Senior Key Account Manager – Defence Industry

About the role

Hays is seeking a Senior Key Account Manager to lead the Defence department in Switzerland. Based in Zurich, you will work directly with defence clients to grow external headcount, achieve revenue targets, and strengthen Hays' position as a preferred supplier.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and manage relationships with key defence clients, ensuring high‑quality service and partnership growth.
• Act as the primary contact for client queries, job releases, and operational escalations.
• Identify and drive opportunities to expand Hays’ full‑service offering across the client portfolio.
• Lead review meetings to align service delivery with client objectives and internal strategies.
• Negotiate contracts, extensions, and pricing while ensuring compliance with legal boundaries.
• Collaborate with recruiters and care specialists to fill positions and manage the external workforce.

Required profile

• Proven experience in key account management, preferably within the defence or recruitment sector.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and coordinate with regional and global teams.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape the growth of Hays’ defence business in Switzerland.
• Access to a global network and resources of a leading recruitment firm.
• Collaborative environment with support from specialised recruitment teams.