IT Manager - Switzerland

At SGS, we are the world's leading testing, inspection, and certification company, setting the global benchmark for sustainability, quality, and integrity. With a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories and a dedicated team of 97.000 employees, we work together to create a better, safer, and more interconnected world. 

We are seeking a people‑centric, and security‑driven IT Manager for Switzerland to lead our IT operations across Switzerland. This role ensures an outstanding IT experience for all users across all Swiss offices and laboratories, including VIP and Executive Committee members, whilst enforcing strict compliance with global security, data protection, and operational governance.

You will manage the Swiss IT Support Team (L1/L2), drive service excellence, oversee local IT infrastructure, and represent IT leadership at the national level. The role requires strong collaboration with global IT functions and close alignment with business leaders in Switzerland.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership, People Management & Strategy

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Swiss IT Support Team (L1/L2), fostering a high‑performance, customer‑centric culture.
• Set objectives, conduct performance evaluations, and promote professional growth.
• Plan staffing, allocate workloads, and ensure coverage across all Swiss sites (Baar HQ, Geneva, laboratories).
• Act as the senior IT representative in Switzerland, building strong relationships with business leaders, including the Swiss Country Manager.
• Promote operational discipline, ownership, and adherence to global IT Production policies.

2. VIP & C‑Level Support Excellence

• Personally oversee and guarantee premium support for Executive Committee, C‑Level, and other VIP stakeholders.
• Ensure rapid response, high discretion, confidentiality, and tailored support for sensitive or urgent requests.
• Guarantee flawless operation of meeting rooms, Teams Rooms, AV systems, and executive collaboration environments.
• Lead escalations involving VIP users, ensuring immediate resolution and proactive prevention.
• Maintain a proactive engagement model with VIPs, anticipating needs and ensuring uninterrupted productivity.

3. Compliance, Security & Governance

• Ensure all Swiss IT activities comply with corporate policies related to security, data protection, identity management, and software governance.
• Guarantee adherence to regulatory requirements, audit controls, and standardized ITIL‑based processes.
• Oversee access management in Active Directory, Azure AD, and Microsoft 365 to minimize risk and enforce least‑privilege principles.
• Ensure all deployments follow global baselines and security frameworks (Zero Trust alignment).
• Maintain complete documentation for audits, risk assessments, and compliance validation.
• Support internal and external audit processes, ensuring evidence readiness and remediation tracking.

4. End‑User Experience, Service Delivery & Operational Excellence

• Ensure consistent delivery of high‑quality IT services across all Swiss offices and laboratories.
• Oversee the local Service Desk, ensuring availability, responsiveness, and adherence to SLAs.
• Drive continuous improvement using KPIs, SLA trends, root‑cause analysis, and structured feedback.
• Manage escalations from L1/L2, ensuring long‑term corrective actions and improved stability.
• Promote proactive maintenance of end‑user devices, workplace tools, and collaboration technologies.

5. Local Infrastructure & Technology Ownership

• Oversee installation, configuration, and lifecycle management of desktops, laptops, printers, smartphones, and peripherals.
• Ensure meeting room technologies (Teams Rooms, AV equipment, connectivity) are reliable, updated, and proactively maintained.
• Supervise local network operations (Cisco switches, Wi‑Fi, cabling) and collaborate with global network teams for advanced support.
• Ensure stability, performance, and security of local IT infrastructure across all Swiss sites.
• Manage and support Operational Technology (OT) and laboratory IT environments, ensuring the security and continuous operation of specialized equipment, legacy systems, and isolated networks.
• Support Business Continuity (BCP) and Disaster Recovery (DR) readiness at local level.

6. Operational Coordination & Global Alignment

• Coordinate with global IT teams (Cloud, Workplace, Network, Security) to align and implement global initiatives in Switzerland.
• Represent Swiss operations in global IT Production forums and discussions.
• Ensure smooth rollout of global tools, technologies, and policies, ensuring local adoption and readiness.
• Maintain unified IT standards, documentation, and processes across all Swiss offices and laboratories.

7. Budget, Procurement & Vendor Management

• Manage the local IT budget, forecasting, and cost optimization activities.
• Oversee procurement of IT equipment and services in alignment with global guidelines.
• Manage vendor contracts, support agreements, and performance evaluations.
• Ensure cost‑efficient lifecycle management of IT assets in Switzerland.

8. User Lifecycle & Access Management

• Oversee onboarding and offboarding processes, ensuring timely provisioning of access, hardware, and permissions.
• Manage accounts and permissions across AD, Azure AD, and Microsoft 365 environments.
• Ensure compliance with identity governance and least‑privilege access policies.

9. Documentation & Quality Assurance

• Maintain accurate and complete documentation of systems, configurations, procedures, incidents, and changes.
• Ensure alignment with corporate ITIL‑based processes and quality standards.
• Support periodic reviews of documentation to ensure accuracy and audit readiness.

Required Experience:

• Swiss CFC in IT or equivalent technical diploma.
• 5–7+ years in IT operations or IT support roles.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• High integrity and discretion when handling confidential matters.
• Proven experience providing VIP or executive support.
• Experience working in strongly governed, compliance‑driven environments.
• Strong knowledge of Windows 10/11, Microsoft 365, Teams, Exchange Online.
• Proficiency in AD, Azure AD, identity management, and compliance frameworks.
• Good understanding of networking (Cisco switching, Wi‑Fi, cabling).
• Experience with AV/meeting room technologies and enterprise collaboration systems.

Desirable Experience:

• 3–5 years in a leadership or team management role in multi‑site environments.
• Strong leadership presence and ability to influence stakeholders.
• Proactive, analytical, structured, and able to work independently.
• Customer‑centric mindset with resilience under pressure.

Languages:

• Professional proficiency in English and German
• Proficiency in French is beneficial

Why SGS?

• Opportunity to work with a global leader in inspection, verification, testing, and certification.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Join Us: At SGS, we are dedicated to fostering an open, friendly, and supportive culture that thrives on teamwork. We value diversity and provide endless opportunities to learn, grow your expertise, and fulfil your potential.