Head of Human Resources

About The Swatch Group

Swatch Group is an international group active in the design, manufacture and sale of finished watches, jewellery, watch movements and components. Swatch Group supplies nearly all components required by its 16 watch brands, and Swatch Group companies supply movements and components to third-party watchmakers in Switzerland and around the world. Swatch Group employs more than 32,000 people in over 50 countries. In Australia, Swatch Group has a diverse business model including 24 retail stores, wholesale, logistics, watch repair service centre and support services.

The Role

As Head of Human Resources for Swatch Group Australia, you will be responsible for leading core HR functions, including recruitment, performance management, learning and development, payroll, remuneration and benefits, and the development and implementation of HR policies. A key focus of the role is overseeing employee relations, ensuring the effective and consistent resolution of workplace matters, compliance with employment legislation, and the promotion of a positive and safe working environment. You will also provide workforce reporting and analysis to the Country Manager and Swatch Group HR. The role is expected to proactively identify opportunities to enhance HR processes and improve employee outcomes, while maintaining a practical, solutions-focused approach across all areas of responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

  • Contribute to business strategy and planning as a member of the management team, aligning HR with Swatch Group HQ policies.
  • Lead organisational design, workforce planning, and talent retention strategies.
  • Oversee recruitment processes, including senior appointments and final hiring decisions.
  • Manage compensation and benefits, including annual salary reviews, bonus calculations, and remuneration structures.
  • Lead the development and implementation of performance management frameworks, including management of annual review processes.
  • Ensure HR policies, handbooks, and procedures are up-to-date, compliant, and accessible.
  • Provide guidance on employee relations, grievances, and legal compliance in partnership with Country Manager and In-House Legal Counsel.
  • Maintain accurate and legally compliant employee contracts and position descriptions.
  • Manage payroll, benefits administration, and HR reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
  • Lead the development and implementation of employee wellbeing strategies that promote psychological safety, resilience, and holistic health.
  • Deliver regular HR reports to Group HQ and internal stakeholders (monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc).
  • Support business changes such as retail store openings/closures and organisational restructuring.
  • Champion a safe workplace through active participation in safety initiatives and compliance with legislation.
  • Lead a small team overseeing HR Payroll/Admin Officer, HR Recruitment Officer and Recruitment Co-ordinator.
  • Interstate travel to support retail stores as per business needs

Skills and Experience

  • Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources or a related discipline, with prior experience in HR leadership roles
  • Minimum 10 years’ broad generalist HR experience, including hands-on operational and strategic responsibilities
  • Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment; proactive, decisive, and solutions-focused
  • Strong track record in driving continuous improvement and achieving results
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a clear, open, and straightforward approach
  • Highly organised with strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Excel – intermediate level, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Solid understanding of Australian industrial relations legislation and employment law
  • Proven leadership capability in managing and developing HR teams
  • Collaborative team player with the ability to contribute effectively at senior management level
  • Solid understanding of retail operations and workforce challenges, with proven HR experience in supporting retail environments

How to Apply

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