HR Generalist, EMEA
vVARDIS AG
vVARDIS is a Swiss-based oral health company founded by Dr. Haleh and Dr. Golnar Abivardi, dentists, innovators, and award-winning entrepreneurs. vVARDIS is the result of a combined 30 years of dental and entrepreneurial experience, and 20 years of laboratory and clinical research paired with the creative vision of its founders.
At vVARDIS, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that enhance oral health and well-being, inspired by the vision of our founders to foster preventive rather than reparative dentistry. At the heart of our Company lies its patented, revolutionary biomimetic peptide technology. Scientifically proven in over 200 publications, this unique technology can treat early caries through enamel regeneration, like no other technology can do, offering a non-invasive, pain-free solution for patients of all ages. We offer a number of oral health products targeting dental professionals and their patients, as well as consumers, all based on our proprietary technology.
We value our people and believe in fostering a positive and collaborative work environment, based on our core values of innovation, excellence, integrity, and empathy.
We are located in Zug, Switzerland, with operations across Europe and the US. Join us on this exciting journey!
Position Overview
We are seeking a hands-on HR Generalist to support the Director Human Resources in the day-to-day HR operations across our EMEA markets, starting with Switzerland, the UK, and Italy, and expanding as the company grows. This is a generalist role suited to someone who builds and improves processes rather than simply administering them — you'd rather fix a broken process than complain about it. You're comfortable holding direct, constructive conversations with managers when needed, while remaining approachable and collaborative.
The role also includes acting as payroll deputy for the UK, Switzerland, and Italy, ensuring continuity when the primary contact for our external payroll providers is unavailable. The role reports directly to the Director, Human Resources, with close day-to-day collaboration on HR and payroll matters. We work mostly from the office — 60% a week on site, 40% remote.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Deputy — UK, Switzerland & Italy: Act as back-up for payroll processing across the three countries, maintaining accurate documentation and liaising with external payroll providers and authorities as required.
HR Operations & Process Building: Build and continuously improve core HR processes (onboarding, leave, records, policies) and maintain accurate, compliant personnel records across our EMEA locations. Some of this still needs to be built from the ground up — you're comfortable turning a blank page into a working process.
Employee Relations & Manager Support: Serve as the primary point of contact for employees and managers on HR matters, mediate disputes and handle grievances fairly, and promote a respectful, open workplace culture.
Talent Acquisition & Recruitment: Manage end-to-end recruitment — job postings, sourcing, interviewing, offers, and onboarding — in close collaboration with hiring managers.
Performance Management: Run a simple, effective performance review process and coach managers on delivering direct, fair feedback.
Compensation & Benefits: Support payroll processing with our external providers and administer employee benefits across EMEA, helping define pay structures that are fair, competitive, and easy to administer.
Compliance & HR Best Practices: Ensure compliance with employment law across the UK, Switzerland, Italy, and other EMEA markets, escalating regulatory changes and labor law challenges to external counsel where needed.
Training & Development: Organize onboarding and practical, ongoing learning support for employee development.
Qualifications & Skills
- Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or equivalent practical experience.
- 3–5 years in an HR generalist or HR Manager role, ideally within a scale-up or fast-growing organization.
- Practical knowledge of payroll and employment law fundamentals in at least one of the UK, Switzerland, or Italy — you don't need to be a lawyer or payroll specialist, but you know when to bring one in.
- Proven ability to build and improve HR processes from the ground up.
- A clear, calm communicator who remains professional and approachable, including in demanding situations.
- Fluent in English and German and/or Italian an advantage given our presence in Switzerland and Italy.
- Proficient with HR/payroll software and HRIS tools.
vVARDIS is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons.
Join vVARDIS: If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to learn more about vVARDIS and our career opportunities, join the vVARDIS Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vvardis/mycompany/
If you don't hear from us, please know that we highly value your interest in vVARDIS and encourage you to stay connected for future opportunities.
