Baukader Schweiz

What Baukader Schweiz does

Baukader Schweiz is a Swiss professional membership association founded in 1911 (originally as the Schweizerischer Polierverband) that represents approximately 4,000-4,500 construction executives — Vorarbeiter:innen (foremen), Polier:innen (site foremen), Bauführer:innen (construction supervisors), and Bauleiter:innen (construction managers) — in the country's main construction sector (Bauhauptgewerbe) and timber construction (Holzbau). The association operates across all three Swiss language regions through more than 30 regional sections, with its head office in Olten. Its core "products" are specialized publications (the BAUKADER.CH trade magazine published six times per year, the Taschenbuch für Bauführer und Poliere pocket handbook now in its 2025 edition, plus technical brochures on construction-site signaling, concrete, and road construction), collectively bargained labor agreements (Baukadervertrag, Bauführervertrag, GAV FAR, GAV Holzbau), and member services including legal representation, Parifonds Bau and FAR retirement counseling, job listings, continuing education, and the Club 100 corporate network connecting member-decision-makers with construction firms.

The association is structurally a recognized social partner that co-negotiates collective bargaining agreements with the Schweizerische Baumeisterverband (Swiss Master Builders Association) and trade unions, and is integrated into federal vocational examination commissions and leading construction training institutions including Campus Sursee, Baukaderschule Burgdorf, and Baukaderschule St. Gallen. Its revenue model is anchored on recurring annual individual membership dues, supplemented by publication and merchandise sales through an e-commerce shop, magazine subscriptions (CHF 66/year), and corporate-tier Club 100 fees; advertising sponsorships (Swica, Albanese, Presyn, Sorba) provide additional visibility. Distribution is conducted through the regional section network (direct field engagement), the multilingual website (self-serve), and the shop (e-commerce), with marketing supported by the magazine, newsletter, LinkedIn presence, and 30+ section-level events.

As a non-profit association (Berufsverband), Baukader Schweiz is governed by a Zentralvorstand with co-presidents and elected member-leaders, run by an 8-person secretariat headed by Geschäftsführer Ray Gysin, and operates without external ownership, parent company, or external investment. Its strategic role is comparable to that of a foreman on a construction site — standing between labor and management — which provides credibility with both employees and employers and underpins its position as the leading professional association for construction executives in Switzerland.

Name

Baukader Schweiz

Legal name

Baukader Schweiz

Website

https://baukader.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1911

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Baukader Schweiz is a Swiss professional membership association representing ~4,000-4,500 construction executives (foremen, site managers, construction supervisors, managers) across the main construction and timber construction sectors, providing legal protection, collective bargaining representation, training, and publications through 30+ regional sections.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Olten

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Baukader Schweiz generates revenue primarily through annual membership dues from approximately 4,000-4,500 members who are construction executives (foremen, site managers, construction managers) in the main construction sector and timber construction.
2. Publication and Shop Sales: The association operates a shop selling specialized publications including the pocket handbook for construction supervisors (CHF 139 regular / CHF 89 for members), construction site signage guides, concrete on-site guides, road construction manuals, and branded merchandise. Revenue is generated through one-time product sales.
3. Specialized Magazine Subscription: Annual subscriptions to the BAUKADER.CH specialized magazine are available at CHF 66 per year (6 issues). Individual issues are also available for order.
4. Club 100 Corporate Membership: The Club 100 is a high-value network connecting companies and construction executives. Companies join to gain direct access to decision-makers in the main construction sector and timber construction. The annual Club 100 event is a key highlight.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Baukader Schweiz is a Swiss professional membership association that represents approximately 4,000-4,500 construction executives (foremen, site managers, construction supervisors, and construction managers) in the main construction sector and timber construction. The association provides legal protection and representation, collective bargaining advocacy through co-negotiated agreements (Baukadervertrag, Bauführervertrag, GAV FAR), professional development, networking through over 30 regional sections, specialized publications, and corporate membership (Club 100) connecting companies with industry decision-makers.

Product overview

Baukader Schweiz is a professional membership association for executives in the Swiss construction and timber construction industries, not a traditional product company. Its offerings consist of specialized publications (the BAUKADER.CH Magazine published 6 times annually, the Taschenbuch für Bauführer und Poliere pocket book, and various technical brochures on construction topics), collective agreements (Baukadervertrag, Bauführervertrag, GAV FAR), a premium networking program (Club 100), and member services (legal advice, Parifonds Bau consultation, FAR retirement counseling, job listings, and continuing education courses). The association also organizes section and national events throughout Switzerland. The portfolio centers on professional development, legal protection, and representation of construction executives' interests.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• BAUKADER.CH Specialist Magazine A specialist magazine published 6 times per year that informs members about association politics and events, featuring portraits, reports, and current construction industry topics. Distributed to all members and available by subscription.
• Taschenbuch für Bauführer und Poliere (Pocket Handbook for Construction Supervisors) The reference manual for executives in building construction, civil engineering, and road construction, covering all essential foundations for on-site work. Available in German, French, and Italian with a 2025 revised edition. Priced at CHF 139 regular / CHF 89 for members.
• Baustellensignalisation (Construction Site Signaling Brochure) A reference brochure explaining proper construction site signaling and accident prevention, based on VSS standard 40 886, used as educational support for signaling courses. Priced at CHF 39 regular / CHF 29 for members.
• Le béton sur le chantier (Concrete on Construction Sites) A practical guide to the SN EN 206-1 product standard, serving as a valuable resource for practice and teaching in concrete construction. Priced at CHF 30 regular / CHF 25 for members.
• Manuel chaussées bitumineuses et étanchéités de ponts (Manual for Bituminous Road Construction and Bridge Waterproofing) A proven reference manual providing specialized knowledge on construction materials, road construction, and bridge waterproofing over 60+ pages.
• Norme VSS 40 886 (VSS Standard for Construction Site Signaling) A practical working document for proper signaling of construction sites on main and secondary roads.
• Convention des cadres de la construction / Baukadervertrag (Collective Agreement for Construction Executives) The collective labor agreement for construction executives (foremen and workshop managers), negotiated jointly by Baukader Schweiz, the Swiss Master Builders Association, and trade unions. Downloadable from the association.
• Convention collective de travail pour la retraite anticipée (CCT FAR / GAV FAR) The collective agreement for flexible early retirement in the main construction sector, valid from April 2025.
• Convention des chefs de chantier / Bauführervertrag (Foreman Agreement) The collective agreement for construction foremen dated December 19, 1995.
• Club 100 Corporate Membership A high-quality network connecting companies and construction executives in the main construction sector and timber construction, offering direct access to decision-makers with an annual exclusive Club 100 event as the program highlight.
• Legal Advice Services Legal consultation services covering labor law, liability law, social law, and criminal law related to construction work, including free legal information and assistance for members.
• Parifonds Bau Consultation Support services for members regarding contributions and reimbursement of contributions paid to the Parifonds, the paritarian fund of the main construction sector.
• FAR (Flexible Retirement) Counseling Advisory services for flexible early retirement in the main construction sector, allowing workers to retire up to 5 years before normal retirement age.
• Job Offers and Career Services Job listings for construction professionals including foremen, team leaders, construction managers, and site directors, focused on practice and tailored to their role.
• Continuing Education Courses Practical and targeted training courses for construction executives including technical training (SORBA software), calculation training, and technical administration courses.
• Section and National Events Various national and regional events organized for members across Switzerland, providing opportunities for professional exchange, continuing education, and networking within the industry.

Quantifiable outcome

• Approximately 10-15 fatal accidents occur each year in the main construction sector in Switzerland, highlighting the critical need for legal support services that Baukader Schweiz provides to its members

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.

• Schweizerische Bauschule SBA (Swiss Construction School)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBaukader Schweiz is a member of the governing body of the Schweizerische Bauschule, one of the most prestigious training institutions for construction executives in Switzerland. The school offers the recognized Dipl. Techniker HF Bauführung program, and the association supports the training of qualified management personnel in the construction sector.
• Campus SurseecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe largest training and seminar center in Swiss construction. Baukader Schweiz is the publisher of the Taschenbuch für Bauführer und Poliere used at the campus. Members receive discounts on Sursee training programs. The association is also represented on the examination commission for construction foremen and supervisors.
• Baukaderschule BurgdorfcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated with the Bildungszentrum Emme (bze), the school focuses on training for construction foremen and preparation for the Higher Vocational Examination as a construction manager. Baukader Schweiz has equal voting rights with the Bernese Master Builders Association at the general meeting with four members.
• Holzbau Schweiz (Swiss Timber Construction)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBaukader Schweiz represents both employees and management in timber construction with a solution-oriented, company-near approach. The partnership combines legal security, continuing education, and a strong network for people who want to advance timber construction. The association is also a partner in the GAV Holzbau collective bargaining agreement.
• ISAB (Informationssystem Allianz Bau)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerISAB is a Swiss online platform for monitoring and enforcing generally binding collective bargaining agreements (GAV) in the main construction and finishing trades. It is organized as a paritarian association and Baukader Schweiz is a member, contributing to preventing wage dumping and black market work.
• SicurocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Sicuro industry solution supports companies in the main and secondary construction trades in implementing legal workplace safety and health protection regulations. It provides practical tools such as manuals, checklists, and training. Baukader Schweiz is represented on the board as it is co-governed by the Swiss Master Builders Association and employee organizations. The solution is EKAS-certified.
• Schweizerischer Baumeisterverband (Swiss Master Builders Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTogether with the Swiss Master Builders Association and trade unions, Baukader Schweiz negotiates the Baukadervertrag (collective bargaining agreement for construction executives). This social partnership is central to the association's mission of securing fair working conditions, appropriate wages, and safe construction sites.
• Trade UnionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBaukader Schweiz collaborates with trade unions in negotiating collective bargaining agreements for construction executives, working together with the Swiss Master Builders Association to set industry labor standards.
• Ipso! / IBZ (Schule für Technik, Bau und Industrie)secondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIpso! offers various training programs for professional development in construction through its IBZ technical school, ranging from entry-level Junior Bauführer qualifications to federally recognized Techniker HF Bauplanung or Bauführer HFP degrees. Programs combine in-person and online instruction.
• Baukaderschule St. Gallen (GBS St. Gallen)secondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPart of the Gewerbliches Berufs- und Weiterbildungszentrum St. Gallen, this school focuses on training specialist and management personnel with state-recognized qualifications in construction supervision, construction management, and timber construction. Teaching is primarily in a work-integrated or block study model.
• Baugewerbliche Berufsschule Zürich (BBZ)secondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe cantonal competence center offers a wide range of continuing education from construction craft specializations to training for aspiring foremen and construction managers. Programs are aligned with federal examination requirements.
• Bau und Wissen (TFB AG)secondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorA specialized forum for knowledge transfer offering specialist seminars, conferences, and modular courses in construction technology, law, and management. Focuses on targeted expert knowledge enhancement in areas like concrete technology, restoration, or construction project management.
• SorbaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSorba is an advertising sponsor on the Baukader Schweiz website, promoting construction software solutions to the association's member audience.
• SwicaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSwica health insurance partners with Baukader Schweiz and offers special advantages to members. Advertising banners appear on the association website.
• Presyn AGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresyn AG is an advertising sponsor on the Baukader Schweiz website, promoting mortar products to the construction professional audience.
• AlbaneseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlbanese is an advertising sponsor on the Baukader Schweiz website, reaching the association's professional construction member base.
• Verband für Höhere Fachprüfungen im Ingenieur- und ArchitekturbereichcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThis association organizes the federal examinations for construction managers in building and civil engineering. Baukader Schweiz is one of the member associations and is represented in the central commission.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Schweizerischer Baumeisterverband (SBV): The national employers' association for the Swiss main construction sector and Baukader Schweiz's direct counterpart in negotiating the Baukadervertrag. Both organizations represent the same construction sector and language regions but on opposite sides of the social partnership.
• Société Suisse des Entrepreneurs (SSE): Romandie-based employers' association for the construction sector that mirrors SBV's role for French-speaking Switzerland. Directly comparable as a regional construction professional/employer counterpart to Baukader Schweiz's cadre-representation mission.
• Syna: Swiss trade union with strong construction-sector membership that co-signs GAV agreements alongside Baukader Schweiz. Operates as a labor-side professional/social-partner organization serving an overlapping construction workforce.
• Schweizerischer Ingenieur- und Architektenverein (SIA): Swiss professional society for engineers and architects that, like Baukader Schweiz, organizes members, publishes standards and reference content, and influences technical/regulatory norms. Closely comparable membership-association model in the built environment.
• Holzbau Schweiz: Swiss timber construction industry association that is Baukader Schweiz's explicit co-signatory in the GAV Holzbau. Baukader Schweiz represents both employees and management within Holzbau, making it directly comparable as an industry-association model.

Broad incumbents

• Unia: Switzerland's largest trade union and a co-negotiator of construction-sector collective agreements with SBV. Comparable as a large labor-representation body in the same social-partnership ecosystem, though broader than construction alone.
• Travail.Suisse: Swiss employees' association federation representing member organizations in collective bargaining and social-policy advocacy. Operates at the same level of the social-partnership ecosystem as Baukader Schweiz for affiliated labor organizations.
• Schweizerischer Gewerkschaftsbund (SGB/USS): Swiss Trade Union Federation coordinating affiliated unions including Syna and Unia. Functions as a meta-organization across the same labor-representation and collective-bargaining space that Baukader Schweiz operates in for construction executives.

Emerging players

• CRB (Schweizerische Zentralstelle für Baurationalisierung): Swiss organization that develops construction standards, cost-data benchmarks, and technical documentation for the building sector. Adjacent membership/services model with overlapping content-and-standards mandate in Swiss construction.
• BuildingSMART Switzerland: Swiss chapter of the openBIM standards body coordinating digitalization in construction. Comparable as a niche membership-driven organization setting standards in the Swiss built environment, with a forward-leaning technology mandate.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/baukader-schweiz

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Baukader Schweiz