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

Job Purpose

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.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• 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.

Payroll and People Services

• 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.

Process Optimisation and Continuous Improvement

• 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.

Leadership and Team Development

• 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.

Stakeholder Engagement

• 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.

Projects and Change Management

• Lead or contribute to country-level and global People transformation initiatives.
• Support implementation of new systems, processes, and policies to improve operational effectiveness.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential:

• 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.

Preferred:

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

Key Competencies

• Operational Excellence
• Leadership and People Development
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Continuous Improvement
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Change Management

Location:

Hamburg

Start Date:

As soon as possible

About Us

We are a media business focused on creating content that matters to millions of people across Europe. Our offering extends from print and online publishing to audio broadcasting and entertainment, alongside investments in other media related sectors. With more than 500 million copies sold each year, we are one of Europe’s largest Publishers. From women’s and celebrities’ magazines to TV listings to food and special interest, we own some of the most popular publishing brands in Germany, UK, Poland and France – both digital and print. But not only that. Reaching over 61 million listeners weekly, we operate over 150 radio and podcast brands in nine countries, spanning the UK, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Portugal. Family-owned in the 5th generation, Bauer Media focuses on the long-term, with a consumer-first mindset that guides us across our diverse portfolio. Our workforce of 12,000 shares a common purpose: to deliver content and services that enrich people‘s everyday lives.

We want to inspire not only our customers, we also want to inspire our colleagues. How? By giving you the opportunity to take on responsibility and by offering you a long-term perspective.
 

You can also benefit from our attractive offers:

• 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
  

If you are looking for an independent position and would like to enrich our existing team with fresh impulses, we look forward to receiving your complete application documents.

Your contact for this position is Kieron (Freigang).

We are an international employer and equal opportunities are important to us. That's why we welcome everyone in their uniqueness, regardless of e.g. religion, gender, skin color, disability in our house.

Hamburg, HH, DE, 20077