Head of Department 80% - 100%

Committed to quality public service, the City of La Chaux-de-Fonds is looking for a:

Your mission / You are responsible for the leadership and management of the Buildings and Housing Service as well as its various sectors of activity. In direct connection with the department management, you ensure the strategic and operational management of this cross-functional service and contribute to the definition and implementation of the policy for the enhancement and management of the City’s real estate assets. You lead large-scale projects and files, ensuring their planning, coordination, and monitoring, particularly in the fields of construction, renovation, maintenance, and property management. You also manage the administrative and financial aspects of the service, including budget monitoring, and ensure the efficient use of resources. In your role, you collaborate with numerous internal and external partners, participate in various working groups, and represent the service in relevant bodies and commissions. You also contribute to strategic reflections related to the evolution of the built heritage and the City’s development challenges.

Your profile / Personal skills / You hold a higher education degree at university or HES level, or an equivalent qualification, and can demonstrate a proven professional background in managing an organisation, entity, or complex and large-scale projects. Training in architecture, combined with confirmed professional experience in the field, particularly matches the sought profile. We also consider applications from other educational backgrounds, especially when supported by solid experience in construction, building technologies, or property management. You demonstrate a genuine ability to understand the issues related to built heritage, its management, and enhancement, and know how to rely on professional skills and expertise to inform decisions and drive action. You have confirmed experience in a leadership role, particularly in management and team leadership, and know how to unite, motivate, and support your colleagues. You are recognised for your ability to decide, provide direction, and advance major projects. With excellent organisational skills, you show leadership, strong analytical and synthesis abilities, and ease in communication. Autonomous, structured, rigorous, and proactive, you know how to combine strategic, operational, financial, and human challenges. Working in a political and institutional context, you understand its issues and modes of operation. Experience in the public sector is an asset.

Desired start date / Immediate or to be agreed.

We offer / A senior management position with a strong strategic dimension, at the heart of issues related to built heritage and the City’s development, offering a wide variety of projects and responsibilities. You will work in a stimulating environment, in contact with multiple stakeholders, and have real capacity to act to contribute to the future of the City’s real estate assets. We also offer attractive social benefits and remuneration according to current regulations.

Do you identify with this profile? We look forward to receiving your complete application (without photo) online by 27 August 2026.