Country HR Operations Manager (Germany)

Location: Bensheim, Germany (Hybrid, with regular travel to Halle) Reporting to: Regional HR Operations Director About the Role We are looking for an experienced Country HR Operations Manager to lead and optimize HR operations across Germany. This role is responsible for delivering seamless, compliant, and scalable HR services while acting as a key link between regional HR strategy and local execution. You will partner closely with business leaders and HR stakeholders to ensure operational excellence, an outstanding employee experience, and full compliance with local regulations. Key Responsibilities HR Operations Strategy & Governance Define and implement the country HR operations strategy aligned with regional objectives Act as a trusted advisor to leadership and HR Business Partners on HR operations and compliance matters Oversee end-to-end HR operations, including employee lifecycle, payroll, and benefits Leadership & Team Management Lead, mentor, and develop a local HR Operations team (3 direct reports) Manage stakeholders across multiple sites and business units Serve as the escalation point for complex HR operational issues Policy Implementation & Process Optimization Adapt and implement global HR policies at the local level Drive continuous improvement, digitalization, and automation initiatives Ensure efficient and standardized HR processes Compliance & Risk Management Ensure full compliance with German labor laws and internal policies Collaborate with Legal and Compliance teams on audits and risk mitigation Monitor and enforce health and safety standards Vendor & Stakeholder Management Collaborate with Finance, Legal, IT, and external partners Manage relationships with payroll providers, benefits vendors, and legal advisors HR Analytics & Reporting Own HR dashboards and KPIs for the country Analyze HR data to support strategic decision-making Provide insights and reporting to leadership Change Management & Transformation Lead HR transformation initiatives, including system implementations and policy updates Drive operational readiness for change projects Support digital transformation across HR functions Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field Proven experience in a similar HR Operations leadership role Experience in the manufacturing industry (mandatory) Strong experience working with Works Councils (Betriebsrat) (mandatory) Solid knowledge of German labor law and HR compliance Native-level German and fluent English