About the role
We are looking for a Payroll & HR Projects Senior Specialist (m/w/d) to lead and optimize HR administrative processes across our German organization. In this role, you will oversee payroll operations, HR projects, compliance, and HRIS systems to ensure seamless HR service delivery. You will also act as a strategic liaison for union-related topics and collaborate closely with the HR Director Germany & Austria on continuous improvement initiatives. This position requires strong collaboration with internal stakeholders (HR teams, Finance, Global Mobility, employees & managers) and external partners (payroll provider, insurance brokers, legal and tax advisors).
Responsibilities
* Manage payroll, benefits, and employee administration for all German employees
* Ensure compliance with German labor, social security, and tax regulations, as well as internal policies
* Act as the main point of contact for payroll-related union communication
* Support and coach payroll professionals, fostering motivation and development
* Lead payroll and HR process optimization projects in collaboration with the HRIS team
* Maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external service providers
* Develop, implement, and manage competitive compensation & benefits programs
* Collaborate with the Global Rewards team on benchmarking and market analysis
* Maintain HR metrics and reporting (e.g., headcount, absenteeism)
* Support audits and HR-related risk management
Your profile
* Bachelor’s degree or higher
* 5+ years of experience in German payroll; international payroll experience is a plus
* Strong knowledge of German labor, social security, and fiscal legislation
* Proficiency in MS Office and payroll/HR systems (ideally SuccessFactors)
* IT-savvy and eager to learn new HRIS tools
* Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills
* Hands-on leadership approach with attention to detail and process orientation
What we offer
* A responsible role within an international company & work at a technically diverse and industry-significant cocoa production site in the heart of Hamburg
* Attractive compensation and social benefits
* JobRad (Bike Leasing) - Lease a bike for 36 months via gross salary conversion plus a monthly €18 employer subsidy.
* Corporate Benefits - Access to discounted shopping with over 800 brands (fashion, sports, tech, home, etc.) via the employee benefits platform.
* Employee Referral Program - Receive a €750 gross bonus for each successful referral or donate it to the Cocoa Horizon Foundation.
* ProfiTicket / Deutschlandticket - Get a monthly subsidy of €25.20 for the discounted digital HVV Jobticket / Deutschlandticket.
* Canteen Subsidy - Employer-subsidized meals; pre-order up to one day in advance via Hofmann Menü.
* Screen Workstation Glasses - Up to €100 subsidy for required computer workstation glasses.
* External Support Services - Access to external counseling and support for personal challenges (e.g., addiction risk, debt, family issues).