Vice President Global HR, Legal

Kellenberger has been a pioneer in high-precision turning and grinding solutions for over a century. Our name stands for innovation, quality, and durability. We serve demanding industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and mechanical engineering with tailor-made solutions.

The VP Human Resources, Legal & Compliance is responsible for the strategic development and operational excellence of HR, Legal, and Compliance functions. This key role ensures the company is future-ready from both an organizational and regulatory perspective, mitigates risks, and fosters a high-performance, inclusive, and legally compliant corporate culture.

This role reports directly to the CFO and offers a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for someone who wants to make an impact. We are not looking for a caretaker We are looking for a creator with energy, vision, and the courage to build something new.

Human Resources
Develop and implement a comprehensive HR strategy aligned with corporate goals

Lead all HR functions, including Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Learning & Development, Compensation & Benefits, HR Operations, and Employer Branding

Build and advance a modern Global People & Culture organization

Implement programs for leadership development, employee engagement, and performance optimization

Responsible for workforce planning and organizational development

Serve as a trusted advisor to the C-level and regional management teams on all HR-related matters

Drive productivity and performance improvements, including initiatives in white-collar productivity, aligned with the company's profitable growth plan

Legal
Oversee corporate legal matters by effectively coordinating internal legal resources and external counsel, providing strategic guidance and operational support in a senior legal manager/para-legal capacity, rather than as full general counsel

Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and industry standards

Manage contracts, including review, drafting, and negotiation of agreements

Support corporate structuring, M&A, IP, and data protection matters

Coordinate external law firms and internal legal resources efficiently

Compliance
Establish, maintain, and monitor an effective compliance management system

Implement policies, standards, and training programs to promote corporate ethics and compliance

Conduct risk assessments, audits, and investigations, documenting findings thoroughly

Ensure transparent governance structures and foster a culture of compliance across the organization

Delegation of Authority (DoA)
Define, maintain, and communicate the company-wide DoA framework to ensure clear decision-making and approval structures

QUALIFICATIONS
University degree in Law, Business Administration, Business Law, Human Resources, or equivalent. Full legal qualification (licensed attorney) is a plus

10 – 15 + years of relevant experience in HR, Legal, or Compliance, ideally in a leadership role within an international environment

Proven experience in building and digitizing HR and Compliance structures

Strong knowledge of labor law, data protection, corporate law, and compliance regulations

Demonstrable experience in change management and transformation projects

Strong leadership and decision-making skills

High integrity, accountability, and discretion

Strategic thinker with hands-on operational capability

Excellent communication and negotiation skills

Empathy, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to build trusted relationships – acting as a 'go-to person' for employees and leadership alike

Confident presence with executive management, authorities, partners, and stakeholders

OUR OFFER
We offer internal and external further training opportunities

We offer you secure employment with individual development potential

You will work in an international environment with technologically advanced products

Freedom to shape HR, Legal, and Compliance structures sustainably

You will receive a target-oriented and practical onboarding program

We offer flexible working hours

Excellent working conditions under the Swissmem collective labor agreement (GAV)

The office location is Goldach, Switzerland. National and international travel is required

DO YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS?
For more details about the position, you can reach out to HR Manager Sabrina Messmer,

You're in the right place with us if you're seeking a new professional challenge. Our continuous growth offers diverse opportunities and room for development

We look forward to receiving your complete online application via our applicant portal.