Smart hires, strong starts: building a food innovation team in Switzerland

Your technology may be world-class – but your growth depends on finding the right people. From specialist recruiters to targeted job platforms, Switzerland’s food ecosystem has unique resources to help you find, attract and retain the right talent. We asked experts from two companies featured in our Navigator for their advice on how to build a team that thrives.

Philippe Sibour, CEO, Alliance Consulting Switzerland 

Q: What talent areas do you specialise in?

At Alliance Consulting, we offer tailor-made executive search solutions to market actors in the nutrition, health, food and dietetics sectors. We’ve been specializing in these markets for 25 years, enabling us to help organizations grow by identifying the talent that brings not only expertise, but also strategic impact. From C-level to expert positions, our strength lies in our understanding of the complex roles and cultures of the organizations we serve. As a true business partner, we don’t just fill vacancies but build lasting partnerships to enhance our customers’ performance.

Q: What’s unique about hiring in Switzerland?

Hiring in Switzerland involves navigating a multilingual, highly educated, and regulation-conscious environment. Language skills are critical, with many roles requiring fluency in German, French, or Italian, alongside English. The market places a premium on formal qualifications, discretion, and precision. Labour laws are strict and vary by canton, and cross-border hiring adds layers of complexity. As a result, recruitment here demands deep local insight, an appreciation for cultural nuances, and a structured, trust-based approach to talent engagement. Cultural fit and local network matter a lot – we help with both.

Q: What’s your top advice for newcomers?

If you’re new to hiring in Switzerland, our advice is simple: don’t just chase talent – define your value as an employer. In a market where top candidates have options, clarity on the mission, culture, and purpose is essential. People join people, not job descriptions. Your hiring process should reflect who you are, not just what you need. Swiss professionals value trust, precision, and long-term vision, so consistency and authenticity matter. Invest in relationships early, communicate clearly, and demonstrate why your company is a place where talent can grow – not just work.

Find out more about Alliance Consulting Switzerland. 

Manuel Lanz, CEO, FoodTechScout 

Q: What roles are hardest to fill right now?

The hardest positions to fill are those that require both depth and breadth – for example, CTOs with real experience in food systems and sales directors who know how to scale across various European markets. These are people who think laterally and can bridge technical innovation with operational execution – they’re worth their weight in gold.

On top of that, there’s ongoing demand for fermentation experts, process specialists and engineers in food production, as well as talent in supply chain technology, making the skills shortage very real. The gap is even more pronounced among vocational graduates such as dairy technologists and food technologists. Here, success comes only through industry knowledge, strong networks, and direct outreach.

Q: What makes your approach different?

We’ve all been trained in the food industry or have worked for companies such as Emmi, Nestlé, and Tetra Pak. That’s why we’re actively involved in various networks like SFVN, SGLWT, Svial, and others, and support companies – from startups to large corporations – with recruitment.

We’re well connected and have a keen eye for spotting emerging trends and future requirements early on. It’s about finding people who are already doing today what you’ll need tomorrow – not just those actively applying. In addition to our network, we speak directly with many candidates, often before a vacancy even exists. Our focus is on the right individuals: people who identify with your mission and bring both conviction and adaptability. Every search is highly personal, story-driven, and deeply focused on cultural fit.

Q: Have you got any tips for building early-stage teams?

A successful team is built on clear goals, well-defined roles, and open communication. Different personalities and skill sets should complement each other in a meaningful way. Involving an external coach – either at the beginning or later on – can be particularly valuable. A coach offers neutral support in team development, helps clarify roles, and strengthens collaboration. Leaders should also lead by example – not just coordinating the team, but actively motivating and inspiring it. With the right balance of structure, empathy, and professional support, a strong and high-performing team can emerge.

Find out more about FoodTechScout

New to the Swiss food innovation ecosystem?

Latest News