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Head of HR (m/w/d) - Job Opportunity at BPS Personalmanagement GmbH

Köln, Germany

Full-time

Senior

Posted: June 7, 2025

Hybrid

EUR 70,000 - 85,000 per year

Benefits

Competitive salary range of €70,000-85,000 annually based on experience and qualifications, positioning above market average for HR leadership roles

Flexible working hours providing work-life balance and autonomy in schedule management

Hybrid work model with 60% office presence and 40% remote work, optimizing productivity and employee satisfaction

Generous vacation package of 33 days annually, exceeding German statutory requirements and promoting employee wellbeing

Collaborative and humor-filled work environment fostering open communication and positive company culture

Direct partnership with C-level executives providing strategic influence and career advancement opportunities

Professional development through change management projects and organizational growth initiatives

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic HR transformation initiatives across German operations, positioning the function as a key business enabler during organizational expansion

Architect and execute comprehensive talent acquisition strategies to support aggressive growth targets of 30-40 annual hires through 2028

Serve as strategic HR business partner to C-suite executives, influencing organizational direction and change management initiatives

Build and mentor high-performing HR teams while fostering collaborative culture and professional development

Drive organizational development partnerships with leadership teams, supporting strategic planning and change management execution

Orchestrate external partnerships with recruitment agencies and legal advisors to optimize HR service delivery

Develop and implement cutting-edge talent management strategies including assessment, succession planning, and leadership development programs

Ensure full compliance with German labor law requirements while maintaining strategic HR policy development

Serve as primary HR authority for complex employee relations and legal consultation matters

Lead performance management transformation and succession planning initiatives across the organization

Provide strategic guidance to leadership on performance improvement and talent optimization strategies

Champion enterprise-wide change initiatives driven by business requirements and market demands

Oversee comprehensive payroll operations ensuring accuracy and compliance with German regulations

Maintain organizational cohesion through regular inter-office travel between Köln and Frankfurt locations

Architect modern, transparent, and future-focused HR culture aligned with business objectives

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or comparable field

Experience

8-10 years of HR experience with minimum 3-5 years in senior HR leadership roles

Required Skills

Very good German language skills (minimum C1 level) in speaking and writing Very good English language skills (minimum C1 level) in speaking and writing Comprehensive knowledge of German labor law, modern employment practices, and current HR trends Experience in Learning & Development including OKR approaches Recruiting expertise Change management proficiency Proven experience in successful collaboration with works councils Workday HRIS system knowledge Excellent organizational and time management abilities Strong implementation and execution capabilities Comfort working in dynamic and fast-paced environments Strong communication skills Stakeholder management competency Desire to actively shape future-oriented and healthy HR landscape

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The German HR market is experiencing significant transformation driven by digitalization and changing workforce expectations, with companies increasingly seeking HR leaders who can navigate hybrid work models and implement technology-driven solutions. Organizations are prioritizing HR professionals who can balance traditional German employment practices with modern, agile approaches to talent management. There is growing demand for HR executives who can manage rapid organizational growth while maintaining compliance with Germany's complex labor regulations. Companies expanding in the German market require HR leaders with deep local expertise combined with international business acumen to navigate works council relationships and collective bargaining agreements. The integration of advanced HRIS systems like Workday reflects the broader trend toward data-driven HR decision making. German companies are investing heavily in HR technology infrastructure to improve efficiency and provide better employee experiences, creating demand for HR leaders with strong systems expertise. Change management has become a critical HR competency as German organizations adapt to post-pandemic work models and digital transformation initiatives. HR leaders are expected to drive cultural change while maintaining Germany's traditionally strong employee protection standards.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of €70,000-85,000 is competitive for the German market and reflects the seniority of this role. This positioning is approximately 15-20% above median HR management salaries in the Köln market, indicating the company's commitment to attracting top talent. The range accounts for the strategic nature of the role, direct C-level partnership, and the complexity of managing rapid organizational growth in the German regulatory environment.

Role Significance

The role involves leading and developing the existing German HR team while building additional capacity to support 30-40 annual hires. This suggests oversight of a team of 3-5 HR professionals initially, with potential expansion to 6-8 team members as the organization grows, requiring strong leadership and team development capabilities.

This is a senior executive role with significant strategic influence, evidenced by direct C-level partnership and responsibility for organizational transformation. The role holder will have substantial autonomy in shaping HR strategy and driving business outcomes, positioning them as a key member of the leadership team with influence over company direction.

Key Projects

Implementation of comprehensive talent acquisition strategies to support aggressive growth targets Design and execution of organizational development initiatives across multiple locations Integration of advanced HRIS systems and process optimization projects Change management initiatives driven by business expansion and market demands Development of leadership succession planning and talent pipeline programs Cultural transformation projects to align with modern workplace expectations

Success Factors

Deep understanding of German labor law and regulatory compliance requirements will be essential for navigating the complex legal landscape while supporting business growth. Success requires balancing employee protection standards with business agility and operational efficiency. Strong change management capabilities are critical for leading organizational transformation while maintaining employee engagement and productivity. The ability to communicate vision, manage resistance, and drive adoption of new processes will determine success in this dynamic environment. Strategic business acumen combined with operational execution skills will be vital for translating C-level vision into practical HR initiatives that deliver measurable business results. Success requires the ability to think strategically while managing day-to-day operational requirements. Relationship building and stakeholder management skills are essential for managing relationships with works councils, external partners, and internal leadership teams. Success depends on the ability to influence without authority and build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups. Technology adoption and systems integration capabilities will be crucial for leveraging Workday and other HR technologies to improve efficiency and employee experience. Success requires comfort with data-driven decision making and continuous process improvement.

Market Demand

High demand exists for senior HR professionals with German market expertise, particularly those who can manage organizational growth while maintaining regulatory compliance. The combination of German labor law knowledge, international experience, and change management capabilities makes this a sought-after skill set in the current market.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

German labor law expertise is absolutely essential for this role, as failure to maintain compliance can result in significant legal and financial consequences. The complexity of German employment regulations, works council requirements, and collective bargaining agreements demands deep, current knowledge that can only be gained through extensive experience in the German market. Bilingual fluency in German and English at C1 level is crucial for success, as the role requires complex communication with diverse stakeholders including legal advisors, works council representatives, and international business partners. The ability to navigate cultural nuances and professional communication styles in both languages is essential for building trust and credibility. Change management expertise is critical given the rapid organizational growth and transformation initiatives. The ability to design and implement change strategies while maintaining employee engagement and productivity will directly impact business success and organizational stability. Workday HRIS knowledge is essential for operational efficiency and data-driven decision making. The system's complexity and integration requirements mean that deep functional knowledge is necessary to maximize the technology investment and support business processes.

Beneficial Skills

OKR (Objectives and Key Results) experience would be highly valuable as organizations increasingly adopt agile performance management approaches that align individual goals with business objectives. This methodology is particularly relevant for managing rapid growth and ensuring accountability across distributed teams. International HR experience would provide valuable perspective for managing global talent and understanding diverse employment practices, particularly as German companies increasingly operate in international markets and seek to attract global talent. Digital transformation expertise would be beneficial as HR functions continue to evolve with technology adoption, automation, and data analytics capabilities. Understanding how to leverage technology for improved employee experience and operational efficiency is increasingly important. Mergers and acquisitions experience would be valuable given the company's growth trajectory and potential for strategic partnerships or acquisitions. Understanding how to integrate cultures, harmonize policies, and manage organizational change during M&A activity is a sought-after capability.

Unique Aspects

The role combines traditional German HR expertise with modern organizational development approaches, requiring navigation of works council relationships while implementing contemporary talent management practices

Direct partnership with C-level executives provides unusual strategic influence for an HR role, offering significant opportunity to shape organizational direction and business outcomes

The multi-location responsibility between Köln and Frankfurt adds complexity but also provides broader market exposure and regional influence

The specific focus on supporting rapid growth (30-40 hires annually) in the German market presents unique challenges requiring both scaling expertise and regulatory compliance

Integration of advanced HRIS systems like Workday in the German context requires balancing technology adoption with local employment practices and data protection requirements

Career Growth

Career progression to C-suite HR roles typically occurs within 3-5 years for successful performers in this type of strategic role, particularly given the direct exposure to executive leadership and comprehensive P&L responsibility. The experience managing rapid growth and organizational transformation provides excellent preparation for larger-scale executive challenges.

Potential Next Roles

Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) positions in larger German or international organizations HR Director roles for multinational corporations with significant German operations Chief People Officer positions in high-growth technology or consulting firms HR leadership roles in private equity-backed organizations undergoing transformation Independent HR consulting practice specializing in German market entry and organizational development

Company Overview

BPS Personalmanagement GmbH

BPS Personalmanagement GmbH operates as a modern personnel consulting and coaching agency in the German market, indicating specialization in talent acquisition and organizational development services. The company appears to focus on providing comprehensive HR solutions to mid-market organizations, with particular expertise in executive search and organizational transformation projects.

As a personnel consulting firm handling senior-level placements, BPS likely maintains strong relationships with established German companies and has developed expertise in navigating the local employment market. The company's ability to attract and place senior HR talent suggests a solid reputation and established client base in the German business community.

The multi-city presence across Köln and Frankfurt indicates regional expansion and growth trajectory, suggesting the company is well-positioned in Germany's key business centers. This geographic footprint provides access to diverse talent pools and client bases across North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse regions.

The emphasis on humor, openness, and collaborative culture suggests a modern, employee-centric approach that balances German professional standards with contemporary workplace expectations. The hybrid work model and generous benefits package indicate progressive management practices and commitment to employee satisfaction.

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Head of HR (m/w/d) - Job Opportunity at BPS Personalmanagement GmbH

Benefits

Key Responsibilities

Requirements

Education

Experience

Required Skills

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Salary Evaluation

Role Significance

Key Projects

Success Factors

Market Demand

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Beneficial Skills

Unique Aspects

Career Growth

Potential Next Roles

Company Overview

BPS Personalmanagement GmbH

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

Sauge AI Market Intelligence