Project Manager

Established in 1969, ZIMEX has continuously delivered specialised worldwide remote field operations. Based in Switzerland, the ZIMEX Group holds a Swiss Air Operator Certificate, owns a Maintenance Repair Facility and an Aviation Training Organization. With around 250 employees, we operate and maintain a modern fleet of turboprop aircraft under European EASA Aviation Standards. Major petroleum industry companies, international humanitarian organizations, governments, UN agencies, express cargo and mail customers rely on the proven professionalism, extensive aviation know-how, in-house spare parts logistics, excellent safety record and high dispatch reliability of ZIMEX.

What we are looking for

As Project Manager at Zimex Aviation Group, you will take ownership of our critical, important and complex client relationships across three strategic market segments: humanitarian operations, airline partnerships, and long-term oil and gas contracts. This is a commercial and operational role that demands both depth of expertise and breadth of engagement.

You will act as the primary point of contact for a portfolio of demanding clients, manage the full project lifecycle from first contact to final delivery, and actively contribute to Zimex's commercial growth by attending industry events and developing new business opportunities. You will also provide day-to-day guidance and mentoring to the Projects Coordinator.

This role suits a seasoned aviation professional who combines strong client relationship skills with operational know-how and a genuine passion for building long-term partnerships in complex and challenging markets.

Your main tasks

Client Ownership & Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary interface for assigned humanitarian, airline, and oil and gas clients, managing all communication, proposals, tenders and reporting.
• Build and maintain trusted, long-term relationships with clients across institutional, commercial, and energy sector stakeholders.
• Represent Zimex's values of reliability, integrity, and operational excellence in all client interactions

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead and coordinate all phases of project planning, execution, and close-out for assigned contracts and programmes.
• Translate client requirements into clear operational work scopes, liaising with Flight Operations, Maintenance, CAMO, Flight Support, and Finance.
• Monitor project budgets, schedules, and deliverables, and resolve issues proactively to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Ensure all contractual, regulatory, and documentation requirements are met throughout the project lifecycle.

Business Development & Market Presence

• Attend international aviation fairs, humanitarian logistics conferences, and energy sector events to develop new leads and strengthen Zimex's market profile.
• Identify opportunities for contract renewals, extensions, and cross-segment growth within the existing client portfolio.
• Take an active role in the development of proposals, tenders and pitches for new business.

Your qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience in aviation project management, commercial management, or client services.
• Solid understanding of at least one of Zimex's core segments: humanitarian aviation, airline partnerships, or oil and gas operations.
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects independently from initiation through delivery.
• Strong commercial instinct; able to identify opportunities and contribute to revenue growth alongside operational execution.
• You see yourself as part of a team, hence stepping in for colleagues and covering deputization needs is second nature to you, not an exception.
• Experience in representing a company externally at fairs, conferences, or client events is an advantage.
• People-oriented leader with experience or strong interest in mentoring junior colleagues.
• Fluent in English; additional languages (particularly French or Arabic) are a significant advantage given client base profile.
• Structured, proactive, and calm under pressure; able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Willingness to travel internationally as required (approx. 20-30 days per year)

What we offer

• Competitive compensation: CHF 90,000–105,000 gross/year, based on experience and existing client network.
• Flexible hybrid model: on-site in Glattbrugg for the first 3 months to onboard, then up to 40% remote.
• Ownership and impact: full ownership of high-value client relationships across humanitarian, airline, and oil & gas segments.a