Head of Human Resources

About the jobPacific International Recruitment is an executive search firm with over 25 years of experience in placing specialists and executives. With our headquarters in London and additional locations in Düsseldorf and Philadelphia, we provide targeted support to our clients and candidates across EMEA, APAC, and the USA.We have partnered with a global manufacturing leader in building and industrial materials, to support their human resources and operational excellence goals. With a strong international presence, the company is leading the industry in innovative solutions, with their high-performance products being exported globally.The HR Leader DACH, Country & Plant (m/f/d) will be in leading a unique dual-role capacity, supporting both the regional business and their primary German manufacturing facility. This position combines Country HR leadership across Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with Plant HR leadership for their primary German site. The role is weighted primarily towards Country HR responsibilities (approximately 60%), partnering with commercial, corporate, customer care and supply chain leaders across DACH, while also serving as the HR Leader for their primary German manufacturing plant (approximately 40%). Ensuring a balance between two distinct operating environments, the HR Leader for DACH will influence and partner at various levels a complex matrix organisation, whilst providing visible, hands-on HR leadership within a manufacturing setting.Key ResponsibilitiesBuilding Organisational Capability: Partner with business and plant leaders to identify organisational capability gaps, drive workforce planning initiatives and lead organisational change initiatives.Supporting operational excellence: align people strategies with manufacturing and business performance objectives. Support continuous improvement initiatives, using workforce data and people insights to identify opportunities for improvement, across the DACH region.Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team: Lead talent review and succession planning processes across the DACH region, partnering with leaders to identify critical roles. Support the development of internal talent through targeted career development and readiness planning activities.Supporting organisational effectiveness across DACH: Serve as the strategic HR partner to leaders across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Support commercial, supply chain, customer care and corporate functions. Influence and collaborate within a complex matrix organisation.Governance, Compliance & Risk Management: Provide expert guidance on employee relations, labour relations, organisational design and change management to support business performance and employee engagement.Skills and QualificationsSenior HR Leadership Experience: Proven track record in a HR Leadership at plant level.Labour and employment law expertise: Strong knowledge of German labour and employment law.Labour relations expertise: Proven experience in employee relations and labour relations, alongside experience within Work Council and unionised environments.Strategic & Hands-On Leadership: Experience operating within matrix organisations, supporting organisational change and transformation initiatives.Team Leadership & Development: Experience leading multidisciplinary, geographically diverse teams, fostering professional growth and high engagement.Stakeholder Management: Skilled in collaborating with senior leaders, business units, and external partners to deliver impactful solutions.Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication in both German and English, capable of engaging local teams and international stakeholders.For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact sophia.minns@pacific-international.com to schedule an initial call.About Pacific International Executive Search:Pacific International, a globally recognized retained executive search firm, is dedicated to empowering Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and high-growth enterprises in building exceptional C-suite, senior-level, and strategic leadership teams while championing diversity and inclusion. Our adaptability, agility, and forward-thinking ethos distinguish us in the ever-evolving business landscape. Since 1997, we have been dedicated to building lasting client partnerships based on trust and reliability, and a proven track record of successful C-suite and mid- to senior-level leadership project delivery across many key industries globally.PACIFIC DIVERSITY STATEMENT:At Pacific International, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and we proudly champion diversity on behalf of our clients in every Executive Search mandate we undertake. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. In pursuit of these objectives, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.