German HR Operations Intern - Onboarding & Payroll

3e group; Germany (OH); On-site; Full time

Job description

About 3E:

3E is a mission-driven company dedicated to creating a safer and more sustainable world. We offer award-winning regulatory intelligence and AI solutions to help organizations protect people and products. With over 35 years of experience and a global presence, we empower our customers with innovative compliance solutions.

You will get to work at a company that combines startup agility with the stability of an industry leader. Partner with enterprise customers and global experts to advance environmental safety and solve complex data science challenges.

Join us and make an impact!

About the Role

Ready to turn your classroom knowledge into real-world HR experience? Join 3E's EMEA HR Operations team and gain hands‑on experience supporting employees across Germany while working in a collaborative, international environment.

This is a full‑time internship designed for senior university students or recent graduates who are looking to build a career in Human Resources. Based in our Markdorf office, you'll work alongside experienced HR professionals supporting every stage of the employee lifecycle, from onboarding and employee administration to payroll coordination and HR operations. You'll communicate with employees and managers in German, prepare German‑language employment documentation, and help ensure compliance with German employment requirements.

Beyond day‑to‑day HR support, you'll play an important role in improving how our team works. You'll research German HR topics, create and maintain documentation and Standard Operating Procedures, and help build a knowledge base that enables our HR team to deliver consistent, high‑quality support. We encourage the use of AI‑enabled tools such as Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT to support research, documentation, and productivity while applying sound judgment and protecting confidential information.

We're looking for someone who is naturally curious, highly organized, eager to learn, and excited to take ownership of meaningful work. This internship combines hands‑on HR administration with opportunities to improve processes, document best practices, and contribute to initiatives that strengthen our HR Operations team.

Internship Duration: Approximately 6 Months

Location: Office based in Markdorf, Germany

What You'll Do

• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding activities for employees in Germany.
• Prepare German‑language employment contracts, amendments, reference letters, confirmations, and employee communications.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HR documentation in compliance with German employment regulations.
• Respond to employee and manager HR inquiries in German and provide timely, customer‑focused support.
• Assist with HR case management, payroll coordination, benefits administration, and time and attendance activities.
• Support compliance with German employment laws, statutory leave, insurance, and other HR administration processes.
• Research HR topics and document processes to improve consistency, knowledge sharing, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with HR Operations, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and external vendors to support an exceptional employee experience.
• Support additional HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives as needed.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Currently pursuing or recently completed studies in Human Resources, Business Administration, Law, or a related field.
• Native or near‑native (C2) German language skills are required.
• Professional working proficiency in English.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated initiative through internships, student employment, volunteer work, leadership activities, or other experiences where you've taken ownership and managed responsibilities independently.
• Basic understanding of labor law, employment practices, and HR administration through coursework or previous internships.
• Interest in payroll, benefits administration, and employee services.
• Comfortable learning and using AI‑enabled tools such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot.
• Curious, customer‑focused, and excited to learn in a fast‑paced, international environment.

Disclosures:

3E is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. 3E is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on any legally protected categories. For applicants who would like to request accommodation, please contact us here.

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