Global Head of Compensation & Benefits, Hesse (DE)

Germany

The Company

A family-owned global leader in the manufacturing and technology sectors, this company has been at the forefront of innovation since its founding more than 60 years ago. Known for its cutting-edge solutions in Industry 4.0, the organisation places a strong emphasis on sustainability, digital transformation, and employee development, earning recognition as one of Germany’s top employers for over a decade. The company’s unique offerings include state-of-the-art enclosures, power distribution systems, IT infrastructure, and advanced engineering software solutions. Additionally, its focus on edge cloud technology positions it as a pioneer in real-time AI applications and data sovereignty. Employing approximately 12,000 people across 95 subsidiaries worldwide, the organisation operates from its headquarters in Central Hesse, Germany. With €3 billion in annual revenues and a commitment to growth, the company is actively expanding its capabilities and influence globally. Recent strategic initiatives, including a newly created role, reflect its ambitious goals of maintaining leadership in sustainable and innovative manufacturing.

The Role

This newly created position is a strategic leadership role within the global HR function, responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a cohesive global Compensation & Benefits (C&B) framework. The role focuses on aligning diverse regional needs with global consistency, ensuring competitive, scalable, and innovative strategies that support the organisation’s operations and strategic objectives. The position reports directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and is a key member of the senior HR leadership team. It will be integral to the company’s ongoing HR transformation efforts. Leading a dedicated global Center of Excellence (CoE) for Compensation & Benefits, the role involves managing a specialized team and collaborating across international regions to meet the needs of a diverse and decentralized workforce. Key responsibilities include driving the global C&B strategy, developing frameworks and policies for compensation and benefits harmonisation, modernising performance-based compensation systems, and establishing consistent grading systems through a global job architecture. The role also entails managing annual compensation reviews, harmonising employee benefits programs globally, and acting as the central coordinator for C&B initiatives across operations. High-profile projects, such as executive compensation schemes and top management programs, will also be a key focus. This global role is based at the company’s headquarters in Germany and encompasses strategic oversight of operations across all regions, requiring collaboration with diverse stakeholders worldwide. It offers a unique opportunity to shape and drive a global C&B strategy for a leading international organisation, with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and impactful work that contributes directly to the company’s success and the satisfaction of its global workforce.

The Individual

This role requires extensive leadership experience in Compensation & Benefits, with proven success in both strategic design and operational execution of global HR initiatives. Deep expertise in C&B within industrial or manufacturing settings is preferred, particularly in developing performance-based compensation systems and overseeing global benefits programs. The candidate must have significant experience managing C&B within a global framework, demonstrating an understanding of regional differences and cross-cultural HR practices. Proficiency in English is essential, with additional language skills considered an advantage. An advanced degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required. Professional certifications in Compensation & Benefits or related HR disciplines are beneficial. The ideal candidate will possess strong conceptual and analytical skills, with the ability to balance long-term strategic planning with operational execution. The role requires a candidate with excellent communication and negotiation skills, capable of articulating complex ideas to diverse stakeholders, including leadership and regional teams. Experience in a decentralised business environment and prior exposure to family-owned businesses is a plus but not mandatory. A successful candidate will demonstrate strong change management skills, including leading large-scale transformations of HR policies and systems in global settings. A track record of innovation in Compensation & Benefits design and implementation, coupled with the ability to drive competitive advantage through these initiatives, is essential.

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