Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 97'645 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 96'000 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 91'741 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 91'870 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 103'200 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 110'904 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsSales & Procurement
Aussenhandelsleiter/in HFP
You steer international trade. You connect markets strategically.
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
You plan and lead global goods traffic. You optimize supply chains. You manage international key accounts.
As Aussenhandelsleiter/in HFP, you build the bridge between national companies and global markets. You analyze international trends. You develop export and import strategies. You lead teams through complex trade processes. You combine business know-how with diplomatic skill. You open sustainable growth paths for your company.
FieldSales & Procurement
Education pathContinuing Education Profession
IndustryWholesale
Swissdoc 0.617.19.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Strong salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Responsable Maintenance. Based on 396 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
+6% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 97'250 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 93'350 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 95'000 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 102'800 |
Top earning cantons
View as table
| Canton | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Neuchâtel | CHF 110'000 | 13 |
| Valais | CHF 107'750 | 12 |
| Solothurn | CHF 107'000 | 18 |
| Aargau | CHF 106'525 | 22 |
| Zurich | CHF 105'500 | 30 |
| Vaud | CHF 102'069 | 48 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Transport / Logistics | CHF 118'790 | 19 |
| Utilities | CHF 114'018 | 20 |
| Chemicals / Pharmaceuticals | CHF 112'150 | 29 |
| Medical Technology | CHF 110'500 | 10 |
| Banking / Financial institutions | CHF 105'900 | 6 |
| Retail trade / Wholesaling | CHF 105'500 | 12 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Dipl. Aussenhandelsleiter/in
- ⏱ 1,5 Jahre berufsbegleitend
Official education path
The training takes 1,5 years while working. It leads to a diploma as Aussenhandelsleiter/in HFP.
Typical training path
Dipl. Aussenhandelsleiter/in
Prerequisites
- eidg. Fachausweis als Aussenhandelsfachmann/-frau (BP) or equivalent certificate and at least 2 years of professional experience in international trade
- eidg. Fähigkeitszeugnis (EFZ), federally recognized commercial diploma, vocational, specialist or gymnasiale Maturität, or equivalent certificate and at least 6 years of professional experience in international trade
- höhere Fachprüfung (HFP) in the commercial sector and at least 3 years of professional experience in international trade
- degree from a university, Fachhochschule or höhere Fachschule, or equivalent certificate and at least 3 years of professional experience in international trade
- timely and complete submission of the diploma thesis
Requirements
- Service awareness
- Negotiation skills
- Networked thinking and action
- Communication skills
Where this can lead
Career changers can enter with a federal specialist certificate plus professional experience, or a university degree plus relevant experience.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Strategic thinking
- Negotiation skills
- Leadership skills
- Process optimization
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You join a virtual morning meeting with partners in Asia and Europe. You clarify raw material availability for the coming production week. You check logistics data for an urgent delivery. You coordinate customs formalities with the legal department.
- You analyze international market developments. You derive concrete trade strategies from them.
- You work with management on comprehensive export risk management.
- You monitor budgets. You derive targeted measures from business figures.
- You personally manage key accounts. You integrate distributors strategically.
- You optimize global supply chains. You evaluate different transport options.
- You lead staff. You redesign internal trade processes efficiently.
- You coordinate with lawyers on complex legal requirements in international business.
Working conditions
You work in international companies like transport firms, manufacturing plants, or banks. Your office is often the hub for global business partners and international business trips.
Where to learn
- Eidgenössische Prüfungen Aussenhandel EPAH-EFCEIndustriestrasse 30, 8302 Kloten
- Swissmem - Höhere BerufsbildungPfingstweidstrasse 102, 8005 Zürich
- Handel SchweizGüterstrasse 78, 4010 Basel
Strengths
- Strategic thinking
- Negotiation skills
- Leadership skills
- Process optimization
Trade-offs
- Time pressure
- Travel burden
- Responsibility
- Complexity
06 · Similar
