Director - Payroll and Compensation & Benefits - Switzerland

Director Payroll and Compensation & Benefits

Geneva or Kaiseraugst, Switzerland

Role Overview

The Director of Payroll and Compensation & Benefits is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of payroll, compensation, benefits, international mobility and related HR operations across Switzerland. This role ensures compliance with local regulations, drive or partner on strategic initiatives, and serves as a key liaison with internal and external stakeholders, leading a team of 8, for approximately 2500 employees in Switzerland.

Key responsibilities

1. Global HR Expertise & Strategic Projects

Actively contribute to global initiatives as a subject matter expert in payroll, compensation, mobility, and benefits, supporting harmonization and innovation across regions.

2. Payroll & Data Management

Ensure high data quality, oversee payroll processes for all sites in Switzerland (including senior leadership payroll), manage time and absence tracking, and supervise in-house and external payrolls and expat-related and immigration matters.

3. Benefits Oversight

Maintain insurer relationships, manage insurance yearly declarations, and lead cross-functional reviews on insurances and other benefits.

4. Systems & Tools Administration

Lead development and integration of HR platforms (SAP Payroll, Strada, SuccessFactors), manage HR SharePoint, and control access rights to key internal and external platforms.

5. Compliance & Reporting

Ensure adherence to Swiss labor laws, supervise audits (AVS/SUVA), and support annual global HR processes.

6. Stakeholder Engagement & Governance

Represent HR in key committees and oversee pension fund and company daycare governance.

We offer

• The opportunity to work for a company where sustainability is much more than a claim and is core to our strategy and purpose
• A flexible work environment that empowers people to take accountability for their work and own the outcome
• Barrier-free communities within our organization where every employee is equally valued and respected regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity
• A firm belief that working together with our customers is the key to achieving great things
• An eagerness to be one team and learn from each other to bring progress to life and create a better future
• A space to grow, welcoming change by encouraging and supporting curiosity and an open mindset; bringing new ideas and implement new ways of working

You bring

• Proven experience in payroll, compensation, international mobility/immigration and benefits management in a Swiss context and a multinational environment.
• Deep knowledge of Swiss labor law, social security, international mobility and insurance systems.
• Expertise in SAP Payroll and HRIS systems (SuccessFactors).
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Fluent in French, German and English;
• Proven leadership in continuous improvement and Lean projects
• Contract management

About dsm-firmenich

At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them.

Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.

From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.

And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future. 

Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.

Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity statement

At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.

And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work.

Agency statement
We’re managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you’re applying as an individual, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.