HR Business Partner (Maternity Cover, up to 12 months)

Location La Chaux-de-FondsNeuchâtelSwitzerland
Type Contract
Seniority Mid-Level
Posted Mar 12, 2026
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Universo (Swatch Group) — La Chaux-de-Fonds: HR Business Partner (maternity cover, up to 12 months) to manage apprenticeships and support managers.

Overview

Universo SA is a member of the Swatch Group, a global leader in Swiss watchmaking. The company specialises in watch hands and is a recognised supplier in dial appliqués and Hesalite watch crystals, combining artisanal know-how with industrial-scale precision within the Swatch Group ecosystem.

Role & Responsibilities

  • Act as the day-to-day HR business partner for assigned functions, providing operational guidance and pragmatic solutions to line managers.
  • Lead the end-to-end management of apprenticeships: recruitment, onboarding, training follow-up, progress reviews and coordination with vocational schools.
  • Support talent development and early-career programmes to retain and develop young professionals within the organisation.
  • Handle employee relations, performance management processes and case management in compliance with Swiss labour law.
  • Partner with managers on workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding and offboarding activities.
  • Coordinate HR administration and reporting, maintaining accurate personnel records and collaborating with Group HR where required.
  • Contribute to continuous-improvement projects related to people processes and apprenticeship programmes.

Qualifications

  • Proven HR generalist experience, ideally 3–5+ years in operational HR roles with exposure to apprenticeship programmes or vocational training.
  • Demonstrated ability to advise and coach line managers on HR matters and to drive people-related initiatives.
  • Strong knowledge of Swiss employment law and practical HR compliance.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, discretion and the capacity to handle sensitive employee matters.
  • Professional proficiency in French is strongly advantageous given the role location.

Skills

Apprenticeship management / vocational training coordination Manager coaching and stakeholder management Employee relations and case management Recruitment and onboarding Performance management and development conversations HR administration and reporting

Experience

Several years of hands‑on HR generalist experience with demonstrable exposure to apprenticeship or youth talent programmes and operational support for line managers.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or equivalent; professional HR certification is advantageous.

Culture

Universo operates within the craft- and precision-driven environment of the Swatch Group, where technical excellence and apprenticeship are highly valued. The workplace favours collaborative problem-solving, a practical approach to people development and a strong commitment to vocational training.