The HR Country Specialist serves as the regional extension of our global Centers of Expertise (COEs) and the subject matter expert for local regulation and HR policies. This role ensures that all country-specific HR practices, documentation, and reporting adhere to local regulations. By partnering closely with Regional HR Business Partners (HRBPs), Global Centers of Expertise (COEs), and external vendors, the HR Country Specialist supports businesses with country-level expertise and execution. The role is pivotal in driving compliance, managing local HR programs, and enabling operational excellence across the country cluster (Germany, Austria and Switzerland).
Please note that for this role, it's mandatory to be fluent in German and English.
Responsibilities
* Own HR compliance with local labor laws, collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), and government reporting requirements.
* Act as the primary owner of country-specific HR documentation, policies, and practices.
* Lead and project-manage the implementation of country-level policy and compliance changes.
* Coordinate and execute annual HR cycles (e.g., compensation, performance) in alignment with partners (HRBPs, COEs) and in compliance with CBAs.
* Manage local benefits and wellbeing programs, including vendor relationships and occupational health services.
* Provide accurate local HR data for planning and ensure timely submissions to authorities.
* Partner with HRBPs on performance improvement plans and local employee relations matters.
* Identify and support country-level efficiency improvements and process enhancements, developing standard work, documentation, and/or training to improve repeatability or self-service.
Your Team
* The team will be formed over the coming 90-days with peer HR Country Specialist roles in UK, Poland, France, Dubai, and The Netherlands. The team manager will reside in The Netherlands with a primary focus to build strong collaboration across all OpCos, all countries and all HRBP/COE stakeholder partners. We are excited to build a diverse HR Country Specialist team representing the disparate and multidimensional employees across the EMEA region. Our collective success depends upon our ability to think globally and act locally. This is a very exciting opportunity to drive positive employee experiences while developing regional skills.
Experience
* Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
* 8+ years’ experience in HR field with complementary practice in similar role(s).
* Deep experience managing compliance with one or more countries’ local labor laws.
* Strong ability to interpret and implement HR policies.
* Proven experience managing country-level HR programs and initiatives.
* Effective vendor and external stakeholder management skills.
* Attention to detail and a strong risk management mindset.
* Excellent project management and organizational capabilities.
* Ability to advise HRBPs and leaders on navigating policy or compliance issues.
* A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
* Strong collaboration skills across COEs, HRBPs, and operational teams.
* Experience with local Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), employment regulations, and government reporting.
Personal Skills
* Ability to communicate difficult concepts and negotiate with others.
* Able to solve complex problems using analytical thought to identify innovative solutions.
* Mindset to interpret internal/external business challenges and recommend best practices to improve processes or services.
* Background in managing benefits, wellbeing, and occupational health programs.
* Familiarity with HR Information Systems (HRIS) and reporting tools for compliance and data submissions.
* Prior involvement in coordinating annual HR cycles with precision.
* Mandatory fluency in German and English is required. Proficiency in French is beneficial.
* Experience working in a multinational or matrixed organization.
Why you should join this OpCo?
With the launch of new Fortive after the Ralliant spin, we all have the chance to be builders, entrepreneurs -- part of something bigger than ourselves. To alleviate the extraordinary complexity faced by our teams in EMEA, we are establishing a Country Specialist organization, initially focused on Europe and the Middle East (EMEA). This role will support Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and will be one of six HR Country Specialists deployed in EMEA. The primary goal of this team is to ensure better connectivity to the centralized Global COEs in the EMEA region.
By applying for this position, you agree that Fortive may store and process your personal data, including your CV, for the purpose of recruitment. Your data will be handled in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and our privacy policy. You can withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us at careers-germany@fortive.com.