the client is seeking an experienced HR leadership professional for a key HR Director – Operations role with a strong operational focus. the position is intended to help further develop the client’s HR organization in a way that is more efficient, modern, and closely connected to the operative business. it will play a central, business-critical role supporting performance, transformation, and culture development, while ensuring HR is actively embedded in day-to-day operations.
the HR Director – Operations will be responsible for HR business partnering for the operational area and will serve as a central sparring partner to management. responsibilities include leading and developing an HR business partner team, working closely and in a relationship of trust with executive leadership and operational managers across the value chain, from shopfloor to senior management. the role also requires strong presence at worksites and on the shopfloor, and it will drive and implement transformation and change initiatives, further develop efficient and modern HR structures and processes, and take responsibility for workforce planning, talent management, and organizational development. additionally, the position will help foster a performance-oriented and future-ready corporate culture and collaborate constructively with employee representatives in a solution-oriented manner.
the successful applicant will bring several years of experience in a senior HR function, ideally in HR business partnering within a group environment or a larger, complex medium-sized organization. requirements include strong operational proximity and visible engagement in the operational business, proven experience in transformation and change management, and the ability to translate strategic topics into practical measures in the operational context. the role also expects confident handling of co-determination and labor-law-related topics, a hands-on mindset with high implementation strength, and the capability to act effectively across all levels—from production to executive leadership—along with fluent German and English.