People and Culture Manager - Berlin

About the Role

We're looking for a talented People & Culture Manager to join our team in Berlin - someone who will shape how we attract, develop, and retain exceptional people, while ensuring we operate in full compliance with German employment law.

This is a hands-on, influential role embedded in the heart of our Berlin operations. You'll be a trusted advisor to our senior leaders, the primary liaison with our Betriebsrat, and the facilitator of a people experience that helps our organisation scale with confidence.

From drafting compliant employment policies and navigating Works Council co-determination, to organising end-to-end recruitment and onboarding experiences that genuinely set people up for success - this role spans the full HR lifecycle.

About You

You're a capable HR professional who brings knowledge, curiosity, conscientiousness and warmth to your work. You understand that great people operations are enabled by rigour and relationships - and you're equally comfortable navigating a complex legal framework as you are having a difficult conversation with care and confidence.

You thrive in environments where you can build structure, improve processes, and make a visible difference to people's working lives. You're calm under pressure, trusted by the people you work with, and known for the quality of your communication and documentation.

Skills, Experience & Attributes

Essential

• 3+ years of progressive HR / People & Culture experience within a German-based organisation (professional services, education, law, or similar)
• Demonstrable expertise in German employment law - KSchG, BetrVG, ArbZG, GDPR/BDSG
• Hands-on experience collaborating with a Betriebsrat, including negotiating Betriebsvereinbarungen
• End-to-end recruitment experience with strong knowledge of the Berlin talent market
• Confident managing payroll coordination with external providers or in-house Finance
• Fluent in German (C1 minimum) and highly proficient in English - written and spoken
• Strong documentation skills across contracts, policies, role descriptions, and HR correspondence

Desirable

• Familiarity with HR systems such as Personio or BambooHR
• Exposure to organisational design, change management, or workforce planning
• Degree or professional qualification in HR, Business Administration, Law, or equivalent (e.g. Personalfachkaufmann/-frau, CIPD)
• Experience supporting performance, engagement, and professional development frameworks

Attributes We Value

• Organised, dependable, and calm under pressure
• Empathetic - but equally pragmatic when it counts
• A natural builder of structure and process
• Proactive and self-directed
• Trusted for your communication and the quality of your work

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to step into a pivotal people role at an organisation that genuinely values its culture. You'll have real scope to shape the employee experience, build something meaningful, and grow alongside a team that cares about doing things well.