Personal Assistant & Business Manager to the Executive Chairman and Head of Family Office (Principal)

Our client is a private, family-owned company with a global presence. Business activities are primarily managed from Switzerland, with a focus on Europe, North America, and the Middle East, and investments across sectors including healthcare, finance, technology, and real estate. In addition to these commercial ventures, the company also manages philanthropic efforts and private matters. This is a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking environment where professionalism is closely coupled with compassion and kindness. The culture is defined by integrity and reliability, values reflected in daily interactions with companies and partners worldwide.

The position has become available as part of future growth and development. Not a stop along the way, but a destination. It is an opportunity to build a professional home where loyalty is appreciated and serves as the foundation for a collaboration extending into the next decade and beyond. The office is in Zurich, supporting a hybrid work model.

Scope of the Role

Following a relocation, the Principal is reshaping his operating model. His focus is shifting from day-to-day execution to what truly drives progress: long-term direction, key relationships, and a broader ecosystem that integrates business interests, investments, and family office activities. This role calls for a natural problem solver who takes ownership, operates without constant structure, and instinctively understands what matters. The objective is to build deep alignment with the Principal’s thinking, priorities, and the broader context in which he operates. At its core, the role is about enabling him to perform at his best, not simply managing tasks. You will manage a complex, forward-looking agenda, making deliberate decisions about where time and focus create the greatest impact. Acting as a central point of contact across a trusted network of advisors, legal counsel, and business partners, bringing sound judgment and discretion to every interaction. In short, we are looking for a proactive mindset, precision, and a high standard of quality. The role extends beyond classic executive support into family office coordination, including investment oversight and maintaining clarity across reporting. In addition, you will support selected external initiatives, including philanthropic and legacy-driven projects.

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Managing and prioritizing a complex, forward-looking calendar with a clear sense of context and direction.
• Planning and managing global travel to ensure seamless execution across time zones.
• Acting as a gatekeeper and facilitator across a global network of stakeholders and the family’s hubs, maintaining key relationships across business and personal spheres.
• Preparing briefings, synthesizing information, and ensuring the Principal is always well-positioned for meetings.
• Organizing meetings and international engagements with a strong focus on quality and detail.
• Contributing to speech preparation, content development, and coordination of investor interactions, roundtables, and a range of engagements, including public speaking appearances, congresses, and forums such as the WEF.
• Building and refining dashboards, investment and portfolio tracking systems, and executive workflows, while bringing structure to deal flow, ongoing projects, and operational processes.
• Contributing to the development and expansion of family office structures.
• Overseeing personal and lifestyle-related matters and contributing to philanthropic and long-term initiatives.
• Acting as a trusted interface for investors, advisors, and stakeholders.

What You’ll Bring | Education, Experience, Approach to Work

• A commercial apprenticeship or a business administration degree (B.A.) from one of the leading hotel management schools (EHL, Les Roches, Glion), and/or a Federal Diploma in executive assistance.
• A professional path demonstrating continuity and experience in a similar EA/PA role, ideally within a family office, real estate, wealth management, or 5-star hospitality.
• Given the nature of the role, preference is given to individuals with the potential and motivation for long-term development, with a view to supporting the Principal over the coming decade. Candidates with experience in entrepreneurial, venture-backed, or private equity environments are particularly well-suited to this setting.
• Comfortable working in environments characterized by ambiguity, autonomy, and a high pace.
• Proven ability to operate across both business and personal contexts.
• Native or business-fluent English; (Swiss-)German at the C2 level; additional languages are a plus.
• Clear and structured communication, combined with strong interpersonal awareness.
• Tech-savvy, MS Office proficient, and digitally fluent across modern tools, including AI-supported applications.
• Highly organized, resilient, and able to deliver results in an environment with frequent, short-notice changes.
• Integrity, tact, and a strong sense of confidentiality, coupled with sound judgment and decisiveness.
• A proactive, solution-oriented mindset with strong follow-through, sharp thinking in complex situations, a keen eye for detail, and a broader perspective.
• Based in Switzerland with occasional travel. The role is outside a traditional office setting and requires flexibility beyond standard hours, across time zones, and on weekends. It is not about constant availability but about being present when it matters, within a flexible work setup.

Your Personality & Traits

You are the type of person others enjoy having around: confident in your presence, approachable in your interactions, and trustworthy. The profile combines operational strength with sound judgment and adaptability. You quickly understand people and dynamics. At the same time, you take ownership without hesitation, think ahead, and focus on solutions. When priorities shift, you adjust without losing direction. You are polished and professional in appearance, with a strong service mindset and the ability to represent the family’s values and mission with credibility.

Why This Role?

Roles like these are rare. They call for a combination of skill, discretion, and personality, and in return offer a genuine sense of belonging. You will work closely with an entrepreneurial family and join an environment where your contribution is valued and impactful. Being exposed to strategic topics, investments, and family initiatives in an international context, you can expect direct communication, a high degree of autonomy, and a culture of ownership. An attractive overall compensation package completes the offering.

Selection Process & How to Apply

At this stage, our client’s name will remain confidential and will be disclosed only to shortlisted candidates. An online assessment will be part of the selection process. We will focus on individuals whose background and personality most closely align with the outlined requirements. If this opportunity sparks your interest, please submit your application (CV, certificates, and educational records in one single PDF, arranged in chronological order) to apply@barnickelfellows.ch, quoting reference PA-ExeChair.Please include a brief email outlining your motivation, salary expectations, and the earliest possible start date.

Barnickel & Fellows | Talstrasse 58 | 8001 Zurich | +41 44 243 86 68 | www.barnickelfellows.ch