HR Generalist - Supply Chain Europe (m/f/d)

CHEP; Köln; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

CHEP in the Cologne region is seeking an experienced HR Generalist to support our Supply Chain Operations across Germany and Europe. You will advise plant managers on employee relations, workforce planning, and organizational effectiveness within a dynamic manufacturing environment.

You will partner with leaders, support talent reviews, develop engagement actions, ensure policy compliance, and drive wellbeing initiatives across multiple sites.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in generalist HR, HRBP, or employee relations.
• Experience in manufacturing or operational environments.
• Strong employee relations with complex matters.
• Experience partnering with managers in fast-paced settings.
• Experience in international/matrix organizations is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Act as trusted HR partner for managers and employees across operations.
• Lead and coordinate employee relations cases with fair outcomes.
• Guide performance management, disciplinary processes, absence, and policies.
• Support organizational change and workforce planning.

Skills

German employment law

Stakeholder management

Coaching & communication

Change management

Work across locations

Job description

Join us and help shape the employee experience across our manufacturing operations

We are looking for an experienced HR Generalist to support our Supply Chain Operations organization across Germany and Europe. This role partners closely with Plant Managers and operational leaders, providing expert guidance on employee relations, people initiatives, leadership support, and organizational effectiveness within a dynamic manufacturing environment.

If you enjoy working close to the business, influencing leaders, and driving positive employee outcomes, this is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact across multiple operational sites.

What you'll be doing

Employee Relations & People Support

• Act as a trusted HR partner for managers and employees across manufacturing operations.
• Lead and coordinate employee relations cases, ensuring fair, consistent, and compliant outcomes.
• Provide guidance on performance management, disciplinary processes, absence management, and workplace policies.
• Support organizational change initiatives and workforce planning activities.

HR Business Partnership

• Partner with Plant Managers and leadership teams on people-related matters.
• Support talent reviews, succession planning, and leadership development activities.
• Contribute to the implementation of regional and global HR programs.
• Work closely with Talent Acquisition to attract and retain top operational talent.
• Develop and implement employee engagement action plans.
• Drive local wellbeing and employee experience initiatives.
• Analyze engagement, retention, and absenteeism trends and recommend appropriate actions.
• Promote an inclusive, high-performing workplace culture.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Provide advice and support on HR policies, processes, and employee queries.
• Coach managers on HR tools and self-service processes.
• Support annual HR cycles, including performance reviews, salary reviews, talent reviews, and engagement surveys.
• Ensure compliance with applicable employment legislation and internal policies.

What we're looking for

Experience

• 5+ years of HR experience in a generalist, HRBP, or employee relations role.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, industrial, or other operational environments.
• Strong employee relations experience and confidence managing complex people matters.
• Experience partnering with managers and leaders in a fast-paced business environment.
• Experience working in an international and matrix organization is an advantage.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of German employment legislation and employee relations practices.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Strong coaching, communication, and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to balance business priorities with employee needs.
• Strong problem-solving and change management capabilities.
• Ability to work independently across multiple locations.

Languages

• Fluent German and English.
• Additional European language skills are a plus.
• Broad and varied HR role with significant exposure to operational leadership.
• Opportunity to support multiple manufacturing locations and business stakeholders.
• Combination of strategic HR business partnering and hands‑on employee relations work.
• Strong visibility within the Supply Chain organization.
• Opportunity to contribute to engagement, talent, and culture initiatives that make a real business impact.
• Collaborative international environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Location

Cologne area, Germany, with regular travel to operational sites as required.