About Quantum Design
For more than 40 years, we have led the world in advanced materials characterization technology, providing the breakthrough instruments researchers rely on to push the boundaries of physics, chemistry, biotechnology, materials science, nanotechnology, and quantum research. Our culture is powered by innovation. From superconducting technology to cryogenics and precision measurement, QD delivers cutting edge solutions that set the global standard. We also proudly distribute next generation technologies in Cryogenics, Quantum Sciences, and Nanotechnology.
At Quantum Design, we take pride in the impact our tools make in labs and institutions worldwide. If you are inspired by scientific progress and energized by innovation, you will feel right at home here. Join us and contribute to the future of discovery
The Opportunity
As HR Director Europe, you will be a hands-on HR leader responsible for both the strategic direction and day-to-day execution of human resources activities across Quantum Design's European operations. Based in the Pfungstadt office, this role supports employees and leaders across Germany, Italy, France, and Switzerland, while partnering closely with global HR leadership in the United States.
This role requires a highly experienced HR professional who combines operational execution—such as recruiting, payroll oversight, compensation administration, and employee relations—with strategic leadership in areas including organizational development and mergers and acquisitions. The HR Director must be well versed in labor and employment laws throughout Europe and will ensure that all people practices are legally compliant, culturally appropriate, and aligned with Quantum Design's values.
Responsibilities
Strategic HR Leadership
* Serve as a trusted advisor to the Regional CEO and European leadership team on workforce planning, organizational design, talent strategy, and change management.
* Partner closely with the US-based CHRO to ensure alignment and consistency of HR practices across regions.
* Provide HR leadership for mergers, acquisitions, and integration activities in Europe.
* Lead HR due diligence, including workforce, labor law, and compliance assessments.
* Support post-merger integration while ensuring adherence to employment laws and preservation of Quantum Design's culture.
HR Operations & Hands-On Execution
* Provide direct, hands-on support for day-to-day HR activities across European offices, stepping in as needed to ensure effective execution.
* Oversee payroll operations across multiple European countries, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and full legal compliance.
* Ensure HR policies, procedures, and practices comply with European, national, and local labor and employment laws and reflect Quantum Design's values.
Recruiting & Talent Acquisition
* Lead and actively support recruiting efforts across Europe, particularly for key, technical, and leadership roles.
* Partner with hiring managers to define requirements, manage end-to-end recruiting processes, and deliver a strong candidate experience.
* Ensure recruiting practices comply with applicable employment laws and support fair, inclusive hiring.
* Compensation, Benefits & Payroll
* Lead regional compensation and benefits programs, including benchmarking, annual review cycles, and benefits administration.
* Ensure compensation and benefits programs are compliant with applicable labor, tax, and employment regulations in each country.
* Manage relationships with external vendors supporting payroll, benefits, and HR services.
Talent Management & Succession Planning
* Drive succession planning and leadership development initiatives for critical roles across Europe.
* Support performance management, employee development, and retention strategies.
* Ensure talent programs align with local labor requirements and long-term workforce planning.
Employee Relations & Compliance
* Serve as the primary European expert on labor and employment law, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes across Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland, and the broader EU.
* Manage relationships with works councils, employee representatives, unions, and external labor authorities.
* Address complex employee relations matters with fairness, consistency, and legal rigor.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field
* Ten years of progressive HR experience in a multinational or European setting with senior leadership responsibility, encompassing recruiting, compensation and benefits, payroll, succession planning, and M&A support.
* Experience with labor and employment laws across multiple European countries, with deep knowledge of German labor law
* Fluency in both written and spoken German and English
Preferred Qualifications
* Master's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field
* Demonstrated experience partnering with works councils and navigating complex employee relations matters
Additional Information
* This is a fully onsite role based in Pfungstadt, Germany (5 days per week).
* Must be legally authorized to work in Germany.
* Requires the ability to travel up to 20% across the Quantum Design territory.
Quantum Design is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions, policies and practices are in accordance with applicable federal, state and local anti-discrimination laws. Quantum Design will not tolerate or engage in unlawful discrimination including any form of unlawful harassment, on account of a person's sex, age, race, color, religion, creed, sexual preference or orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, military status, veteran status, handicap, disability, or membership in any protected group. Please contact us to request accommodation