Description

This position is central to the CEO’s day-to-day effectiveness and calls for foresight, agility, and the ability to stay ahead. You bring structure to fast-paced days, filter distractions, align priorities, and connect the right people. You’ll support a CEO who brings global experience and a long-standing, people-centric leadership track record. The CEO values sound judgment, proactiveness, and confidentiality in his assistant. He fosters ownership and encourages direct communication. As his trusted assistant, you’ll be part of a dynamic journey from day one, contributing to the professional presence of an executive office.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-level, confidential support and ensure daily operations run smoothly.
• Steer a complex calendar and act as a central coordination point; ensure materials and preparations are in place.
• Plan and manage international travel, visas, accommodation, and logistics.
• Oversee the CEO’s inbox and correspondence; filter and prioritize as needed.
• Liaise with leadership and partners; prepare background research and follow up on key actions.
• Organize leadership meetings, offsites, and workshops from planning to execution.
• Offer occasional personal assistance and support to the CEO’s transition to life and work in Switzerland.
• Handle ad-hoc tasks and contribute to ongoing projects as needed.
• While organization and communication are core to the role, it offers room for broader involvement and growth.

Prerequisites | Entry Qualifications

• A commercial apprenticeship or higher education (e.g., B.A. in Business Administration) or a federal diploma in management assistance.
• 10+ years in C-level support within an international company.
• Business fluency in English and native-level (Swiss) German.
• Proficiency in MS Office, SAP, Teams, and SharePoint.

Experience Matters — Personality Makes the Difference

• Emotionally intelligent, service-minded, and composed.
• Discreet and respectful, maintaining clear boundaries and contributing to a positive atmosphere.
• Calm under pressure, tactful in sensitive situations, and quick to read the room.
• Highly organized, always two steps ahead.
• Able to cut through complexity, prioritize effectively, and maintain attention to detail.
• A strong communicator who builds trust and engages confidently with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strategic in outlook, understanding how decisions affect others and the broader business.

If this opportunity speaks to you, we look forward to receiving your application. You can expect close collaboration with a CEO who has a clear vision for the company’s next chapter. A competitive compensation package includes a performance-based bonus and attractive company benefits. To apply, please send your CV, reference letters, and academic or educational certificates, along with a short note outlining what sets you apart, to apply@barnickelfellows.ch, referencing «EA-CEO-GZA». If you prefer to share your motivation via video, please include a YouTube or Vimeo link.

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