Head of HR - PLAION Partners Germany (all genders)

PLAION Group; Krailling; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Local benefits programme

PLAION Academy access

Leadership Development Program

Casual work environment

Job summary

PLAION Partners Germany seeks a seasoned Head of HR to lead the Germany HR function from Munich/Planegg in a hybrid setup. The role combines strategic people leadership with day-to-day HR operations, ensuring alignment with regional and group priorities.

You will attract, develop and retain talent, drive employee engagement and continuously improve HR processes across the country while collaborating with global colleagues.

Qualifications

• Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology or related field.
• Proven experience across operational and strategic HR leadership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in German and English.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Germany HR function, setting priorities and ensuring day-to-day delivery.
• Oversee payroll coordination with external provider and benefits administration.
• Advise senior leaders on people management, German employment law and HR compliance.

Skills

German employment law

Leadership

Communication

People management

Education

Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology or related field

Tools

HRIS systems

Payroll software

Job description

PLAION Partners is a leading global distribution partner for gaming hardware, accessories, video games and entertainment products.

With decades of industry experience, an extensive international network and strong relationships with publishers, manufacturers and retailers, PLAION Partners connects brands with consumers across the gaming and entertainment ecosystem.

Combining global scale with local market expertise, PLAION Partners delivers tailored commercial, marketing and distribution services that help partners enter new markets, strengthen their retail presence and grow their businesses.

In alignment with our continued success, we are looking for a seasoned Head of HR for PLAION Partners Germany. This full-time role is based out of our office in Munich/Planegg in a hybrid position.

The Head of HR for PLAION Partners Germany oversees the employee journey, from recruitment and onboarding to development and departure. The role combines strategic people leadership with effective day-to-day HR operations, balancing organisational priorities with employee needs.

As a trusted partner to local Managing Directors and team leaders, the Head of HR helps attract, develop and retain talent, strengthen employee engagement and continuously improve HR processes.

The role works closely with HR colleagues across countries, the Director of Global Performance and Execution and the Director of Culture and Engagement to align people practices and translate shared organisational and people priorities into effective local action. It promotes consistency across countries while recognising local requirements, and contributes German employee feedback, expertise and successful practices to wider programmes.

PLAION Partners - Munich/Planegg, Germany

PLAION Partners is a leading global distribution partner for gaming hardware, accessories, video games and entertainment products.

With decades of industry experience, an extensive international network and strong relationships with publishers, manufacturers and retailers, PLAION Partners connects brands with consumers across the gaming and entertainment ecosystem.

Combining global scale with local market expertise, PLAION Partners delivers tailored commercial, marketing and distribution services that help partners enter new markets, strengthen their retail presence and grow their businesses.

In alignment with our continued success, we are looking for a seasoned Head of HR for PLAION Partners Germany. This full-time role is based out of our office in Munich/Planegg in a hybrid position.

The Head of HR for PLAION Partners Germany oversees the employee journey, from recruitment and onboarding to development and departure. The role combines strategic people leadership with effective day-to-day HR operations, balancing organisational priorities with employee needs.

As a trusted partner to local Managing Directors and team leaders, the Head of HR helps attract, develop and retain talent, strengthen employee engagement and continuously improve HR processes.

The role works closely with HR colleagues across countries, the Director of Global Performance and Execution and the Director of Culture and Engagement to align people practices and translate shared organisational and people priorities into effective local action. It promotes consistency across countries while recognising local requirements, and contributes German employee feedback, expertise and successful practices to wider programmes.

Key Responsibilities

HR leadership and operations

• Lead and develop the Germany HR function, setting priorities and supporting day-to-day delivery.
• Translate business priorities into practical local HR plans.
• Oversee people administration, including employment contracts, absence management and employment reference letters.
• Drive continuous improvement and digitalization of HR processes using appropriate tools.
• Ensure accurate and timely HR KPI reporting, including required reporting to Embracer Group.

Payroll, compensation and benefits

• Coordinate payroll with the external service provider, ensuring accurate and timely processing.
• Oversee local benefits administration and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Work with the Director of Culture and Engagement to assess whether successful local benefits could be adapted for wider use.

Employee relations and management support

• Advise Managing Directors and team leaders on people management, German employment law and HR compliance, involving specialist advice where needed.
• Support the handling of employee relations matters, including misconduct and disciplinary procedures.
• Provide coaching, mediation and conflict-management support to help leaders build teams.

Recruitment and relocation

• Oversee recruitment for the Munich office, attracting and assessing national and international candidates.
• Partner with hiring managers to ensure recruitment follows internal guidelines, assesses candidates’ alignment with company values and meets business needs.
• Develop and maintain a talent pool for future hiring requirements.
• Coordinate relocation support for international recruits, including visa applications, registration, accommodation searches and assistance from external agencies.

Onboarding and offboarding

• Ensure a consistent, welcoming onboarding experience that helps new employees understand their roles, build relationships and settle into the company culture.
• Coordinate effective offboarding, supporting a smooth handover and maintaining positive relationships with departing employees.
• Use feedback from new joiners and leavers to identify and implement improvements.

Performance and people development

• Support local leaders in setting clear objectives aligned with business priorities and the wider performance framework, promoting meaningful performance conversations and accountability for outcomes.
• Partner with team leaders to promote participation in people-development programmes.
• Work with the Director of Global Performance and Execution to identify and prioritise local capability needs, agree development actions and review their effectiveness, supported by a twice-yearly summary.
• Organise relevant development opportunities, including role‑specific training, language courses, coaching and team‑building activities.
• Promote use of the PLAION Academy and coordinate relevant sessions with global colleagues and external trainers.

Culture and employee engagement

• Partner with the Director of Culture and Engagement on employee listening, engagement and inclusion initiatives.
• Help local leaders turn employee feedback into practical actions, with clear ownership and follow-through.
• Track progress against agreed engagement measures and share local insights to shape wider programmes.
• Embed company values in recruitment, onboarding, development and everyday leadership.

Health, safety and wellbeing

• Coordinate local workplace health, safety and well-being programmes.
• Ensure required policies, procedures and responsibilities are in place to help prevent workplace accidents, incidents and illness.
• Coordinate the appointment of the relevant workplace safety role.
• Maintain an up-to-date list of trained first aiders.

Employer branding

• Partner with the Director of Culture and Engagement to contribute to the Group’s employer branding strategy and Employee Value Proposition.
• Implement relevant employer-branding initiatives locally.
• Align local employer-branding activity with wider company priorities.

Your Profile

• Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven experience across operational and strategic HR, including leading an HR team or function.
• Strong knowledge of German employment law and local HR practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in German and English.
• Confidence advising senior leaders and handling sensitive employee matters with sound judgement and discretion.
• An approachable, collaborative working style, with the ability to build trust across countries and cultures.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, balancing business priorities with employee needs.
• Experience improving HR processes and using digital tools and data to support effective decisions.

What we offer

• We provide a hybrid working model, flexible working hours, work from anywhere
• We provide local company benefits such as company events, language courses, Mental Health First Aiders, fitness cooperations, bicycle leasing, company subsidized pension contribution, etc.
• We provide a wide range of training and development opportunities as part of our global PLAION Academy
• Leadership Development Program
• At PLAION we believe in the power of affinity groups and support various PLAION communities (e.g. LGBTQIA+, Women@, Helping Hands, AI, Accessibility) to learn new skills, provide mutual support and encourage free, self-determined development
• We provide a casual work environment with open door policy
• You will have the opportunity to share your passion for