Global HR Director for Fast Growing Global SaaS Business
Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer
Location: Germany (preferred)
Team: 1-2 direct reports, 10 federated points of contact plus specialist vendor management
Position: Permanent
About Us
Founded in 2012, Cumulocity is a global leading industrial IoT platform offering device management and low-code application enablement. Our cloud-native platform serves over 200 customers in 20+ countries with 300 employees across 23 countries worldwide. As an investor-backed Management Buy-Out (MBO), we're on a high-growth trajectory (30% YoY ARR) and building an agile, high-performance organization as a newly independent company.
Role Overview
We are seeking a transformative HR Director to drive our dynamic HR landscape. This pivotal leadership role requires a master of organizational transformation who can orchestrate complex HR operations while championing alignment with local country leaders across our global footprint. You will architect our people strategy as a strategic partner to our COO, building world-leading HR solutions that are business-focused and commercially astute.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic HR Leadership & Transformation
* Develop and implement comprehensive global HR strategies aligned with Cumulocity's independence objectives and growth ambitions
* Establish the Cumulocity cultural framework as cornerstone of our newly independent identity
* Translate corporate initiatives into impactful regional strategies across all 23 countries
Independence Integration & Cultural Development
* Lead stabilization and transformation of HR operations following our management buy-out
* Design and execute global HR integration plan ensuring consistency while respecting regional differences
* Integrate disparate employee groups into a cohesive Cumulocity culture
Global Compliance & Legal Management
* Master Workers Council negotiations and German labour relations with expertise
* Lead comprehensive HR due diligence across multiple regions evaluating culture, demographics, compensation, and compliance
* Oversee regulatory compliance assessments across all 23 countries through specialist vendor partnerships
* Maintain deep expertise in German employment regulations and international labour laws
Compensation & Benefits Strategy
* Lead assessment and global harmonization of compensation structures and benefits programs
* Create competitive and equitable offerings while respecting local market conditions
* Support talent acquisition and retention objectives through strategic positioning
Technology & Process Automation
* Champion HRIS transformation project as orchestrator of our digital HR evolution including vendor selection (BambooHR, Zoho, Personio, or similar) and solution deployment
* Ensure seamless integration with payroll systems across all 23 countries
* Drive automation of HR processes to enhance efficiency and employee experience
Vendor & Stakeholder Management
* Manage strategic relationships with key HR service providers including Crown (global mobility) and Roedl & Partners (payroll)
* Orchestrate vendor selection processes and manage complex project delivery
* Collaborate with internal project managers on system implementations
People Development & Talent Management
* Lead and develop 1-2 direct reports and global HR operations managers
* Drive acquisition, retention, and development strategies for talent across global markets
* Support leadership development and succession planning
Success Metrics
Success measured through specific KPIs including:
* Cultural Integration: Successful establishment of Cumulocity cultural framework and employee integration scores
* Employee Engagement: Maintenance and improvement of employee morale and engagement metrics
* Compliance: Zero compliance violations and successful regulatory assessments globally
* Technology Implementation: On-time, on-budget delivery of HRIS project milestones
* Talent Management: Improvement in talent acquisition, retention, and internal mobility metrics
Essential Requirements
Experience & Background
* 8-10+ years of progressive HR experience, with 5-7 years in senior global leadership role
* Proven track record in high-growth global scale-up companies, preferably software/technology industry
* Experience managing HR through organizational independence, acquisitions, or major restructuring
* Track record building HR strategies in agile, fast-scaling international environments
Technical Expertise
* Deep expertise in German employment regulations and employment law
* Experience as champion of Workers Council negotiations and German labor relations
* Strong knowledge of international labor laws and global compliance across multiple jurisdictions
* Experience leading HRIS selection, implementation, and management for multi-country organizations
* Understanding of global payroll and benefits administration complexities
* Preferred: Master's degree or HR certification (SPHR, GPHR, SHRM-SCP, or equivalent)
Leadership & Strategic Capabilities
* Global project management with ability to deliver complex initiatives across time zones
* Experience managing vendor relationships and external service provider ecosystems
* Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution ability and commercial acumen
* Experience building and leading high-performing, culturally diverse HR teams
Personal Attributes
* Transformative approach to leadership with global mindset
* High cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence for managing diverse, global workforce
* Data-driven decision-making with focus on continuous process improvement
* Change leadership proficiency in navigating transformation and motivating through change
* Relationship management with proven success at all organizational levels
What We Offer
* Transformational Leadership Role: Shape HR strategy for newly independent, high-growth technology company
* Growth Environment: 30% YoY ARR growth and ambitious global expansion plans
* Global Impact: Lead transformational HR initiatives across 23 countries
* Corporate Incentive Plan: Participate directly in company success
* Innovation Focus: Work with cutting-edge IoT technology alongside dynamic leadership team
* Independence Journey: Be part of our exciting journey as newly independent company
Application Process
We seek candidates excited about building something extraordinary in industrial IoT while leading human capital strategy for our global team. This role offers unique opportunity to combine strategic HR leadership with transformational execution in a dynamic, newly independent technology company.
Join us as we write the next chapter of Cumulocity's story - where people excellence drives business success globally.
Please email a copy of your CV - Bilingual (English and German) to careers@cumulocity.com
Cumulocity is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and excellence across our global workforce.