Swatch Group Human Resources Business Partner

About Swatch Group

Swatch Group stands as one of the world’s foremost watchmaking groups, uniting Swiss industrial excellence with a portfolio of distinguished maisons spanning accessible design, prestige horology, and high complication craft. As an employer, the Group offers a uniquely integrated environment, from research, manufacturing, and movement development to brand management, retail, and global operations. Rooted in Biel/Bienne and present worldwide, it values technical mastery, creative curiosity, and long-term commitment. Employees contribute to a culture where heritage, innovation, precision, and entrepreneurial energy converge, supporting iconic brands while shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking on an international stage.

Swatch Group seeks a Human Resources Business Partner to advise leaders and employees across Customer Service, Logistics, Distribution Center, Watchmaking Operations, Loss Prevention, and IT. The role leads and supports employee relations, recruitment, workforce planning, performance and talent development, engagement, compensation programs, compliance, and operational HR analysis; it is based onsite in Secaucus five days per week, with approximately 20% travel.

Role & Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary HR partner for assigned functions, advising and supporting managers and employees.
• Build working relationships with leadership teams to understand business priorities and workforce needs.
• Partner with leaders to identify and implement HR solutions aligned with operational and organizational goals.
• Advise on organizational structure, workforce planning, succession planning, and employee development.
• Support change management and organizational transformation initiatives.
• Advise managers and employees on employee relations matters, company policies, and employment practices.
• Conduct workplace investigations and recommend appropriate resolutions.
• Manage employee relations issues professionally, consistently, and confidentially.
• Coach managers on performance management, attendance management, corrective actions, and conflict resolution.
• Promote a positive work environment that encourages engagement and accountability.
• Lead recruitment, support hiring managers with recruitment, and manage staffing plans.
• Identify current and future workforce needs across supported departments.
• Participate in interviews and selection for key positions.
• Support onboarding to ensure successful integration of new employees.
• Guide leaders through performance management, including goal setting, coaching, feedback, and performance improvement plans.
• Support employee development and identify opportunities for skill enhancement and career growth.
• Partner with leadership on succession planning and talent reviews.
• Assist with leadership development initiatives and training programs.
• Promote engagement initiatives that strengthen workplace culture and retention.
• Work with managers to identify ways to improve employee morale, communication, and overall employee experience.
• Support recognition and employee appreciation initiatives.
• Advise employees and leaders on workplace concerns and organizational changes.
• Support compensation planning, promotions, transfers, and organizational changes.
• Help leaders make compensation decisions consistent with company guidelines and market competitiveness.
• Participate in annual performance review and compensation planning processes.
• Ensure consistent administration of HR programs and policies.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Keep current on employment law changes and HR best practices.
• Support internal audits and HR compliance initiatives.
• Maintain accurate, confidential employee records and documentation.
• Reduce organizational risk through consistent application of policies and procedures.
• Partner with leaders in Customer Service, Logistics, Distribution Center, Watchmaking Operations, Loss Prevention, and Information Technology to address workforce challenges and support business objectives.
• Analyze workforce trends, including turnover, attendance, retention, and other key HR metrics.
• Recommend improvements to employee engagement, retention, productivity, and organizational effectiveness.
• Support operational leaders in managing exempt and non-exempt employee populations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on business initiatives and operational excellence.
• Travel approximately 20% to support business operations, training initiatives, employee meetings, and other organizational needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field required.
• At least 7 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including experience as an HR Business Partner or Director of Human Resources.
• Experience supporting multiple departments and business functions in operational and corporate environments.
• Strong employee relations and performance management experience.
• Experience supporting both exempt and non-exempt employee populations.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations and managing complex employee relations matters.
• Experience in logistics, distribution, warehouse operations, customer service, manufacturing, technical services, retail, loss prevention, or similar operational environments preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to influence leaders and build effective partnerships across all organizational levels.
• Multi-state employment law experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and HR best practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong conflict-resolution and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to influence and guide leaders in employee-related decisions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to handle highly confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Analytical mindset and ability to interpret workforce data and identify trends.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS).
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within a team.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic business environment; team-player approach.
• Spanish preferred.
• Onsite attendance five days per week.

Skills

Experience

At least 7 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including experience as an HR Business Partner or Director of Human Resources.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field required.

Workplace

Culture

Swatch Group offers a dynamic, multicultural workplace rooted in Swiss precision, creativity, and a deep passion for watchmaking. As an employer, it brings together craftsmanship, industrial expertise, and brand diversity, giving teams the opportunity to contribute to both iconic heritage maisons and forward-looking innovation.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.