Head of People Operations Germany (m/f/d)

Bauer Media Group • Hamburg, IA

33d

About The Position

The Head of People Operations is responsible for the day-to-day oversight and delivery of People Services (administration) and Payroll for Germany, ensuring operational excellence across multiple Lines of Business (LoBs). This role focuses on continuously improving processes, systems, and employee experience while maintaining compliance and efficiency. As part of the Global People Operations Leadership Team — alongside other Heads of People Operations, the People Technology Director, and the People Data and Analytics Senior Manager — this position plays a key role in shaping and executing the global operations strategy locally.Key stakeholders include Country and LoB People Business Partners/Directors, Finance and Procurement teams, as well as the People Technology, People Data and Analytics, Talent, Total Rewards, and Performance Management teams.

Requirements

• Proven experience managing People operations and payroll in a complex, multi-LoB environment.
• Strong knowledge of HRIS systems (SuccessFactors preferred), payroll, and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and stakeholder management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a fast-paced, matrixed organisation.
• Previous involvement in People transformation or process improvement projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end delivery of People Services for Germany, including administrative activities, payroll, and related processes.
• Ensure operational processes are documented, efficient, compliant with local regulations, and aligned with global standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and employee experience.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for all employees.
• Maintain compliance with local tax, employment, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee People administration activities, including employee lifecycle transactions and benefits coordination.
• Identify and implement opportunities to streamline workflows and improve operational efficiency at a global level with a local lens.
• Collaborate with peers to share best practices and harmonise processes where possible.
• Lead, coach, and develop the People Operations team to deliver high-quality, service-oriented support.
• Directly manage a People Services Manager or Team Lead, a Payroll Manager or Team Lead, and a Continuous Improvement team or individual contributor.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Act as the primary operational contact for Country and LoB People Business Partners/Directors.
• Partner with Finance, Procurement, and global People teams (Talent, Total Rewards, Performance Management, People Technology and People Data and Analytics) to ensure alignment and effective service delivery.
• Serve as the escalation point for operational People issues.
• Lead or contribute to country-level and global People transformation initiatives.
• Support implementation of new systems, processes, and policies to improve operational effectiveness.

Benefits

• Individual solutions for the flexible organisation of working hours and location
• Targeted and individual training for your professional and personal development
• A central location in Hamburg's city centre with good transport options (bus & train)
• Subsidy for Deutschlandticket & bike leasing
• Effective health management (e.g. health week, free sports programmes & Wellhub)
• 30 days of holiday & frequent events for employees
• Company restaurant, free magazines & various discounts via corporate benefits
• A culture in which personal responsibility, teamwork and creativity are valued and you have room for creativity and for exciting and challenging tasks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed