Senior HR Business Partner

Overview

Where passion meets opportunity. The best of your adventures is the one you have yet to sail!

Working at the heart of the business and in close partnership with the Corporate HR team, the Senior HR Business Partner provides strategic and hands-on HR support to assigned corporate functions and offices worldwide, within a fast-paced, service-driven hospitality environment.

Reporting to the Head of HR, this role partners with senior leaders to translate business priorities into effective people solutions, while ensuring consistent application of Group HR policies, processes, and standards. The Senior HRBP plays a key role in driving performance, engagement, and organisational effectiveness in a complex, international organisation where operational excellence, agility, and customer focus are critical.

• Act as the primary HR partner for assigned corporate functions, providing strategic advice and operational HR support aligned with business objectives;
• Equip leaders with the tools, frameworks, and guidance required to effectively manage their teams in line with Group values and people policies;
• Partner with senior leaders to support workforce planning and organisational needs, ensuring capabilities and capacity are aligned with current and future business requirements;
• Collaborate closely with Talent Acquisition and hiring managers to define recruitment needs and support delivery of hiring plans in line with agreed KPIs;
• Drive performance and accountability by supporting the implementation of the Group performance management framework, including goal setting, evaluation cycles, and manager capability building;
• Support talent management processes within the business perimeter, including talent reviews, identification of high-potential employees, succession discussions, and development actions, in coordination with the Head of HR and relevant Centers of Expertise;
• Advise managers on employee relations matters, ensuring fair, consistent, and compliant people decisions;
• Support change management and organisational initiatives by assessing people impact, supporting leaders through transitions, and ensuring clear and effective communication;
• Contribute to key HR cycles such as annual compensation reviews, talent reviews, and employee engagement initiatives;
• Work closely with HR Operations, Payroll, and HRIS teams to ensure smooth execution of HR processes and digital tools;
• Participate in global HR projects and initiatives, contributing business insight and supporting effective local implementation;
• Conduct exit interviews, analyse turnover trends, and contribute to retention and engagement actions within the business perimeter.

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field;
• Minimum 10 years of progressive HR experience in a matrixed, multinational environment, including at least 5
  -7 years in a Senior HR Business Partner or equivalent role;
• Proven HR experience within the hospitality, cruise, travel or customer-centric industry, with a strong understanding of service culture;
• Demonstrated experience partnering with senior leaders in a corporate or headquarters environment;
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver HR initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and tight timelines;
• Solid exposure to performance management, talent processes, employee relations, and organisational support;
• Experience working with global HR policies, frameworks, and HR systems (HRIS);
• Knowledge of Swiss Labour Law is an advantage;
• Fluent in English;
  French is an advantage.

• Strong business acumen with the ability to translate strategy into pragmatic HR solutions;
• Credible and confident advisor, able to influence, challenge, and build trust with senior stakeholders;
• Strong understanding of hospitality and service excellence cultures, with the ability to balance people care, performance, and operational demands;
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment;
• Structured, reliable, and comfortable operating across multiple priorities;
• Collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively across HR functions and with diverse stakeholders;
• High standards of integrity, discretion, and professional judgment;
• Flexible, resilient, and solution-oriented, with a continuous improvement mindset.

We are committed to building a future that values diverse perspectives, embraces the world beyond borders, and fosters an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves. Our commitment extends to taking meaningful, measurable actions that have a long-term positive impact on our guests, our employees and our planet.

Ready to turn your passion into something extraordinary? Join us at MSC Cruises, where new opportunities await. Apply today to be part of a global team that is pushing boundaries and achieving…