HR Administration & Payroll Manager
Sulzer · Winterthur
Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.
About the role
The HR Administration & Payroll Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all HR administrative processes and end-to-end payroll operations for Switzerland. This role ensures full compliance with Swiss labor law, social security regulations, tax obligations, and internal policies. The position acts as the primary point of contact for HR operations, employee lifecycle administration, payroll accuracy, and HR system integrity. The role needs hands-on execution, ensuring efficient HR processes and high-quality service delivery to employees and managers.Your main tasks and responsibilities
Payroll Management (Swiss Payroll)
Oversee and execute monthly payroll for all Swiss employees, including variable pay, allowances, deductions, and absences.
Manage payroll controls, reconciliations, audits, and reporting activities.
Ensure correct calculation of taxes, social security contributions, pension fund deductions, and insurance premiums.
Act as key contact for employees on payroll, benefits, and time management topics.
Collaborate with Finance on payroll accounting, salary provision, and audit requirements.
Manage year‑end activities (salary certificates, Withholding Tax year closing, social security reporting)
HR Administration & Employee Lifecycle Management
Act as a trusted HR advisor to managers and senior leaders based in Switzerland
Manage and oversee all administrative HR processes for the entire employee lifecycle (hire to retire).
Prepare employment contracts, amendments, reference letters, and other legal documents in accordance with Swiss law.
Ensure accurate maintenance of employee records and digital personnel files.
Manage onboarding and offboarding processes, including work permits (L, B, C) and liaison with authorities.
Ensure timely registration and reporting to social security institutions (AHV/ALV/IV/EO), pension funds (BVG/LPP), accident insurance (UVG), KTG and family allowance offices.
Support annual performance and compensation cycles from an administrative standpoint.
Ensure compliance with internal policies, GDPR, and Swiss data protection regulations.
HR Systems & Process Optimization
Maintain and optimize HRIS and time‑tracking systems (e.g., SAP, Workday, Abacus, or similar).
Ensure data accuracy and reliability for reporting and analytics.
Drive process improvements and standardization across HR administration and payroll.
Support implementation of new tools and digital HR solutions.
Compliance, Policies & Governance.
Ensure full compliance with Swiss labour law, collective labour agreements (if applicable), and company policies.
Maintain HR governance frameworks and support HR audits.
Keep up to date with regulatory changes and translate them into operational processes.
To succeed in this role, you will need
Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
Several years of experience in HR administration and Swiss payroll (mandatory).
Strong understanding of Swiss labour law, social security system, taxes, and employment compliance.
Experience in multinational environments is an asset.
Strong MS Office and HRIS proficiency; payroll system expertise required.
Fluent in German and English.
Working time: 80 - 100 %.
No visa or work permit support can be provided for this role.
Do you have a question about the role?
Reach out to Alexi Donadoni at alexi.donadoni@sulzer.com.
What we offer you
25 days holidays (exclusive of bank holidays) + service days
Defined contribution pension scheme
Employee Assistance Program/health care
On-site car parking/public transport allowance
Access to a wide range of discounts
Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.
We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.
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