Job Description — Senior HR Lead (Head of HR)
Location: Bad-Homburg / Hesse
Employment Type: Full-time, permanent
Start Date: By arrangement
About the RoleWe are seeking a hands-on Senior HR Lead/ Team Lead to lead the HR function for approx. 100-person organization in the Hesse area.This is a
layer-coach role: you will set HR strategy and policy while remaining operationally active across day-to-day HR delivery.The ideal candidate brings 10+ years of progressive HR experience, is ready to step into or has recently stepped, and thrives in environments where both strategic thinking and direct execution are required — without a large team to delegate to.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic & Policy Leadership
* Design, implement, and continuously improve the company's HR strategy aligned with business objectives
* Develop and own the full HR policy framework — employment policies, compensation structures, performance management, and people development programs
* Translate business growth plans into concrete workforce planning and organizational design decisions
* Advise C-level and senior leadership as a trusted strategic HR partner
* Drive employer branding and culture initiatives across the organization
Team Leadership & HR Operations
* Lead a small HR team; set priorities, develop team members, and ensure delivery quality
* Oversee the full employee lifecycle: recruiting, onboarding, performance cycles, compensation reviews, and offboarding
* Coordinate payroll processes in collaboration with finance or external payroll providers
* Maintain HR data integrity, reporting (headcount, attrition, turnover cost), and HRIS management
Labor Law & Compliance
* Ensure full compliance with German labor law (ArbZG, KSchG, AGG, BetrVG, BGB)
* Handle disciplinary procedures, grievances, and employment terminations — including preparation of legal documentation
* Serve as the internal point of escalation for all sensitive HR and employment matters
Talent & Organizational Development
* Own end-to-end recruitment for all levels, including senior and leadership positions
* Build structured onboarding, career pathing, and succession planning frameworks
* Identify skill gaps across the organization and develop targeted L&D initiatives
RequirementsExperience & Background
* 10+ years of progressive HR experience across multiple HR disciplines
* Demonstrated experience operating — either formally or in a de facto capacity (e.g., Head of HR, Senior HRBP with policy ownership)
* Strong familiarity with German labor law and, where applicable, Betriebsrat engagement
Skills & Competencies
* Strategic thinker with strong execution discipline — sets direction and follows through personally
* Policy development skills: able to draft, implement, and communicate HR policies clearly and compliantly
* Analytical and data-literate: uses HR metrics to inform decisions and present to leadership
* High autonomy and ownership mindset — does not wait to be directed
* Credible at all levels: equally effective in a boardroom and on the floor
Languages
* German: fluent (C1–C2), spoken and written
* English: professional proficiency
* (Additional languages a plus depending on organizational context)
Education
* Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Law, Organizational Psychology, or equivalent