Senior HR Operations Lead DACH, Cologne (DE)

Our client is a leading global company in the premium lifestyle and cosmetics industry, headquartered in the Netherlands. With a presence in over 30 countries and a strong focus on sustainability, they employ thousands of people worldwide and continue to achieve impressive growth. They are seeking a Senior HR Operations Lead for the DACH region to drive operational excellence and align regional HR practices with the company’s global strategy. This role is pivotal in ensuring compliance with labour laws and optimising HR processes while partnering with senior leadership to enhance organisational effectiveness in a dynamic environment.

Reporting directly to the Head of Global HR Operations and indirectly to the Head of HR DACH, this position will lead a team of 14 HR professionals, including specialists, payrollers, and a business support lead. Key partners include Area and Store Managers, external HR partners, and global HR functions. In this role, the Senior HR Operations Lead will drive operational excellence across the employee lifecycle, ensure compliance with DACH labour laws, and optimise HR processes while fostering a culture of accountability and professional growth.

This individual should have at least eight years of HR operations experience, with a strong background in leadership roles and exposure to high-volume, dynamic industries such as retail, hospitality, or F&B. This individual must demonstrate expertise in HR systems like Workday, Quinix, and SAP/ADP, along with a solid understanding of labour laws in the DACH region. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills are essential, as is the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Must be adept at managing high turnover and the complexity of supporting a large and dynamic workforce, including thousands of seasonal hires annually.