At a Glance
- Tasks: Support employees and managers with HR queries and maintain accurate records.
- Company: Global leader in photonics, fostering innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a fast-paced, international setting.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real difference in employee experiences.
- Qualifications: Fluent in English and German, with HR operations experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Description
Coherent is a global leader in photonics, developing advanced laser, optical and materials technologies that enable semiconductor manufacturing, AI infrastructure, advanced communications and precision industrial applications worldwide.
In Scotland, our teams combine engineering expertise, advanced manufacturing and collaborative innovation to develop, manufacture and support high-performance laser and ultrafast laser systems for demanding industrial and scientific applications worldwide.
The Role
As an HR Operations Specialist (German Speaking), you will be one of the first points of contact for employees and managers across EMEA and North America.
You will provide accurate, responsive and confidential HR support throughout the employee lifecycle—from answering everyday HR queries to processing employee changes and maintaining accurate records.
Based in Glasgow (3 days onsite) and reporting to the Senior Manager, HR Shared Services, you will join a collaborative global team and help deliver an exceptional employee experience across multiple countries and cultures.
This is a hybrid position that will include shift coverage to support our North American operations.
What you will be doing...
- Receive, record and manage employee and manager queries through our HR case-management system.
- Provide first-line support on HR policies, benefits, processes and general employee questions.
- Take ownership of assigned cases, ensuring they are resolved accurately and within agreed service levels.
- Escalate complex matters to specialist HR teams or Centres of Excellence, providing a clear and complete handover.
- Process employee lifecycle transactions, including employee data changes, contracts and benefits updates.
- Validate information carefully to prevent payroll, benefits or compliance issues.
- Maintain accurate and confidential employee records within our HR systems.
- Handle sensitive employee information with professionalism, discretion and empathy.
- Work closely with Payroll, Benefits, HR Systems and specialist HR teams to deliver seamless end-to-end support.
- Maintain complete, audit-ready documentation in line with GDPR, local privacy requirements and employment legislation.
- Support data-cleansing and migration activities to ensure employee records remain accurate and compliant.
- Follow established procedures while identifying opportunities to simplify processes and improve service delivery.
- Analyse case trends, share insights and contribute to continuous-improvement initiatives.
- Support the development of HR guidance and knowledge resources.
- Help deliver consistent and standardised HR services across EMEA and North America.
About You
You will be someone who enjoys helping others, takes pride in delivering accurate work and can be trusted to handle sensitive information appropriately. You will ideally bring:
- At least two years’ experience in HR operations, shared services, customer service or a related administrative position.
- Experience handling confidential or personal information with integrity and discretion.
- Experience using an HR system such as Success Factors, Workday, Oracle or a similar platform.
- Familiarity with case-management, ticketing or workflow systems.
- Strong customer-service skills and the confidence to resolve queries professionally.
- Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to getting things right first time.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
- Resilience and adaptability within a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- The ability to build effective relationships across international and culturally diverse teams.
- Fluent written and spoken in both English and German.
- Ensure adherence to the company’s values ( ICARE ) in all aspects of your position:
- I ntegrity – Create an Environment of Trust
✨
C ollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
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A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
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R espect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
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- E nthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
- APPLICATION & SELECTION
Current employees who wish to apply should submit a cover letter detailing their interest in the position and how their skills and experience align with the requirements of the role.
HR Operations Specialist - German Speaking in Glasgow employer: COHERENT
Coherent is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, making it an ideal place for E-Learning Content Developers. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to continuous learning opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a hybrid workplace. Located in a vibrant area, Coherent offers unique advantages such as flexible working arrangements and a supportive team environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Operations Specialist - German Speaking in Glasgow
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at COHERENT!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at COHERENT.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Operations Specialist - German Speaking in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at COHERENT. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to COHERENT and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at COHERENT. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to COHERENT's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at COHERENT
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with COHERENT.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at COHERENT will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact COHERENT and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
