YOUR MISSION

As HR Lead, your mission is to modernize and elevate HR operations in Germany. You will design scalable, automated processes, empower your team to execute effectively, and implement talent management strategies aligned with Arethia’s growth objectives. Your focus will be on creating data-driven HR practices, fostering trust and confidentiality, and equipping department heads with the tools and guidance to succeed in organizational design and workforce planning.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Psychology, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in HR and talent management and organisational design.
• Strong knowledge of German HR practices, incl. payroll, sick leave, contracting.
• Proven experience in implementing scalable HR processes and modernizing traditional HR practices.
• Strong understanding of talent management and talent development principles and best practices.
• Proficiency in HRIS tools (e.g., Personio) and other technology platforms (e.g., Jira, Confluence).
• Data-driven approach to HR decision-making and process improvement.
• Excellent German and English language skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a track record of building trust and credibility.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to align HR initiatives with business goals.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with leadership development, organizational growth, and change management.
• Experience with Personio, Jira, and Confluence.

ABOUT US

At Arethia, we fuse our long-standing reputation with a continual push for progress. A rapidly expanding player in the flavour industry, Arethia specialises in delivering innovative taste solutions and co-creating products that consumers love. For more than 70 years, Arethia has been known for its close collaboration with customers and the highest quality standards. With over 250 employees spread across Germany, Switzerland, Dubai, and Indonesia, we aim to shape the future of flavours with a culture that values agility, transparency, and talent

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Arethia is looking for a forward-thinking and experienced HR Lead to oversee all aspects of HR for our German office and manage our local HR team. Reporting to the global Head of People & Culture, you will work closely with the Managing Director of Germany and department heads to implement effective talent management strategies, develop organizational capabilities, and foster a high-performance culture. Furthemore, this role is instrumental in transforming traditional HR practices into scalable, automated processes that drive efficiency, transparency, and impact. Your contributions within data management, digital transformation, and talent management will ensure Arethia’s continued success as we scale and grow.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Talent Management & Development
• Lead local manager training and quarterly workshops to upskill both young and experienced leaders on people leadership skills, talent development, and other critical topics.
• Design and deliver templates, training programs, and workshops to equip department heads with the skills needed for effective organizational design.
• Closely get to know the teams and collaborate with department heads to understand business needs and current talent demands in each department to develop a strategic workforce plan and hiring roadmap.
• Provide talent analysis, using a variety of tools (incl. behavourial assessments) to identify top performers, rising stars, and areas for employee development.
• Act as a trusted advisor to leadership, supporting promotion and training decisions.
• HR Operations
• Manage and mentor the local HR team, ensuring high-quality execution and adherence to modern HR standards.
• Overhaul manual HR practices and implement scalable, automated processes using tools such as Personio, Confluence, and Jira.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of HR data, building reporting capabilities to support the CEO, Head of People & Culture, Head of Finance, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Develop efficient payroll processes in compliance with local regulations.
• Foster a culture of inclusion, psychological safety, and confidentiality, building trust in local HR as a reliable partner.