What Pensum should I offer for a Head of Marketing?

Most Head of Marketing roles in Swiss SMEs are 80–100% (full-time equivalent). If your budget allows, offering flexibility (e.g. 80–100%) attracts experienced professionals who may want part-time leadership roles. Discuss Pensum clearly in the job ad and interview process.

Should I mention salary in the job ad?

Swiss job seekers appreciate salary transparency. Research typical salaries for the region and role level using public surveys or recruitment agencies. Including a range (e.g. 'CHF 120,000–150,000 plus 13. Monatslohn') builds trust and filters candidates early.

How do I assess marketing candidates effectively?

Ask for portfolio examples, campaign metrics, and team feedback from previous employers. In interviews, explore their strategic thinking, not just tactics. Ask how they'd approach your specific market and challenges. A practical exercise (short strategy outline) often reveals capability better than credentials alone.

Job Description Template: Head of Marketing

A Head of Marketing leads your company's marketing strategy, brand positioning, and customer acquisition efforts. This template helps Swiss employers define the role clearly: from digital campaigns and content strategy to team leadership and budget management. Adapt it to your company size, industry, and growth stage.

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Marketing leadership shapes how your company reaches and engages customers. A Head of Marketing owns strategy, executes campaigns, and often manages a growing team. Use this template to attract experienced marketing professionals who understand your market.

Remember to state your canton and city clearly (e.g. 'Zurich, ZH'), specify the Pensum as a percentage (e.g. 80–100%), and list required languages in the role overview. Swiss job seekers expect transparency on compensation and work location from the start.

The Role: What This Person Will Do

The Head of Marketing develops and executes marketing strategy aligned with company goals. They identify target audiences, choose channels (digital, events, partnerships), and measure ROI. They own the brand voice and ensure consistency across touchpoints.

Depending on company size, they may manage a team, oversee external agencies, or both. They report to the founder or CEO and collaborate closely with sales and product. Success means growing brand awareness, qualified leads, and customer retention measurably.

Develop and own annual marketing strategy and campaign roadmap
Lead digital marketing (website, SEO, email, social media, paid advertising)
Manage marketing budget and track performance against KPIs
Lead or manage marketing team (size varies by company)
Oversee brand guidelines and corporate communications
Collaborate with sales on lead generation and customer messaging

Must-Have Requirements

Look for 5–8+ years in marketing or a related role, with proven campaign results. They should understand digital marketing fundamentals and be comfortable with analytics tools. Experience in your industry or a similar B2B or B2C market is valuable.

Leadership experience (managing people or projects) is essential if the role includes a team. Language skills matter: German-language regions expect strong German; French-speaking regions expect French. English is often an asset in multinational settings.

5–8+ years marketing experience, with measurable campaign results
Hands-on knowledge of digital marketing channels and tools (Google Analytics, CRM, content platforms)
Project management and budget ownership skills
Fluent in the region's primary business language (German, French, Italian, or English as applicable)
Team leadership experience (preferred; requirement depends on company size)
Understanding of B2B or B2C marketing applicable to your industry

Nice-to-Have Requirements & What You Offer

Experience with marketing automation, CRM systems, or data analytics strengthens candidates. Startup or scale-up background, knowledge of your specific industry, or multilingual ability are bonuses. Some candidates bring fresh perspectives from agencies or in-house teams.

Offer competitive CHF salary (research your market and region), 13. Monatslohn or equivalent, flexible Pensum negotiation, and professional development budget. Highlight unique benefits: growth opportunity, team culture, flexible working arrangements, or equity participation if applicable.

Marketing automation or advanced CRM experience
Background in a startup, scale-up, or fast-growing company
Certifications in digital marketing, Google Analytics, or similar
Multilingual skills beyond the primary business language
Industry-specific expertise (healthcare, tech, finance, etc.)
Competitive CHF salary, 13. Monatslohn, and professional development budget

Frequently asked questions

What Pensum should I offer for a Head of Marketing?: Most Head of Marketing roles in Swiss SMEs are 80–100% (full-time equivalent). If your budget allows, offering flexibility (e.g. 80–100%) attracts experienced professionals who may want part-time leadership roles. Discuss Pensum clearly in the job ad and interview process.
Should I mention salary in the job ad?: Swiss job seekers appreciate salary transparency. Research typical salaries for the region and role level using public surveys or recruitment agencies. Including a range (e.g. 'CHF 120,000–150,000 plus 13. Monatslohn') builds trust and filters candidates early.
How do I assess marketing candidates effectively?: Ask for portfolio examples, campaign metrics, and team feedback from previous employers. In interviews, explore their strategic thinking, not just tactics. Ask how they'd approach your specific market and challenges. A practical exercise (short strategy outline) often reveals capability better than credentials alone.

General information for Swiss employers, not legal advice. Have a lawyer confirm anything with legal consequences.