HR Business Partner Germany

Bremen | Office-based | International Clinical Research Environment

About the role

We are looking for an HR Business Partner Germany to join our organisation in Bremen.

This is not a purely administrative HR role. It is an opportunity to take ownership of the German HR agenda, become a trusted HR partner for local leadership and help further strengthen the HR function within an international clinical research organisation.

You will support approximately 80 employees in Germany and work closely with local management, the HR Lead and CFO. Your role will combine hands-on HR support, business partnering, employee relations, performance management, HR data analytics, organisational development and further improvement of HR processes in line with German employment law.

The HR function at GCP-Service is still developing, which means this role offers real space to influence, improve and build. We are looking for someone who enjoys taking ownership, brings structure, communicates openly and wants to move things forward.

What you will be responsible for

As HR Business Partner Germany, you will:

• act as a trusted HR advisor to managers and employees in Germany,
• take ownership of the German HR agenda and ensure reliable local HR support,
• support leadership in aligning people topics with business needs,
• strengthen the local HR role and HR presence in the German organisation,
• provide guidance on employee relations, performance management and organisational changes,
• support employee engagement, retention and talent development initiatives,
• contribute to workforce planning, succession planning and development of people capabilities,
• work with HR data, reporting, metrics and analytics to support better decision-making,
• translate HR insights into practical recommendations for leadership,
• ensure HR processes are aligned with German labour law, internal policies and company standards,
• contribute to the development and improvement of HR-related SOPs and procedures,
• cooperate with internal stakeholders across countries and functions,
• support training and development activities where needed,
• help build a stronger, more visible and more trusted HR function.

Over time, the role may develop towards broader HR leadership responsibility, depending on your experience, performance and the further development of the HR organisation.

What we are looking for

We are looking for an experienced HR professional who combines solid HR knowledge with business understanding, maturity and a proactive mindset.

You should bring:

• experience in an HR Business Partner, HR Generalist or similar HR role,
• solid understanding of the German HR environment and German employment law,
• ability to lead the German HR agenda independently and responsibly,
• excellent German language skills at native or near-native level,
• fluent English,
• experience with HR data, reporting, metrics or HR analytics,
• ability to work independently and take ownership,
• strong communication and consulting skills,
• confidence in working with managers and employees at different levels,
• ability to build trust and influence without relying only on formal authority,
• structured thinking and analytical mindset,
• practical problem-solving approach,
• team-oriented mindset and willingness to cooperate across countries,
• interest in further developing HR processes, standards and ways of working.

Experience from clinical research, pharmaceutical, healthcare or another regulated environment is an advantage, but not the only path to success in this role. What matters most is your ability to understand the business, support leaders and build credible HR partnership in the German organisation.

What kind of person will succeed in this role

You will probably enjoy this role if you like environments where things are not fully finished yet and where your contribution can make a visible difference.

This role is suitable for someone who:

• enjoys being close to people and the business,
• does not wait for perfect instructions before taking action,
• can combine empathy with clear expectations,
• brings ideas, but also follows through,
• is comfortable in a flat structure with open communication,
• can work with data, but also understands people and business reality behind the numbers,
• wants to be part of an HR function that is still growing and professionalising,
• sees HR not only as support, but as a real partner to leadership.

This role is probably not the best fit for someone who is looking for a fully remote role, a highly corporate HR structure, or a narrowly administrative HR position.

What we offer

• A meaningful HR Business Partner role in an international clinical research organisation.
• Responsibility for the German HR agenda with real business impact.
• Close cooperation with local leadership, HR Lead and CFO.
• Space to improve HR processes and strengthen the HR function.
• Opportunity to work with HR data and turn insights into practical HR and business recommendations.
• Open communication and a flat organisational structure.
• Leadership that is open to ideas and innovation, while also expecting results.
• Opportunity to grow into broader HR responsibility as the HR function continues to develop.
• A team-oriented environment where ownership, cooperation and progress matter.

Benefits

We offer:

• monthly company pension scheme,
• gym membership,
• 30 days of holiday,
• one extra day off on 31 December,
• flexible working hours,
• further benefits to be discussed during the recruitment process.

Location and working model

The role is based in Bremen, Germany.

This is an office-based role, because personal presence and close cooperation with employees and leadership are important, especially in the first phase of strengthening the local HR function.

After successful onboarding, the possibility of limited remote work may be discussed, but for the purpose of this recruitment, the role should be considered office-based.

About GCP-Service

GCP-Service is an international organisation operating in the clinical research environment. Our teams work in a regulated, quality-driven and international setting where professionalism, compliance, cooperation and continuous improvement are essential.

As our HR Business Partner Germany, you will help us further develop the people agenda, support our leaders and employees and contribute to building a strong and trusted HR function.

Interested?

If you are an HR professional with strong knowledge of the German HR environment, excellent German and English communication skills and the motivation to build, improve and take ownership, we would be happy to hear from you.