HR Business Partner - Manager level - Germany - #2730605

W Executive is currently supporting a leading international law firm in the search for an HR Business Partner – Manager level, based in Frankfurt.

This is an excellent opportunity for an HR professional who wants to take a genuine Business Partnering role, with strong exposure to senior stakeholders and the opportunity to play an active part in a significant transformation of the German People & Culture function.

THE ROLE

You will join the People & Culture team for Continental Europe and work closely with the Senior P&C Manager for Germany, acting as her right hand and supporting the Frankfurt and Munich offices.

Following the combination of two international law firms, the German People & Culture function is moving from established local practices towards a more global operating model.

This is therefore a real change journey: processes, ways of working and mindsets are evolving, and the successful candidate will play an important role in helping the local team embrace and implement this transformation.

You will work closely with Partners, managers and business services leaders, providing practical HR advice throughout the employee lifecycle.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the right hand to the Senior P&C Manager for Germany, deputising when required
• Partner with Partners and managers on performance, development and workforce planning
• Provide first-line advice on German employment law, including contracts, working time, leave, terminations and co-determination
• Manage and support employee relations, including grievances, disciplinary matters and investigations
• Support annual reviews, promotions, talent reviews, compensation and bonus processes
• Roll out global People & Culture policies, processes and tools while adapting them to the German legal and cultural context
• Act as a change champion, helping the local team adopt new ways of working
• Support HR administration, HRIS, payroll inputs and people reporting
• Contribute to wider Continental Europe People & Culture projects
• Travel regularly to Munich, depending on business and operational needs

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

You are likely to have:

• 3–7 years of experience in an HR Business Partner or strong HR Generalist role
• Solid, hands-on knowledge of German employment law (Arbeitsrecht)
• Experience within an international law firm, Big Four, consulting or professional services environment would be highly advantageous
• Experience supporting change, transformation, integration or organisational change
• The confidence to advise and challenge senior stakeholders constructively
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence without formal authority
• Experience working in a complex, international and matrix environment
• Strong project management and HRIS / digital skills
• Fluent German and English
• A relevant Master’s degree or German equivalent

PERSONALITY MATTERS

Beyond technical expertise, we are looking for someone who is:

Resilient. You remain steady and constructive when faced with resistance or ambiguity.

Flexible. You can adapt to an evolving environment and changing priorities.

Proactive. You anticipate issues, take ownership and do not wait to be told what needs to be done.

Diplomatic and influential. You know how to build trust, challenge constructively and bring people with you — even without formal authority.

Hands-on and solution-oriented. You enjoy turning business and people challenges into practical solutions.

A genuine Business Partner. You are comfortable being close to the business and advising senior stakeholders.

WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY?

This is more than a traditional HRBP position.

You will have the opportunity to work closely with a senior HR leader, gain significant exposure to Partners and senior management, and play a tangible role in shaping the future People & Culture model in Germany.

For someone looking for a role where they can learn, influence and make a real impact, this is a particularly interesting next step.

Location: Frankfurt, Germany

Travel: Regular travel to Munich

Contract: Permanent, full-time

Salary: €80,000–€85,000

Environment: International / highly matrixed

Languages: German & English

Interested?

If this sounds like the right next step for you, I would be very happy to have a confidential conversation and share further details about the opportunity.

Apply directly through this LinkedIn posting or contact me privately.

Please feel free to share this opportunity with someone in your network who might be a strong fit.

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