HR Generalist (m/f/d)

Company and Job Overview

Our Japanese client – leading semiconductor inspection solutions – is looking for an HR Generalist. This key multifunctional role manages daily HR operations, office administration, payroll coordination, employee support, and immigration/travel processes. The role ensures compliance with employment laws, fosters a positive and inclusive work environment, and supports efficient office operations across global teams. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail‑oriented, and experienced in people‑focused HR functions and operational tasks in a dynamic, international setting.

Job Responsibilities

HR & Talent Management

• Collaborate with hiring managers and external agencies to source, interview, and onboard candidates for all roles.
• Conduct structured interviews, manage offer processes, pre‑employment screenings, and maintain applicant records.
• Support employee onboarding, offboarding, status changes, and HR record‑keeping.
• Coordinate training and development programmes, including external workshops and mandatory compliance/safety trainings.
• Foster positive employee relations through engagement initiatives, open communication, conflict resolution, performance guidance, and confidential handling of concerns, grievances, or investigations.

Payroll, Benefits & Compensation

• Oversee the monthly payroll cycle to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and full compliance with German labour laws, tax regulations, and social security contributions.
• Prepare payroll data, audit timesheets, verify hours worked, calculate gross/net pay, process deductions, bonuses, overtime, leave balances, and coordinate statutory contributions with accounting.
• Review payroll data to resolve discrepancies and confirm compliance.
• Approve payroll runs for final processing and payment.
• Administer employee benefits enrolment, provide guidance on programmes, and maintain accurate benefits records.
• Analyse compensation data for market competitiveness and internal equity.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, pay calculations, deductions, and benefits.

Compliance, Policy & Additional Support

• Monitor and ensure adherence to labour regulations, working‑time rules, disciplinary procedures, and performance management.
• Liaise with legal advisors on regulatory updates and develop localised HR policies aligned with global guidelines.
• Develop and implement office policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Maintain organised company records, documentation, and confidential employee files.

Immigration, Global Mobility & Travel Support

• Coordinate immigration matters, including visa/work‑permit applications, sponsorships, and compliance for employees on international assignments.
• Support local and overseas field‑service engineers and staff with travel arrangements and related documentation.
• Liaise with global HR teams and external advisors to resolve immigration, travel, and cross‑border issues.
• Maintain accurate records for immigration/travel compliance.

Miscellaneous

• Identify ongoing administrative and HR needs; develop solutions and recommendations to continuously improve workflows, efficiency, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Maintain high ethical standards, handle sensitive/confidential information with discretion.
• Provide general support to employees, managers, and leadership on HR, administrative, or operational matters.
• Report irregular issues or potential improvements to management.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration with supervisors, staff, global teams, customers, vendors, and external partners.
• Participate in special projects and organisational initiatives as assigned by leadership.
• Contribute to maintaining a clean, safe, and productive work environment.

Job Requirements

• Valid working visa holder in the EU.
• Fluent command of English and German.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Office Administration, or a related field (Associate’s degree or equivalent experience considered).
• 4–7 years of progressive experience in HR operations, generalist functions, office administration, payroll, and/or immigration support.
• Experience in a multi‑national environment with global mobility/immigration coordination highly preferred.
• Relevant certifications strongly preferred, especially Germany‑recognised ones such as Personalfachkaufmann/-frau (IHK), Geprüfter Betriebswirt/-in Personalwirtschaft (IHK), or similar advanced IHK certifications; international equivalents like SHRM‑CP, PHR, or CIPD also useful.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (multilingual capabilities a plus for global coordination).
• Proven track record in improving HR/administrative workflows and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, conflict‑resolution, and customer service skills.
• Exceptional organisational, multitasking, time management, and attention‑to‑detail abilities.
• Analytical problem‑solving mindset with integrity, professionalism, and strict confidentiality.
• In‑depth knowledge of HR best practices, employment/labour laws, payroll compliance, and immigration/visa processes (international experience preferred).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS/payroll platforms (e.g., Personio, Workday, BambooHR, HiBob); familiarity with office management tools.
• Basic understanding of import/export regulations and purchasing/inventory processes.
• Ability to handle sensitive information and work effectively across global time zones.

Work Environment

• The role combines remote work and in‑office collaboration, depending on business needs and geographic location.
• Occasional travel may be required to support regional and overseas teams or participate in training sessions; may require weekend work on occasion and on short notice.
• The role involves frequent virtual collaboration across global time zones and requires strong communication and time‑management skills.
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided, as needed, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.