Senior HR Manager (m/f/d)

Company Description

About EIT RawMaterials

As the world moves towards a greener future, the demand for raw materials—minerals and metals—is set to increase immensely over the next three decades. Europe faces a critical challenge in securing a stable supply of these essential resources. This challenge is where EIT RawMaterials steps in.

EIT RawMaterials is at the forefront of driving innovation and sustainability in the raw materials sector. As an Innovation Community within the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), we collaborate with over 300 partners across industry, academia, and research institutes. Together, we forge dynamic, long-term partnerships to develop innovative solutions that meet Europe's growing demand for raw materials.

The Role

We are seeking a proactive, detail-oriented and experienced Senior HR Manager (m/f/d) to join our team in Berlin. This role will be responsible for leading key people, compliance, and governance activities across the employee lifecycle, ensuring that HR practices are legally compliant, operationally effective, and aligned with organisational objectives. Acting as a trusted advisor to managers and employees, the role provides expert guidance on employment and employee relations matters, oversees HR compliance and audit readiness, and drives continuous improvement of HR policies and processes.

The role also leads Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) initiatives, ensuring compliance with German and European regulations while promoting a safe, healthy, and engaging workplace. Working closely with internal stakeholders, external partners, and legal advisors, the Senior HR Manager identifies and mitigates people-related risks, maintains strong governance frameworks, and contributes to a positive employee experience across the organisation.

This position is ideal for an experienced HR professional who enjoys combining hands-on operational work with compliance oversight and strategic enhancement of HR practices.

Key Responsibilities

Employment & Employee Relations

• Support managers on employment-related matters and people management practices.

• Draft and review employment contracts, amendments, and employment documentation.

• Ensure compliance with German labor law and collective agreements where applicable.

• Manage employee relations cases, including disciplinary procedures, grievances, performance-related matters, and workplace concerns.

• Partner with external legal advisors when required.

Compliance, Audits & Risk Management

• Conduct regular internal HR audits to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and company requirements.

• Maintain audit-ready documentation and records.

• Identify compliance risks and implement corrective actions.

• Support external audits and inspections related to employment, payroll, HR processes, and workplace regulations.

• Monitor and communicate changes in employment legislation and HR compliance requirements.

EU Health, Safety & Environment

• Lead and coordinate health and safety initiatives in accordance with German and European regulations.

• Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety requirements.

• Partner with internal stakeholders and external providers to maintain safe working environments.

• Coordinate risk assessments, workplace inspections, and mandatory training.

• Support wellbeing initiatives that promote employee health and engagement.

Policies, Governance & Process Improvement

• Review, maintain and develop HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook content.

• Ensure policies are legally compliant, practical, and consistently applied across the organization.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across HR operations and employee experience.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Law, Psychology, or a related field.

• 5+ years of progressive HR experience in a generalist or HR operations-focused role.

• Strong knowledge of German labour law, employment regulations, and HR compliance requirements.

• Experience managing payroll processes and working with payroll providers.

• Proven experience conducting HR audits and implementing compliance initiatives.

• Knowledge of occupational health and safety requirements in Germany.

• Experience developing and maintaining HR policies and procedures.

• Strong understanding of HRIS systems and HR data management.

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Fluent German and English language skills, both written and spoken.

• HSE certification preferred; candidates without formal qualifications must demonstrate a willingness to complete HSE training

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional HR certification or relevant HR qualification.

• Experience in an international or fast-growing organization.

• Previous involvement in HR transformation, process improvement, or digitalization projects.

• Experience working with audit frameworks, compliance reviews, and risk management processes.

Key Competencies

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

• High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential information.

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.

• Ability to balance operational execution with strategic thinking.

• Process-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.

• Strong project management and organisational skills.

• Collaborative and customer-focused approach.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape and improve HR operations in a dynamic environment.

• Collaborative and international team culture.

• Professional development and learning opportunities.

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

• Flexible working arrangements.

• A people-first workplace focused on inclusion, wellbeing, and growth.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and are dedicated to ensuring equal opportunities throughout the employment lifecycle.

Other information

The position will stay open until a successful candidate is chosen.

1. Application Review: Our team thoroughly reviews each application. Please make sure to submit your CV in English.

2. Initial Interview (30 minutes): Meet with the hiring manager and HR team.

3. Second Interview (60 minutes): Second interview with a presentation on a relevant topic to the hiring manager and the HR team.

4. Offer : If successful, receive an offer to join our team.