealings pertaining to HR & people.
- Build relationships, network, share best practice and identify opportunities for synergies across the various dnata entities in country / region, ensuring alignment on key initiatives where possible.
- Drive the dnata Vision, Mission and Values (VMV) in the business and models the behaviours and intent of the VMV’s in all people practices.
- Drive a high-performance culture (in line with the ‘The dnata way’ limits) and develop the organization’s reward and recognition initiatives in line with the budget.
- Ensure effective Talent Management and Succession Planning are in place to mitigate the risks of skills gaps across dnata Switzerland.
- Drive the annual global culture survey and country level action plans with a key focus on engagement.
Qualifications & Experience
To be considered for the role you must meet the below requirements:
- Bachelors (or more advanced) degree in Human Resource Management or related field.
- Minimum of 10 years relevant work experience in a senior HR leadership role, preferably in a multi-national organisation.
- Strong regional / country HR experience, including application of employment legislation, HR processes, and best practice across relevant jurisdiction(s).
- Proven experience of HR systems, including implementation/integration and adoption.
- Business transformation, programme and change management experience.
- Excellent organisation with strategic planning skills.
- Experience using data analysis to provide insights and recommendations and drive decision making.
- Leadership capabilities with the financial competency to devise, execute and manage budgets where applicable.
- Flexibility to work across the region (approx. 25% of time in Geneva and 75% Zurich)
- Ability to obtain security clearance and qualify for an air-side security pass (no legal restrictions)
You’ll have an edge if you have:
- Professional accreditations (e.g., SHRI, CIPD)
- Spoken and written fluency in English, German and French
- Experience leading professional teams across multiples sites / geographic locations.
- Strong interpersonal skills and advanced verbal and written business communication skills.
- Experience of building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including unions and / or industry bodies where applicable.