Location: Berlin
Languages: Fluent English and German required
Work Model: Ostkreuz - Onsite (95%)
Salary: Up to €70,000
Position Overview
Our client is seeking an experienced HR Manager – Global HR Operations & Payroll to support the execution of their people strategy and lead operational HR excellence across multiple international locations.
Working closely with senior HR leadership, this role will play a key part in optimizing HR processes and structures, strengthening people operations, enhancing the employee experience, and fostering strong employee relations across the organisation.
The successful candidate will oversee core HR functions with a strong focus on multi-country payroll operations across the UK, USA, Singapore, and Germany, while also managing recruitment, employee relations, performance management, compliance, HR policy development, and supervising a small HR team to ensure effective HR service delivery.
Candidate Profile
Experience
* 3–4+ years of hands-on HR experience with a strong focus on HR operations and international payroll.
* Proven experience managing multi-country payroll, including Germany and at least one of the following: UK, USA, or Singapore.
* Experience managing or mentoring a small HR or administrative team.
* Strong knowledge of German labour law and a solid understanding of international HR compliance.
* Experience working with HR systems, reporting, audits, and process optimisation.
* Advanced MS Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities.
* Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks effectively, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
* Strong stakeholder management skills with experience working cross-functionally in international environments.
Personal Attributes
* Operationally strong, structured, and hands-on.
* Service-oriented and solution-focused.
* Able to analyse processes end-to-end and implement sustainable improvements.
* Empathetic communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
* Pragmatic, reliable, and calm under pressure.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Management
* Manage and prepare preliminary monthly payroll for the UK, USA, Singapore, and Germany, ensuring compliance with all applicable local laws and regulations.
* Coordinate with external payroll providers to ensure accurate and timely processing of compensation, benefits, and deductions.
* Review and verify payroll data including taxes, pensions, benefits, and statutory deductions.
* Prepare payroll reporting and collaborate with Finance teams according to established processes.
* Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies while staying up to date with evolving payroll legislation.
HR Operations
Recruitment & Onboarding
* Lead full-cycle recruitment including drafting job descriptions, sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, and providing hiring recommendations.
* Partner with hiring managers to define job requirements and competency frameworks.
* Manage onboarding processes to ensure a smooth integration of new employees.
* Support employer branding initiatives and deliver a strong candidate experience.
Employee Relations
* Act as a key point of contact for employee queries and HR-related matters.
* Manage disciplinary processes, investigations, and conflict resolution in line with employment legislation and internal policies.
* Promote open communication and help foster an inclusive and positive workplace culture.
* Oversee offboarding processes and ensure compliance with legal data retention and deletion requirements.
* Conduct exit interviews and provide insights to support retention strategies.
Performance Management
* Support the performance review and appraisal process.
* Assist managers with goal setting, feedback frameworks, and addressing underperformance.
* Support the development and delivery of training and development initiatives aligned with organisational growth.
Compensation & Benefits
* Administer global compensation and benefits programs across multiple jurisdictions.
* Conduct salary benchmarking and market analysis to ensure competitiveness.
* Oversee pension schemes and additional benefits programs globally.
HR Compliance & Legal
* Ensure compliance with employment laws across Germany, the UK, the USA, and Singapore.
* Maintain and update HR policies and employee handbooks in line with regulatory changes.
* Support HR audits, investigations, and compliance initiatives in collaboration with Legal and Finance teams.
* Maintain accurate employee records and ensure compliance with data protection regulations, including GDPR.
* Support employment-related legal matters and liaise with external legal advisors where required.
HR Data & Reporting
* Track and analyse HR metrics including headcount, turnover, employee engagement, and performance data.
* Prepare regular HR reports and provide insights to support strategic decision making.
* Ensure HRIS data is accurate and up to date.
* Support the implementation of digital HR tools and systems to improve efficiency.
* Manage HR communications on internal platforms and prepare internal documentation and presentations.
* Support day-to-day administrative HR tasks in English.
Employee Engagement & Wellbeing
* Lead initiatives to strengthen employee engagement, including company events, recognition programs, and wellbeing activities.
* Develop and promote wellbeing and work-life balance initiatives.
* Coordinate employee satisfaction surveys and drive follow-up improvements.
HR Strategy
* Partner with senior HR leadership to support the development and execution of HR strategies aligned with business goals.
* Contribute to organisational development initiatives such as restructuring, talent management, and succession planning.
* Support diversity and inclusion initiatives across global teams.
* Assist with HR budgeting, including workforce planning and payroll forecasting.
Stakeholder Management
* Lead and mentor a small HR team consisting of an Assistant HR Manager and a working student.
* Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders including IT and Finance to ensure smooth HR operations.
* Build strong relationships with employees, managers, and global stakeholders.