Human Resources Generalist - German Speaking
Our client, a global software company in the sustainability sector, is looking for a German speaking HR Generalist in London.
In this role, you will serve as the vital operational backbone and trusted HR partner across our hubs in the UK and Germany as well as small satellite footprints in the Netherlands, Sweden, and Austria (100 FTE in total).
This role balances hands-on employee lifecycle execution with elevated regional advisory duties. Key priorities include providing leadership coaching to local managers, translating global HR initiatives into locally relevant regional programs, acting as the primary HR liaison for our German Works Council (Betriebsrat), driving AI-driven HR efficiency, and providing operational guidance to junior team members.
Responsibilities
1. Works Council Collaboration & Labor Relations
- Serve as the main HR contact for the German Works Council (Betriebsrat), ensuring constructive collaboration and compliance with co-determination rights (Mitbestimmungsrechte).
- Prepare works council agreements (Betriebsvereinbarungen), consultation documents, and facilitate timely approvals for recruitment, policy updates, and organizational changes.
- Partner with regional managers to address employee relations topics and ensure alignment with statutory standards.
2. Multi-Country HR Operations & Lifecycle Management
- Oversee and execute core operational workflows across the full employee lifecycle, including contract drafting, preparatory payroll with external vendors, and benefits administration across Germany, UK, Netherlands, Sweden, and Austria.
- Manage end-to-end onboarding, orientation, and offboarding experiences to foster a smooth employee journey.
- Maintain accurate employee records, update data in internal HR platforms, and ensure complete compliance with local labor laws and GDPR.
3. Leadership Coaching & Regional Advisory
- Provide dedicated coaching and guidance to regional managers and team leads on people leadership, performance management, employee relations, and manager effectiveness.
- Translate and adapt global HR initiatives (e.g., performance reviews, engagement surveys, growth programs) into locally relevant strategies tailored to regional needs and cultural nuances.
- Offer task oversight, operational guidance, and mentorship to junior HR team members to support day-to-day workflow execution.
- Partner with global HR functions (People Growth, Talent Acquisition, L&D, Employer Branding) to roll out core initiatives locally.
4. AI Integration & HR Analytics
- Leverage modern AI tools and automated workflows to streamline administrative tasks, optimize HR operations, and improve employee self-service.
- Drive AI literacy and process innovation within the People team.
- Analyze HR metrics, reports, and data to deliver actionable insights that elevate the overall employee experience.
Requirements
- Experience: 4+ years of progressive HR/People Operations experience, demonstrating a strong track record in operational execution, manager coaching, and stakeholder advising across European entities.
- Works Council Expertise: Hands-on experience working with a Works Council (Betriebsrat) in Germany and sound knowledge of the German Works Constitution Act (Betriebsverfassungsgesetz - BetrVG).
- Multi-Country Scope: Prior exposure to cross-border HR operations, local contract maintenance, or vendor payroll management in Germany, the UK, or neighboring European markets.
- AI & HR Automation: Practical familiarity with AI tools (e.g., LLMs, AI-driven HR tech, automated workflow tools) to drive process efficiency.
- Leadership Coaching & Global Adaptation: Proven track record of coaching managers on leadership topics and effectively adapting global People programs to suit local market realities.
- Collaboration Skills: Ability to mentor junior colleagues and guide day-to-day tasks collaboratively.
- Languages: Professional fluency in German and English (required for Works Council interactions and global stakeholder communication).
Pay: £40,420.00-£70,179.19 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in London E1W
