group hr director

Our client is a PE backed, ambitious fast-growing company with a global presence in Europe and Asia. The company is active in global markets, operates its own production site in Germany, and is known for delivering technically complex solutions for demanding industries such as energy, infrastructure, and offshore. Since 2022 the group has doubled in size and is undergoing a transformation in preparation for an IPO.

To secure international growth we are looking for a

GROUP HR DIRECTOR

(m/w/d)

The 
Group HR Director
will lead the HR function across the international group playing a critical role in aligning human capital strategies with the company's ambitious growth and operational goals. This position will be instrumental in optimising talent strategies and driving cultural integration across the global operations.

Reporting to the Group CEO, the position will develop and implement HR practices that drive workforce performance, foster engagement, attract qualified resources and ensure compliance in a multicultural, industrial and manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience working in manufacturing or industrial

environments, preferably in Germany and a proven ability to operate effectively in complex,

international and multicultural settings.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership

• Partner with the Group CEO and senior leaders to design and implement HR strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on workforce planning, talent management and organizational development.
• Champion a culture of high performance, diversity, and inclusion throughout the organization.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee workforce management at the German plant and potentially in other global locations, ensuring operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
• Optimize HR systems and processes, introducing best-in-class technologies to enhance HR operations and reporting.
• Manage labor relations in Germany, ensuring alignment with local regulations and fostering positive employee relations.
• Manage the annual budgeting process and consolidate the budgets of the group's entities

Talent and Organizational Development

• Lead global talent acquisition and retention strategies to attract and retain top talent.
• Develop leadership development programs to build a pipeline of future leaders.
• Drive initiatives to enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and productivity.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with labor laws, regulations, and company policies across all jurisdictions.
• Proactively identify and mitigate HR risks, including legal and compliance challenges.

Key Challenges and Objectives

• Establish and implement HR strategies that align with the company's business objectives and corporate culture.
• Optimize workforce management, particularly at the German plant.
• Resolve outstanding compliance matters, ensuring alignment with German labor laws.
• Drive employee engagement initiatives to foster retention and a high-performance culture.
• Position HR as a strategic partner in supporting company growth and expansion.
• Lead the digital transformation of HR systems and processes, adopting advanced tools and technologies.
• Drive change management initiatives to align HR structures with evolving business needs.

Key Success Metrics

• Employee retention and engagement scores.
• Timely and successful recruitment of critical talent.
• Workforce productivity and efficiency improvements.
• Compliance with labor laws and risk mitigation.
• Implementation and adoption of HR technologies.
• Alignment of HR strategies with business objectives.

Qualifications
:

• Academic background in human resources, business administration or related fields is essential
• An MBA or equivalent is preferred.
• Relevant HR certifications (e.g., SHRM, CIPD) are a plus
• 10+ years of HR leadership experience, ideally in manufacturing or industrial sectors in Germany.
• Proven track record in talent management, workforce optimization and compliance in complex labor environments.
• Experience working in global or multicultural settings, with a deep understanding of German labor regulations.
• Strong background in digital transformation of HR functions and technology implementation.
• Experience in aligning HR goals with long-term business objectives.
• Adaptability: Navigate dynamic, fast-paced environments effectively.
• Cultural Intelligence: Operate with a deep understanding of multicultural dynamics.
• Resilience: Perform with clarity and confidence under pressure.
• Collaboration: Foster partnerships across diverse teams and stakeholders.