Associate Director, Talent Acquisition (Europe)

Cytokinetics is a specialty cardiovascular biopharmaceutical firm that has spent more than 25 years advancing muscle‑biology science and developing new medicines for cardiac‑muscle disorders. The Associate Director, Talent Acquisition (Europe) will steer the company's hiring strategy across the continent, working closely with senior business leaders, HR, and cross‑functional partners to secure the talent needed for continued growth. In this hybrid role based in Zug, the incumbent will design and implement recruitment plans that match business priorities, manage end‑to‑end hiring for Commercial, Medical Affairs, Global Supply Chain & Tech Ops, Regulatory, Quality and G&A areas in several European markets, and build strategic talent pipelines for critical positions. They will also coordinate with executive search firms, run employer‑branding and university‑engagement programmes, and ensure a smooth candidate experience while maintaining compliance with local labour laws and GDPR. The position requires a bachelor's degree, at least ten years of progressive talent‑acquisition experience, ideally within pharma, biotechnology or life‑science organisations, and proven success recruiting across multiple European countries. Candidates must be fluent in English, able to work on‑site in Zug four days a week, and possess strong stakeholder‑management and influencing abilities. A solid grasp of recruiting technology and applicant‑tracking systems, such as Workday Recruiting with AI‑enabled tools, is essential, as is experience leading contract recruiters or external talent‑partner programmes. Analytical, communication and project‑management competencies are also mandatory. Additional assets include an advanced degree, prior recruiting work in the specific functions listed above, fluency in German and/or French, and deeper familiarity with Workday Recruiting and AI‑driven sourcing tools. The role offers a collaborative environment, exposure to senior leadership across Europe, and the chance to shape talent acquisition at a fast‑growing biotech company. What the role asks for: - Bachelor's degree - 10+ years progressive talent‑acquisition experience - Fluency in English - Ability to work onsite in Zug ≥ 4 days/week - Experience recruiting across multiple European countries - Strong stakeholder‑management and influencing skills - Knowledge of recruiting technologies and ATS (e.g., Workday) - Experience leading recruiters or talent‑acquisition programs