HR Director Germany

Job Description

Head of Human Resources - Elsevier Germany Do you have a strong functional HR generalist background and are you ready to take your career to the next level? Are you a trusted and reliable business partner who is not afraid to take leadership and drive change within a multinational and dynamic environment? Then you are Elsevier’s next Head of Human Resources in Germany! Elsevier Germany is hiring an experienced and dedicated Head of Human Resources . In this role, you will be leading the HR function at Elsevier Germany (Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin ca. 250 FTE). will build and maintain relationships at all levels of a highly matrixed and international organization and collaborate with HR Directors and Business Partners globally. You will be responsible for delivering a service which aligns business and functional objectives within the respective business units and ensuring regulatory compliance with German industrial institution law. Furthermore, you will offer responsive, proactive, trusted in-country advice and support on all HR-related matters from the attraction, development, retention, engagement and management of the local workforce, and act as a change agent. In addition, you will take ownership in developing local HR policies and practices (in compliance with local legislation) together with the respective Centers of Excellence to ensure all local employees have a consistent, positive HR experience and a "go-to" HR person. This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who has extensive experience working on various HR projects and organizational development and enjoys collaborating with HR stakeholders on a global level. If you are looking to drive change and ensure best HR practices within an inclusive and dynamic work environment, then this is your next career step. You will be based in Frankfurt and report to the EMEALA HR Director, collaborating closely with HR Directors and Business Partners globally and managing two direct reports. Your responsibilities

• Identify and influence the development of HR policies and processes to ensure they meet the needs of the business and are communicated effectively, provide HR policy guidance and interpretation
• Partner with management in HR planning and HR strategy execution and enhancing organizational effectiveness
• Lead country-related HR projects in close collaboration with Global HR Business Partners and Centers of Excellence
• Continuously review and improve HR organization and processes in order to drive organizational efficiencies
• Work with Global HR Business Partners to develop and execute organizational change initiatives in a proactive and aligned way, ensuring consistent implementation and legal requirements are met
• Facilitate and implement the people management aspects of organizational change, including professional advice to line management, individual consultation, provision of out-placement support, works council negotiation and selection activities
• Help to strike an appropriate balance between achieving the business goals and managing emotional reactions to change
• Positively impact employee morale through effective internal communication
• Ensure delivery of front and back office administration of HR policies, procedures and programs (including contract administration)
• Manage a team of 2 direct reports (HR Manager Elsevier GmbH in Munich, HR specialist with focus on payroll in Frankfurt)

What you should bring

• University degree in Human Resources, Legal, Organization & Behavior or similar
• 10+ years of experience in an HR Generalist or HR Business Partner role
• Strong functional experience within a multinational matrix organization, preferably within Life Sciences, Pharma, Research or similar
• Profound and up-to-date knowledge of the German labor law and the Works Constitution Act
• Proven to take leadership in managing projects, organizational changes and development
• Proven interest in progressive HR practices, trends and legal changes
• Highly self-organized and self-directed, with excellent time management skills to handle competing priorities
• Excellent computer skills and HRIS knowledge (MS Office, Peoplesoft, Workday)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in German and English

What we offer We welcome you to a truly global, dynamic and challenging environment with great opportunities to develop yourself. Elsevier’s benefits are very competitive, and the summary below will give you an idea of the kind of things you can expect when joining Elsevier in Germany.

• A long-term full-time position based in Frankfurt
• A dynamic, flexible and inclusive work environment
• Opportunity to engage and take leadership in various HR projects and changes
• Career path in an international environment
• Competitive salary
• Annual incentive plan
• Company car (optional)

An assessment or business case could be part of our selection procedure.