État de Neuchâtel
La Chaux-de-Fonds
Head of the Prison Service
- 04 September 2026
- 100%
- Permanent position
About the job
SPNE134
Prison Service (SPNE)
The SPNE implements the cantonal prison policy and ensures the execution of detention and criminal sanctions pronounced by the judicial authorities.
It brings together four entities: the service management, two detention centres, and an office for the execution of sanctions and probation.
Your missions
Reporting to the Head of the Department of Security, Digitalisation and Culture (DSDC), you hold a key position in the development and implementation of the cantonal prison strategy and contribute to reflections and actions at the concordat and national levels.
As head of the SPNE, you manage the entire service on administrative, human, and financial levels. You unite the different entities around common objectives and ensure the implementation of the missions for executing criminal sanctions for adults, in compliance with federal, cantonal, and concordat legal provisions, with the objectives of public security and community protection.
Finally, you guarantee appropriate supervision for accused and convicted persons, with a view to risk reduction and socio-professional reintegration.
Your profile
Holder of a university master’s degree or equivalent training, you have at least five years of experience in positions of responsibility. Your career demonstrates a real ease in operating in contexts with multiple challenges.
Your expertise in the judicial field, particularly in the execution of criminal sanctions, is accompanied by a strong interest in the psychosocial issues specific to the prison environment.
Your solid managerial skills and ability to unite, combined with a strategic vision and analytical mind, are valuable assets for managing the service and large-scale projects.
Your interpersonal skills and negotiation ability complete this profile. Knowledge of German would also be appreciated.
We offer you
Information
Mr Christian Müller, Secretary General of the DSDC, tel. 032 889 61 00
Working for the State
Female applications are strongly encouraged for senior positions.
Application deadline: 21 September 2026
Salary: Class 16
Start date: To be agreed
Prison Service (SPNE)
The SPNE implements the cantonal prison policy and ensures the execution of detention and criminal sanctions pronounced by the judicial authorities.
It brings together four entities: the service management, two detention centres, and an office for the execution of sanctions and probation.
Your missions
Reporting to the Head of the Department of Security, Digitalisation and Culture (DSDC), you hold a key position in the development and implementation of the cantonal prison strategy and contribute to reflections and actions at the concordat and national levels.
As head of the SPNE, you manage the entire service on administrative, human, and financial levels. You unite the different entities around common objectives and ensure the implementation of the missions for executing criminal sanctions for adults, in compliance with federal, cantonal, and concordat legal provisions, with the objectives of public security and community protection.
Finally, you guarantee appropriate supervision for accused and convicted persons, with a view to risk reduction and socio-professional reintegration.
Your profile
Holder of a university master’s degree or equivalent training, you have at least five years of experience in positions of responsibility. Your career demonstrates a real ease in operating in contexts with multiple challenges.
Your expertise in the judicial field, particularly in the execution of criminal sanctions, is accompanied by a strong interest in the psychosocial issues specific to the prison environment.
Your solid managerial skills and ability to unite, combined with a strategic vision and analytical mind, are valuable assets for managing the service and large-scale projects.
Your interpersonal skills and negotiation ability complete this profile. Knowledge of German would also be appreciated.
We offer you
- A motivating and meaningful challenge in the service of public security.
- A rewarding mission at the heart of major societal issues.
- Flexibility in managing your responsibilities.
Information
Mr Christian Müller, Secretary General of the DSDC, tel. 032 889 61 00
Working for the State
Female applications are strongly encouraged for senior positions.
Application deadline: 21 September 2026
Salary: Class 16
Start date: To be agreed
