HR Director (Maternity Cover - Fixed Term Contract)
Location: Berlin, Germany (Hybrid – 3 days onsite)
Compensation: €90,000–€110,000 base + 20% bonus + LTIP + 30 days holiday
Start Date: Ideally September (flexible by 1–3 months)
We are partnering with a unique lifestyle and hospitality brand undergoing an exciting phase of integration and cultural evolution across their European offices. This Berlin-based HR Director opportunity is a maternity cover contract with strong potential to convert to a permanent role.
The Opportunity
You will play a key leadership role within the business, directly supporting the Senior Leadership Team and reporting to the VP HR EMEA. The company, part of a larger hospitality group through acquisition, is working to harmonise its identity and operations while maintaining a youthful, design-driven culture. The team in Berlin includes over 100 associates, with additional smaller teams in New York and Singapore.
You will lead all HR functions including talent acquisition, employee engagement, development, internal communications, HR operations, and partner closely with the Managing Director and global HR leaders. This role also involves working closely with a local works council - relationship-building and trust are essential.
What They're Looking For
This isn’t a process-heavy, policy-enforcement role. Instead, the team values someone warm, collaborative, and approachable - someone who can walk the halls, build rapport, and be seen as a true partner to both leadership and employees.
Key attributes:
* Based in Berlin (non-negotiable due to in-office expectations)
* Fluent in German and English
* Background in hospitality, retail, or similarly people-centric industries
* Experience building or integrating culture, ideally in a post-acquisition environment
* Strong in talent engagement, development, recruiting, and strategic HR support
* Able to build trusted relationships with senior leaders and across teams
* Not overly “process-driven” or legalistic - someone pragmatic and human
Key Responsibilities
* Partner closely with the Managing Director and SLT as a strategic HR advisor
* Lead recruiting, onboarding, and culture initiatives across offices
* Engage directly with employees to foster satisfaction and alignment
* Collaborate with the works council in Germany with transparency and trust
* Manage a small HR team and work hands-on with HR operations and systems
* Guide and support DEI, learning & development, and internal communications
* Oversee performance management, compensation cycles, and engagement surveys
Interview Process
1. Initial conversation with VP HR EMEA
2. Final interview with the Managing Director
Why This Role?
This is a people-first organization that places a premium on kindness, collaboration, and community. They’re not looking for someone with a “top-down” HR mentality but rather someone who can truly embed themselves in the culture and help evolve it. You'll be stepping into a senior leadership role at a pivotal time, with autonomy and visibility across the business.