With a sharp eye for the big picture and attention to detail, you bring structure to complexity. As the central hub of an international department, you turn strategy into action and enable leadership to have real impact - shaping the future of a modern business school.
School:
School of Management and Law
Starting date:
From mid-August or by agreement
Your role
- Leading the Development & Services unit within the Department of International Business, including the management and development of a dedicated team.
- Overall responsibility for the department's operational finance and resource management, including budgeting, forecasting, controlling, and SAP-based project execution.
- Advising and supporting the Head of Department and Team Heads on strategic, operational, HR, and financial matters.
- Providing leadership for administrative and service functions, while collaborating closely with the department's leadership team to strengthen its marketing and communication capabilities.
- Acting as a key interface to the SML Dean's Office, Chief of Staff, HR, Finance & Controlling, and other cross-functional units within ZHAW.
- Contributing actively to the department's strategic and organizational development as a member of the leadership team.
Your profile
- Master's degree (min. 90 ECTS); several years of relevant professional experience, ideally in an academic or public-sector setting
- Management and initial leadership experience, with the ability to develop and empower teams with clarity, trust, and motivation
- Strong analytical skills, conceptual thinking, and solid expertise in financial steering and implementation - paired with a hands-on approach and eye for detail when needed
- Structured, service-oriented working style; excellent communication skills in German and English
- High level of personal responsibility, organizational talent, and enthusiasm for shaping a forward-looking academic institution
This is what we stand for
Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW is one of Switzerland's largest multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences, with over 14'000 students and 3'400 faculty and staff. The ZHAW School of Management and Law (SML) is one of the largest business schools in Switzerland with around 9,500 students. It is the only university of applied sciences in the country that is included in renowned rankings published by the business newspaper “Financial Times” and is accredited by AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA – labels for high quality standards in teaching, research and further education. The internationally recognized bachelor's and master's degree programs, cooperative PhD programs and the numerous continuing education offerings are scientifically sound, interdisciplinary and practice oriented. The SML maintains numerous collaborations with over 190 selected partner universities worldwide. The ZHAW is committed to mixed-gender and diverse teams to promote equality, diversity and innovation. Applications from women and individuals with underrepresented backgrounds are especially encouraged.
What you can expect
We offer working conditions and terms of employment commensurate with higher education institutions and actively promote personal development for staff in leadership and non-leadership positions. A detailed description of advantages and benefits can be found at Working at the ZHAW. The main points are listed below:
Contact
Prof. Dr. Fredrik Hacklin Associate Dean, Director, Department of International Business
Tanja Schmid Recruiting Manager
