At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teams across Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland in HR operations and employee lifecycle.
- Company: Join a global tech company shaping the future of branded payments.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and hybrid working.
- Why this job: Be a trusted advisor and make a real impact on employee experience.
- Qualifications: Fluent German speaker with 4+ years in HR roles and strong employment law knowledge.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for continuous learning and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Contract type: Permanent contract
Work location: Hybrid – 2 days per week in the office in Hemel Hempstead, UK
Working hours: 35 hours per week
Reports to: VP, Talent Management (US based)
We are seeking a fluent German-speaking HR Business Partner to support our teams across Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. This role acts as a trusted advisor to both employees and leaders, delivering comprehensive HR support throughout the full employee lifecycle. You will oversee operational HR activities, employee relations, recruitment, compliance, and wellbeing initiatives, while building strong stakeholder relationships. As part of Blackhawk Network’s global HR Talent Management team, you will also identify opportunities to enhance HR processes and contribute to the organisation’s continued growth.
Essential: Fluent German speaker with excellent knowledge of current German employment law.
Responsibilities
- HR Operations & Employee Lifecycle
- First point of contact for employees and managers throughout the employee lifecycle
- Manage onboarding, offboarding, contracts, amendments, and official documentation
- Administer absence (TimeButler) and working hours (TimeMoto) systems
- Monitor probation periods and maintain accurate personnel files
- Collaborate with Swiss HR consultant and German Works Council on compliance matters
- Review and file monthly working time sheets for Switzerland
- HR Partnership
- Align HR actions with business strategy to meet organizational objectives
- Advise managers on employee relations, performance management, disciplinary actions, grievances, and flexible working arrangements
- Coach leaders on best practices aligned with legal requirements and global policies
- Support people objectives through analytics (iHawk, Power BI)
- HR Programs & Initiatives
- Contribute to Performance Management, Employee Engagement, Organizational Redesign, and Change Management programs
- Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and employee experience
- Lead wellbeing initiatives and events
- Payroll & Finance Interface
- Serve as primary HR contact for external payroll providers
- Communicate salary adjustments, absences, contractual changes, joiners, and leavers
- Ensure accurate, timely data transfer to payroll and Finance teams
- Talent Acquisition
- Coordinate DACH recruitment activities with international TA team
- Support hiring managers from advertising through offer stage
- Advise on local requirements for contracts, start dates, and onboarding
- Compliance & Health/Safety
- Develop and maintain company policies ensuring legislative compliance
- Coordinate occupational health and safety in Germany, including ASA meetings and preventive care programs
Required Qualifications
- +4 years in HR Advisor/Business Partner role
- Fluent German and English
- Strong knowledge of German employment law and Works Council collaboration
- Proficiency in HR systems (SAP) and Microsoft Office
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
- Ability to manage priorities in a geographically dispersed team
- High attention to detail
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Power BI, TimeButler, and TimeMoto
- Global tech company experience
Core Competencies
- Customer service orientation with collaborative, growth mindset
- Adaptability in fast-paced environments
- Hands-on team player comfortable in cross-functional settings
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
We seek candidates who not only demonstrate curiosity and adaptability in emerging technologies but have also successfully implemented and utilized AI tools to enhance their work, improve processes, or deliver measurable results. Our teams embrace continuous learning and the thoughtful integration of AI to create meaningful impact – for our employees and the future of work.
Benefits
- Work-Life Balance: 25 days annual leave, birthday time off, and volunteering leave.
- Health & Well-being: Private medical insurance, employee assistance program, enhanced parental leave, and free eye tests.
- Financial Rewards: Group income protection, pension scheme, and exclusive discounts with our bYond/one4all cards.
- Flexibility & Engagement: Hybrid working, office group activities, and support for physical and mental health.
- Recognition: Participate in Flyers, our leading recognition program with financial rewards.
Candidate Journey at BHN
- Stage 1: Shortlisting of suitable candidates
- Stage 2: Screening Call
- Stage 3: Interview(s) with Hiring Manager(s)
- Stage 4: Feedback/Hired
Join us and be part of a company that’s shaping the future of branded payments. Apply today and take the next step in your career!
HR Business Partner I (German Speaking) employer: Blackhawk Network (BHN) Europe
Contact Detail:
Blackhawk Network (BHN) Europe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner I (German Speaking)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. This can give us insider info about the company culture and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common HR scenarios and how you’d handle them. We want to show that we’re not just knowledgeable but also ready to tackle real-life challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your German! Since this role requires fluency, brush up on your language skills, especially HR-related vocabulary. It’ll help us stand out during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and show our enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate our interest!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner I (German Speaking)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Business Partner role. Highlight your experience in employee lifecycle management and your knowledge of German employment law. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your fluency in German and any relevant HR systems you’ve worked with.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: We value interpersonal skills just as much as technical know-how. In your application, highlight your customer service orientation and ability to collaborate across teams. Share examples that demonstrate your adaptability and problem-solving skills!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackhawk Network (BHN) Europe
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of German employment law and HR best practices. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a fluent speaker, but also a knowledgeable HR professional.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed employee relations or implemented HR initiatives. This will help demonstrate your hands-on experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities of the HR Business Partner role.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research Blackhawk Network and its values. Be ready to discuss how your approach to HR can support their goals and enhance employee engagement. Showing that you understand their culture will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, current HR challenges, and how they measure success in this role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.