In Switzerland’s demanding labour market, the role of the human resources department has become considerably more complex. The human resources manager acts as a bridge between the needs of management and those of staff.
They are involved in payroll management, ensuring compliance with labour law, recruitment and staff support. This article outlines the main aspects of the role, as well as the career paths leading to it in Switzerland.
What is a human resources manager?
The HR manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of staff records.
Unlike the HR assistant, who focuses more on carrying out administrative and technical tasks, they generally have greater autonomy when it comes to the day-to-day management of staff.
In Switzerland, this role is often associated with the HRSE (Human Resources Swiss Exams) certification. The manager ensures that the company has the staff and skills required for its operations. They also act as an intermediary between senior management, team leaders and staff.
What are its main responsibilities?
The day-to-day work of an HR manager involves administrative, legal and interpersonal tasks.
Administrative and contractual management
The HR manager is responsible, in particular, for the following tasks:
- drafting of employment contracts; ;
- creating and updating staff files; ;
- management of registrations with social security organisations; ;
- preparing documents relating to an employee’s arrival or departure; ;
- drafting of employment certificates; ;
- compliance with internal administrative procedures.
In Switzerland, a reference must be truthful and fair. It must give an accurate account of the employee’s performance and conduct.
Payroll and social insurance administration
Payroll management is one of the most technical aspects of the role.
In particular, the HR manager must:
- collect the payroll variables; ;
- take into account overtime, bonuses and absences; ;
- prepare or check payslips; ;
- manage social security declarations; ;
- keep track of changes to rates and limits; ;
- to be familiar with the main Swiss social insurance schemes.
They must understand how the AVS, AI, APG, LPP, unemployment insurance and accident insurance work. It is necessary to keep a regular eye on developments, as the rules and certain amounts may change.
Recruitment and induction
The HR manager works with team leaders to identify staffing requirements and organise recruitment.
Their duties may include:
- drafting and publishing job vacancies; ;
- the shortlisting of applications; ;
- organising interviews; ;
- the preparation of commitment documents; ;
- the induction of new staff; ;
- monitoring their integration.
Time and Absence Management
The HR manager is also responsible for monitoring:
- a holiday; ;
- special leave; ;
- absences due to illness; ;
- accidents; ;
- overtime; ;
- incapacity for work.
He ensures that the right to remuneration is upheld and passes on the necessary information to the relevant managers.
What role does he play within the company?
The HR manager acts as a link between staff, operational managers and senior management. They can advise managers on matters relating to staff, contracts, absences or social security.
With the shift to digital, he is increasingly using HRIS tools to automate certain administrative tasks and centralise information.
It can also be used to monitor indicators such as:
- staff turnover rate; ;
- the absenteeism rate; ;
- recruitment needs; ;
- staff costs; ;
- the average duration of the recruitment process; ;
- training needs.
Would you like to train in human resources management?
Find out about the course offered by NCAcademy to gain the necessary knowledge and prepare for the Human Resources Manager Certificate.
What skills do you need?
To carry out this role, it is necessary to combine technical skills with interpersonal skills.
Technical skills
- Employment law and legal monitoring: be familiar with the Code of Obligations, the Labour Act and the main applicable rules.
- Social insurance: to understand how different types of insurance and pension schemes work.
- Payroll management: be able to collect, check and process the data required for payroll.
- Personnel administration: to manage the processes relating to the recruitment, supervision and departure of staff.
- Digital tools: use HR software, office software and HR information systems.
Behavioural skills
- Mediation and diplomacy: handle sensitive situations professionally.
- Diligence and organisation: handle files and data with accuracy.
- Discretion: to respect the confidentiality of personal and salary information.
- Listening and empathy: understand staff needs and provide them with guidance.
- Communication: to convey clear information to the various parties involved.
What are the salaries like in Switzerland?
An HR manager’s salary varies depending on their experience, qualifications, sector, the size of the company, the canton and the scope of their responsibilities.
According to data cited by FormaSuisse, based on analyses by Jobup, the following figures were provided for information purposes for 2024:
- Beginner profile: between 65,000 and 75,000 CHF gross per year; ;
- Verified profile: between 80,000 and 95,000 CHF gross per year; ;
- HR Specialist: CHF 100,000 gross per year or more.
The median salary is estimated to be around CHF 95,000 gross per year. The thirteenth month’s salary, allowances and bonuses depend on the contract and any applicable agreements.
How do you get into this profession?
Entry into the profession often requires obtaining the HRSE Certificate in HR Management.
The admission requirements are as follows:
- hold a CFC, a Maturité, a baccalaureate or an equivalent qualification, and have two years’ professional experience; ;
or
- provide evidence of four years’ professional experience without a CFC or equivalent qualification.
The training course generally covers:
- the administrative management of staff; ;
- social security; ;
- salaries; ;
- labour law; ;
- internal communication; ;
- the organisation of HR processes.
The certificate also serves as a useful stepping stone towards the Federal Certificate in Human Resources.
NCAcademy offers an online course enabling you to prepare for the HRSE HR Manager Certificate at your own pace. The course includes theoretical content, exercises and support.
This structure makes it possible to:
- to continue working; ;
- gradually acquire the required knowledge; ;
- prepare for the HRSE exam; ;
- apply the concepts studied in their professional environment.
Please see the programme, entry requirements, module content and course details.
What career progression opportunities are available?
After several years’ experience, a number of possible developments can be envisaged.
Human Resources Specialist
The Federal Certificate in Human Resources allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the strategic, organisational and methodological aspects of the role.
Payroll management specialist
Those interested in payroll and social insurance can specialise in payroll and take on responsibilities such as submitting social security declarations, carrying out payroll checks or liaising with social insurance bodies.
Human Resources Manager or Director
With experience and management skills, the manager can progress to roles such as HR manager, HR Business Partner, personnel manager or director of human resources.
Conclusion
The human resources manager is responsible for the administrative, legal and personnel-related aspects of staff management. Their role includes, in particular, employment contracts, social security, payroll, recruitment and absence management.
Digitalisation is transforming the way the firm works, but rigour, confidentiality and interpersonal skills remain essential.
Obtaining the HRSE Certificate can help you get started in this field, build on your professional experience or progress towards a specialisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the HRSE certificate compulsory for working in HR in Switzerland?
It is not a legal requirement. However, it is recognised and regularly requested by recruiters, particularly in French-speaking Switzerland.
2. What is the difference between an HR assistant and an HR manager?
The HR assistant primarily provides administrative and technical support. The manager generally has a greater degree of autonomy and can advise line managers.
3. Is it possible to become an HR manager without any previous experience in the field?
Yes. The experience required to qualify for the certificate may have been gained in another field. The length of time required depends on the qualification held.
4. Do the salaries quoted include bonuses?
The figures shown are indicative gross annual salaries. The thirteenth month’s salary, allowances and bonuses depend on the terms of the contract.
5. Does the NCAcademy course prepare you for the HRSE exam?
Yes. It is designed to cover the learning objectives of the certificate and prepare participants for the HRSE exam.
Sources used
- Agrotec Switzerland, The employment certificate, 2018.
- HR Glossary, Human Resources Manager: responsibilities, skills and salary in 2026, 23 April 2026.
- FER Geneva, Social insurance – a new practical guide for businesses, 5 July 2021.
- FormaSuisse, HR role: HR Manager, 15 May 2024.
- HR Today, The impact of digitalisation on the roles and skills of HR professionals, 22 October 2024.
- Loyco, What is HR outsourcing?, 2024.
- Orientation.ch, Human Resources Specialist – Option A: Corporate Personnel Management BF.