HR Manager & Site Leader

Position Summary

The HR Manager is responsible for leading all human resources activities at the manufacturing site, ensuring a high-performing, engaged, and compliant workforce. The role serves as a HR Business Partner to plant leadership and collaborates with the global Matrix organization. S/he manages day-to-day HR operations, employee & labor relations, talent management, workforce planning, and compliance with German employment legislation.

The HR Manager will foster a positive workplace culture, support operational excellence, drive talent development, and ensure effective collaboration with employee representatives.

Principal Responsibilities

Strategic HR Partnership

• Act as a trusted advisor to the Plant Leadership Team on people-related matters.
• Translate business objectives into HR strategies and workforce plans.
• Support organizational effectiveness, productivity improvement, and change management initiatives.
• Provide data-driven insights and recommendations on workforce trends and people metrics.

Employee & Labor Relations

• Manage employee relations matters, investigations, disciplinary actions, and grievance procedures.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with the employee & compensation committee.
• Promote a positive employee relations climate and proactive conflict resolution.

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Lead recruitment activities
• Develop workforce plans aligned with production requirements and business growth.
• Partner with hiring managers to identify talent needs and improve hiring effectiveness.
• Strengthen employer branding and recruitment pipelines, including apprenticeships and vocational programs.

Performance Management & Talent Development

• Drive performance management processes across the site.
• Support leadership development and succession planning initiatives.
• Identify training needs and coordinate employee development programs.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and career development.

Compensation & Benefits

• Support implementation of compensation programs in alignment with company policies and collective agreements.
• Ensure fair and competitive compensation practices.
• Participate in salary reviews, job evaluations, and benefits administration.
• Monitor labor costs and workforce-related budgets.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with German labor regulations, social insurance requirements, occupational health standards, GDPR, and company policies.
• Manage employment contracts, policy implementation, and HR documentation.
• Oversee HR systems and maintain accurate employee records.
• Ensure successful execution of HR audits and compliance reviews.

Payroll

• Ensure timely salary payments and compliance with documentation and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure accurate data entry and approval processes & documentation in accordance with SOX requirements.

Health, Safety & Wellbeing

• Partner with EHS to promote a strong safety culture.
• Support employee wellbeing initiatives and occupational health programs.
• Drive attendance management and return-to-work processes.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and develop the site HR team.
• Establish clear objectives and development plans for team members.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Education / Experience Requirements

• Master's degree or advanced HR qualification preferred.
• 7-10+ years of progressive HR experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years in an HR leadership role within a manufacturing, industrial, automotive, engineering, or supply chain environment
• Experience in multinational organizations is advantageous.

Specialized Skills / Other Requirements

Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of German employment law and labor relations.
• Knowledge of payroll, compensation, and benefits practices.
• Familiarity with manufacturing workforce planning and labor productivity concepts.
• Experience with HRIS systems (SAP SuccessFactors)

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Effective conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Change management expertise.
• High level of integrity and confidentiality.

Language Requirements

• native German and English C-Level (written and spoken).