Head of HR - PLAION Partners Germany (all genders)

About the Position

Head of HR - PLAION Partners Germany (all genders)

• Planegg, München
• Full-time
• Hybrid position

PLAION Partners is a leading global distribution partner for gaming hardware, accessories, video games, and entertainment products. With decades of industry experience, an extensive international network, and strong relationships with publishers, manufacturers, and retailers, PLAION Partners connects brands with consumers across the gaming and entertainment ecosystem.

We are looking for a seasoned Head of HR for PLAION Partners Germany. This full-time role is based out of our office in Munich/Planegg in a hybrid position.

Responsibilities

HR Leadership and Operations

• Lead and develop the Germany HR function, setting priorities and supporting day-to-day delivery.
• Translate business priorities into practical local HR plans.
• Oversee people administration, including employment contracts, absence management, and employment reference letters.
• Drive continuous improvement and digitalization of HR processes using appropriate tools.
• Ensure accurate and timely HR KPI reporting, including required reporting to Embracer Group.

Payroll, Compensation, and Benefits

• Coordinate payroll with the external service provider, ensuring accurate and timely processing.
• Oversee local benefits administration and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Work with the Director of Culture and Engagement to assess whether successful local benefits could be adapted for wider use.

Employee Relations and Management Support

• Advise Managing Directors and team leaders on people management, German employment law, and HR compliance, involving specialist advice where needed.
• Support the handling of employee relations matters, including misconduct and disciplinary procedures.
• Provide coaching, mediation, and conflict-management support to help leaders build teams.

Recruitment and Relocation

• Oversee recruitment for the Munich office, attracting and assessing national and international candidates.
• Partner with hiring managers to ensure recruitment follows internal guidelines, assesses candidates’ alignment with company values, and meets business needs.
• Develop and maintain a talent pool for future hiring requirements.
• Coordinate relocation support for international recruits, including visa applications, registration, accommodation searches, and assistance from external agencies.

Onboarding and Offboarding

• Ensure a consistent, welcoming onboarding experience that helps new employees understand their roles, build relationships, and settle into the company culture.
• Coordinate effective offboarding, supporting a smooth handover and maintaining positive relationships with departing employees.
• Use feedback from new joiners and leavers to identify and implement improvements.

Performance and People Development

• Support local leaders in setting clear objectives aligned with business priorities and the wider performance framework, promoting meaningful performance conversations and accountability for outcomes.
• Partner with team leaders to promote participation in people-development programmes.
• Work with the Director of Global Performance and Execution to identify and prioritise local capability needs, agree development actions, and review their effectiveness, supported by a twice-yearly summary.
• Organise relevant development opportunities, including role-specific training, language courses, coaching, and team-building activities.
• Promote use of the PLAION Academy and coordinate relevant sessions with global colleagues and external trainers.

Culture and Employee Engagement

• Partner with the Director of Culture and Engagement on employee listening, engagement, and inclusion initiatives.
• Help local leaders turn employee feedback into practical actions, with clear ownership and follow-through.
• Track progress against agreed engagement measures and share local insights to shape wider programmes.
• Embed company values in recruitment, onboarding, development, and everyday leadership.

Health, Safety, and Wellbeing

• Coordinate local workplace health, safety, and well-being programmes.
• Ensure required policies, procedures, and responsibilities are in place to help prevent workplace accidents, incidents, and illness.
• Coordinate the appointment of the relevant workplace safety role.
• Maintain an up-to-date list of trained first aiders.

Employer Branding

• Partner with the Director of Culture and Engagement to contribute to the Group’s employer branding strategy and Employee Value Proposition.
• Implement relevant employer-branding initiatives locally.
• Align local employer-branding activity with wider company priorities.

Requirements

• Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven experience across operational and strategic HR, including leading an HR team or function.
• Strong knowledge of German employment law and local HR practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in German and English.
• Confidence advising senior leaders and handling sensitive employee matters with sound judgement and discretion.
• An approachable, collaborative working style, with the ability to build trust across countries and cultures.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, balancing business priorities with employee needs.
• Experience improving HR processes and using digital tools and data to support effective decisions.

Nice to Have

• Experience with digitalization of HR processes.
• Skills in coaching and conflict management.
• Talent management experience.
• Expertise in HR process improvement.

We Offer

• Hybrid working model with flexible working hours and work-from-anywhere options.
• Local company benefits such as company events, language courses, Mental Health First Aiders, fitness cooperations, bicycle leasing, company subsidized pension contribution, etc.
• Wide range of training and development opportunities as part of our global PLAION Academy.
• Leadership Development Program.
• Support for various PLAION communities (e.g., LGBTQIA+, Women@, Helping Hands, AI, Accessibility) to learn new skills, provide mutual support, and encourage free, self-determined development.
• Casual work environment with an open-door policy.
• Opportunity to share your passion for games and films with colleagues on a daily basis and at industry events.

ARE YOU READY TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF GAMES AND OUR COMPANY?

We look forward to receiving your application via our career page!

The application process consists of a potential screening call and two rounds of interviews - a designated professional challenge might be included in the process.

Come and join us now!

PLAION GmbH - Lochhamer Str. 9 - 82152 Planegg/Munich - www.plaion.com