Senior Manager, Human Resources

VSE Aviation; Hamburg; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace firm based in Germany seeks a Senior Manager, Human Resources to provide strategic HR leadership across Germany and other international locations. The ideal candidate will have extensive HR experience, strong knowledge of German labor laws, and proven skills in employee engagement and compliance. Responsibilities include managing talent acquisition, overseeing payroll and benefits processes, and driving organizational effectiveness through partnerships with business leaders. This is a key role for someone with a strategic mindset and experience in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 8 years of relevant work experience with at least 4 years in leadership.
• Proven experience as an HR manager in Germany.
• Strong knowledge of German labor laws and regulations.
• Payroll and timekeeping experience required.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR partnership across Germany and international locations.
• Oversee HR operations processes including payroll and benefits.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws across Germany.
• Manage talent acquisition and workforce planning.
• Lead employee relations efforts and conflict resolution.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

HRIS proficiency

Fluent in German

Fluent in English

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or Business Administration

Master's Degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Senior Manager, Human Resources is the primary HR leader based on-site in Germany, providing strategic and hands-on HR leadership for employees across Germany and other countries in Europe and Asia. This role partners with business leaders to drive organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, and talent strategies while ensuring compliant, consistent HR operations across multiple countries. The position also oversees key operational activities including payroll coordination, vendor relationships, and office operations to support business continuity and growth.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & HR Business Partnership

• Serve as the senior HR partner for Germany and assigned international locations, advising leaders on people strategy and organizational priorities.
• Lead and coach managers on performance, leadership effectiveness, employee engagement, and change management.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, mentoring, and direction to HR and administrative support resources, ensuring consistent service delivery across countries.

Talent & Workforce Management

• Lead end-to-end talent acquisition and onboarding across supported countries, ensuring a high-quality candidate and new-hire experience.
• Drive workforce planning, role design support, and talent development initiatives aligned to business needs.
• Partner with leaders to strengthen performance management practices and build team capability.

Employee Relations & Compliance

• Lead employee relations efforts, including performance issues, investigations, conflict resolution, and corrective action, ensuring fair and consistent outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws and HR requirements across Germany and supported international locations; coordinate with legal/HR partners as needed.
• Maintain and implement HR policies and practices that support a compliant and positive employee experience.

Payroll, Benefits & HR Operations

• Oversee HR operations processes including payroll administration coordination, benefits support, timekeeping practices, and HRIS/record accuracy.
• Support compensation and benefits processes in alignment with local market practices and legal requirements.
• Ensure accurate reporting, documentation, and audit readiness for HR-related processes.
• Lead the HR side of Health and Safety initiatives for international locations.
• Oversee office operations and vendor partnerships to support a safe, productive, and professional work environment.
• Manage local vendor relationships and contracts tied to HR/office needs (as applicable), ensuring service quality and cost effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 8 years of relevant/technical work experience and minimum 4 years of leadership experience or an additional 3 years of specific work experience in lieu of a degree.
• Proven experience as an HR manager or similar role in Germany.
• Strong knowledge of German labor laws and regulations.
• Payroll knowledge and timekeeping experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to align HR initiatives with business goals.
• Proficiency in HRIS and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
• Fluent in German and English languages.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities.

Preferred requirements

• Master's Degree.
• 10+ years of Human Resources Experience.
• Experience in aerospace related industry.
• Certification in HR (e.g., SPHRi, PHRi, or CIPD).