Global Human Resources Director

Global HR DirectorLocation: Hamburg Metropolitan Area, GermanyScope: 5,500 employees | 5 Manufacturing Sites | 2 Sales Offices | Europe, Asia & North AmericaReports to: Group CEODirect Reports: 5 (local HR managers)Industry: Future-Proof Energy ManufacturingOn-site Presence: At least once per week in Hamburg-----About the CompanyOur client is a highly successful, future-focused industrial group operating in the energy sector, a field experiencing robust and sustainable long-term growth. With 5,500 employees across Europe, Asia, and North America, the company combines advanced engineering, world-class manufacturing, and a strong commitment to operational excellence. Its culture is international, entrepreneurial, performance-oriented, and built around innovation and responsibility.As the organization continues to scale globally, we are seeking a dynamic and strategic Group HR Director who will serve as an essential advisor to the Group CEO and lead the next chapter of the company’s people agenda.Role OverviewThe Group HR Director will act as the global HR leader and trusted sparring partner to the Group CEO and executive leadership team, shaping and executing a people strategy that supports rapid business expansion, operational performance, and cultural cohesion across diverse markets. This is a pivotal leadership role that combines strategic foresight with hands-on HR steering across multisite manufacturing operations.The role is based in the Hamburg region, with an expected on-site presence of at least once a week, and leads five direct reports and a wider HR organization spanning multiple countries.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Organisational DevelopmentDevelop and implement a global HR strategy aligned with the company’s vision and the Group CEO’s strategic roadmap.Drive organisational transformation, workforce planning, and capability-building to ensure the company is prepared for future market demands.Serve as a primary advisor to the Group CEO on people, culture, and organisational design topics.Global HR Governance & LeadershipLead and mentor a multicultural HR team with 5 direct reports and HR professionals across Europe, Asia, and North America.Build a consistent, modern, and scalable HR operating model across all regions.Ensure high-quality HR service delivery, including performance management, talent acquisition, learning & development, and compensation governance.Industrial Relations & Employee EngagementShape a positive workplace culture built on accountability, respect, and ownership.Manage relationships with Works Councils and unions (particularly in the DACH and US regions), ensuring constructive dialogue and compliance with regulatory frameworks.Champion initiatives that elevate employee engagement, wellbeing, and retention across all sites.Talent, Leadership & CultureEstablish a strong succession planning and leadership development framework aligned with the Group CEO’s organizational vision.Promote leadership capability, coaching, and robust performance management practices.Drive cultural alignment across all sites, ensuring a shared identity while respecting regional differences.Operational Excellence Across Global SitesOversee HR activities across five manufacturing plants and two sales offices, ensuring consistency in standards while enabling local agility.Partner closely with Plant Managers, Regional Directors, and Sales Leadership on workforce needs and operational priorities.Support post-merger integration, organisational harmonization, and large-scale change projects.HR Systems, Data & ModernizationStrengthen HR processes through digital tools, analytics, and modern HR technologies.Introduce data-driven HR dashboards and KPIs to support business decisions.Champion continuous improvements to create a best-in-class HR function.Requirements & ProfileProfessional Background10–15+ years of HR leadership experience in international manufacturing or industrial environments.Proven track record in multisite HR management (Europe; experience with Asia or North America is a plus).Strong exposure to Works Councils, unions, and labour regulations in Germany or broader Europe.Solid experience leading HR teams, building structures, and implementing global HR initiatives.Leadership & PersonalityStrategic thinker with hands-on capability — able to switch seamlessly between board-level dialogue and operational HR leadership.Decisive, emotionally intelligent, and highly collaborative leadership style.Strong cultural sensitivity and adaptability; comfortable working across continents and diverse environments.Resilient, forward-looking, and capable of navigating a high-growth, fast-evolving industry.LanguagesFluent English required.Fluent GermanWe will only consider candidates with direct experience from manufacturing. Thank you.