Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Reports To: Global Chief Human Resources Officer (CHO) and EMEA CEO
Company Overview:
Our client is a global leader in the retail/consumer sector, renowned for its dynamic workforce and strong operational footprint. They seek an HR Vice President (HRVP) for EMEA to drive strategic HR initiatives, foster labor harmony, and leverage Centers of Excellence (COE) to support business growth. The ideal candidate will bring deep retail/consumer industry expertise, with union/industrial relations experience and a track record of scaling HR best practices across complex markets. Prior exposure to Asia-Pacific labor dynamics is a strong plus.
Position Summary:
As the HR Head for EMEA, you will lead the development and execution of HR strategies across the region, ensuring alignment with global priorities while addressing local nuances. This role demands a hands-on leader adept at union negotiations, workforce planning, and COE-driven HR transformation—particularly in retail, consumer goods, or related sectors. You will serve as a key advisor to the EMEA CEO and Global CHO, shaping policies that enhance productivity, engagement, and compliance.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Strategic HR & Labor Leadership
- Develop and execute the EMEA HR strategy, integrating global COE frameworks (e.g., Talent, Rewards, L&D) with regional business needs.
- Serve as the primary liaison for union/industrial relations, ensuring collaborative labor agreements and mitigating risks.
- Drive organizational redesign and workforce strategies to support retail/consumer sector demands.
2. Talent & Leadership Development
- Lead retail-specific talent initiatives—from hiring high-volume frontline staff to nurturing leadership pipelines.
- Design upskilling programs tailored to the sector’s evolving needs (e.g., omnichannel retail, seasonal workforce scaling).
3. Employee & Labor Relations
- Oversee complex union negotiations, dispute resolutions, and compliance with EMEA labor laws.
- Promote inclusive workplace practices, ensuring alignment with global DE&I goals.
4. Compensation, Benefits & HR Operations
- Optimize retail-competitive reward structures, balancing cost efficiency with talent retention.
- Streamline HR operations via technology and COE-led process improvements.
Qualifications:
- 15+ years in HR leadership, with 5+ years in retail/consumer-facing industries (e.g., fashion, FMCG, hospitality).
- Proven expertise in union/industrial relations and navigating EMEA labor regulations.
- Experience designing/implementing HR COEs (Talent, Rewards, or L&D) in a multinational setting.
- Exposure to Asia-Pacific labor markets is highly desirable.
- Fluency in English, Native proficiency in German.
Why Join?
- Impactful role in a global retail powerhouse with a strong unionized workforce.
- Opportunity to shape HR strategies across EMEA, with potential cross-regional collaboration.
- Competitive package and career growth in a high-growth sector.
