Head of HR

Aenova Group; Milano; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Aenova Group is seeking a Head of HR for the Carugate site near Milan, Italy. The role oversees all human resources activities for about 200 employees and ensures HR strategies align with operational goals.

This on-site leadership position requires a strong presence and close collaboration across departments. You will lead recruitment, onboarding, payroll coordination, compliance with labor laws and collective agreements, monitor HR KPIs, manage relations with unions, and drive training,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in HR, Law, Business Admin, or related field
• 5–7+ years of HR experience, preferably in manufacturing
• Proven industrial relations and union experience
• Strong knowledge of labor law and HR administration
• Experience with HRIS and Microsoft Office; payroll familiarity
• Experience in multinational or structured companies
• Fluency in English; on-site presence in Italy

Responsibilities

• Oversee all HR activities for plant (≈200 employees) aligning HR with business goals
• Lead recruitment for blue-, white-, and middle-management roles
• Manage payroll coordination with external providers or HQ
• Ensure compliance with labor laws, policies, and collective agreements
• Monitor HR KPIs (turnover, absenteeism, productivity)
• Develop onboarding and training programs
• Collaborate with unions and employee representatives; participate in negotiations
• Promote employee engagement and wellbeing; support audits and HSE compliance

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Labor law

Payroll familiarity

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in HR or related field

Tools

HRIS systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Head of HR

for the site Carugate MI, Italy

Would you like to make a valuable contribution to the health of patients? And do something really meaningful on your own responsibility? Then we look forward to hearing from you! Excellence beyond manufacturing - that's what we stand for as Aenova, one of the world's leading contract manufacturers and developers for the pharmaceutical industry with 4,000 employees at 15 sites. Our site in Carugate is a competence center for semisolids, these include creams and gels.

Your key responsibilities

The Head of HR is responsible for overseeing and developing all human resources activities within the plant (approximately 200 employees), ensuring alignment between HR strategies and operational, organizational, and business objectives. The role requires a strong on-site presence and close collaboration with all departments.

• Oversee all personnel administration processes (time & attendance, contracts, payroll coordination with external providers or HQ)
• Ensure compliance with labor laws, company policies, and collective agreements
• Monitor and analyze HR KPIs (turnover, absenteeism, overtime, productivity)
• Manage relationships with employee representatives and unions
• Participate in negotiations and union meetings
• Proactively manage conflicts and labor disputes
• Lead recruitment processes for blue-collar, white-collar, and middle management roles
• Coordinate onboarding and induction programs
• Manage relationships with staffing agencies and external partners
• Identify training needs in collaboration with line managers
• Plan and monitor technical and soft skills training programs
• Support performance management and talent development processes
• Support line managers in team management and people-related topics
• Promote employee engagement and well-being initiatives
• Manage employee surveys and follow-up action plans
• Collaborate with HSE to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
• Promote a strong safety culture across the plant
• Support internal and external audits and ensure HR compliance

Your profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Law, Business Administration, or related fields
• 5–7+ years of experience in HR roles, preferably in manufacturing environments
• Proven experience in industrial relations and unionized environments
• Strong knowledge of labor law and HR administration
• Experience with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office
• Familiarity with payroll processes
• Experience in multinational or structured companies
• Fluency in English
• Strong leadership and influencing skills
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities
• Problem-solving mindset and results orientation
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, operational environments

Your motivation

Are you looking for new challenges in a highly competitive environment? And you want to tackle them creativelyand on your own responsibility? Do you prefer a "get-it-done" culture and think in terms of solutions ratherthan problems? What are you waiting for? We would be happy to explain our corporate benefits in a personalconversation!

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