Head of Human Resources & Organizational Culture

Role Summary and Priorities

Leysin American School in Switzerland seeks an inspiring and strategic Head of Human Resources & Organizational Culture to lead our HR team beginning in August 2026 (or earlier).

Reporting directly to the Finance Director, the Head plays a pivotal role in fostering a positive, inclusive, and values-driven workplace at LAS. This position oversees all aspects of people management, supporting a diverse and international staff community that reflects the school’s global ethos.

The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of progressive HR systems and practices, ensuring compliance with Swiss labor law, operational excellence, and a strong culture of Personal and Professional Growth (PPG). The role also focuses on employee well-being, engagement, and leadership development, aligning HR strategy with the school’s mission of “developing innovative, compassionate, and responsible citizens of the world.”

As an operational leader, the Head of Human Resources & Organizational Culture is responsible for managing all aspects of LAS’s workforce while fostering a strong, collaborative internal culture. This dual focus means the Head not only oversees traditional HR functions such as recruitment, compliance, and benefits administration, but also plays a proactive role in shaping LAS’s values, employee experience, and overall work environment.

The Head will also serve as a strategic partner to the Leadership Team, providing guidance and expertise on all matters related to organizational development, talent management, and staff relations. By ensuring that HR strategies are aligned with the school’s broader vision and operational goals, the Head will help strengthen institutional effectiveness and support an engaged, high-performing workforce.

The Head ensures that all HR policies and practices are aligned with LAS’s mission and goals, cultivating a positive, high-performing culture that attracts, develops, and retains exceptional talent. The Head also leads and mentors a team of two HR Officers, providing guidance and support to ensure the delivery of effective, professional, and responsive HR services across the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage, in coordination with the Leadership Team, all aspects of the Human Resources function, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, compensation, benefits, and employee relations.

• Partner closely with the Line Manager and Leadership Team to align HR strategy with LAS’s key institutional priorities, including academic excellence and innovation, community engagement, staff well-being and professional growth, financial sustainability, and the advancement of diversity, inclusion, and global citizenship.

• Advise school leadership on personnel matters, supporting a consistent, fair, and values-based approach to management and decision-making.

• Ensure compliance with Swiss labor law, work permit regulations, and internal policies, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.

• Champion a culture of Personal and Professional Growth (PPG) by developing and implementing staff development, coaching, and training initiatives.

• Foster a positive, equitable, and inclusive organizational culture that reflects LAS’s mission and values, with a strong focus on equity, respect, and community cohesion.

• Oversee HR systems, reporting, and process improvements to enhance efficiency and data-driven decision-making.

• Support the well-being, retention, and motivation of staff through proactive communication and employee engagement initiatives.

• Lead and mentor a team of two HR Officers, ensuring effective, responsive, and service-oriented HR operations.

• Collaborate with the Finance Director to ensure accurate and compliant HR-related budgeting, payroll, and benefits administration.

• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of policies, procedures, and practices that strengthen the LAS community and promote a high-performing, supportive work environment.

• Undertake any additional HR-related duties as assigned by the Line Manager or the Head of School.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum 10 years of experience in Human Resources leadership, ideally in an international or multicultural organization.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility across diverse teams.

• In-depth knowledge of Swiss labor laws and HR best practices.

• Demonstrated experience in organizational development, change management, and staff engagement.

• Proven ability to foster an equitable and respectful work environment, and a clear vision for bringing this approach to LAS.

• Advanced degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or Organizational Psychology (preferred).

• Experience in an educational, boarding school, or hospitality environment will be viewed as an asset, though not a requirement.

• Fluent in English; French proficiency is highly desirable.

• Note: For visa purposes, preference will be given to Swiss or EU citizens, or holders of a valid Swiss C permit; however, exceptional candidates from outside Switzerland or the EU will also be considered.

Salary and Benefits

Leysin American School offers a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Details will be discussed with the shortlisted candidates.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit the following documents as one PDF file to Write an email:

• A cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications

• A current CV (maximum two pages)

• A one-page statement describing your HR and leadership philosophy

• Contact details for three professional references