Job Description:
Job Description — Senior HR Lead (Head of HR)
Location: Bad-Homburg / Hesse
Employment Type: Full-time, permanent
Start Date: By arrangement
About the RoleWe are seeking a hands-on Senior HR Lead/ Team Lead to lead the HR function for approx. 100-person organization in the Hesse area.This is a
layer-coach role: you will set HR strategy and policy while remaining operationally active across day-to-day HR delivery.The ideal candidate brings 10+ years of progressive HR experience, is ready to step into or has recently stepped, and thrives in environments where both strategic thinking and direct execution are required — without a large team to delegate to.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic & Policy Leadership
- Design, implement, and continuously improve the company's HR strategy aligned with business objectives
- Develop and own the full HR policy framework — employment policies, compensation structures, performance management, and people development programs
- Translate business growth plans into concrete workforce planning and organizational design decisions
- Advise C-level and senior leadership as a trusted strategic HR partner
- Drive employer branding and culture initiatives across the organization
Team Leadership & HR Operations
- Lead a small HR team; set priorities, develop team members, and ensure delivery quality
- Oversee the full employee lifecycle: recruiting, onboarding, performance cycles, compensation reviews, and offboarding
- Coordinate payroll processes in collaboration with finance or external payroll providers
- Maintain HR data integrity, reporting (headcount, attrition, turnover cost), and HRIS management
Labor Law & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with German labor law (ArbZG, KSchG, AGG, BetrVG, BGB)
- Handle disciplinary procedures, grievances, and employment terminations — including preparation of legal documentation
- Serve as the internal point of escalation for all sensitive HR and employment matters
Talent & Organizational Development
- Own end-to-end recruitment for all levels, including senior and leadership positions
- Build structured onboarding, career pathing, and succession planning frameworks
- Identify skill gaps across the organization and develop targeted L&D initiatives
RequirementsExperience & Background
- 10+ years of progressive HR experience across multiple HR disciplines
- Demonstrated experience operating — either formally or in a de facto capacity (e.g., Head of HR, Senior HRBP with policy ownership)
- Strong familiarity with German labor law and, where applicable, Betriebsrat engagement
Skills & Competencies
- Strategic thinker with strong execution discipline — sets direction and follows through personally
- Policy development skills: able to draft, implement, and communicate HR policies clearly and compliantly
- Analytical and data-literate: uses HR metrics to inform decisions and present to leadership
- High autonomy and ownership mindset — does not wait to be directed
- Credible at all levels: equally effective in a boardroom and on the floor
Languages
- German: fluent (C1–C2), spoken and written
- English: professional proficiency
- (Additional languages a plus depending on organizational context)
Education
- Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Law, Organizational Psychology, or equivalent