Head of HR Austria

Are you an experienced and emphatic HR professional seeking a managerial role in Austria? Explore the impactful opportunity of Head of HR Austria at LAT Nitrogen, where you can spearhead HR initiatives in a dynamic and diverse environment, taking charge of HR operations in Austria.

Role Overview:

Head of HR Austria’s responsibilities encompass approximately 900 employees, primarily located in Linz with around 20 individuals based in Vienna, and are divided across two distinct legal entities.

As the Head of HR Austria at LAT Nitrogen, your leadership will be instrumental in driving the implementation of core HR initiatives and processes. This role is uniquely crafted for someone with a deep understanding of the Austrian HR landscape, responsible for ensuring local HR policies align seamlessly with group standards and adhere to local regulations and practices. With a primary focus on HR operations in Linz and Vienna, you will be a strategic partner to the respective Business Groups and Functions, contributing to the consistent application of the company’s common and group-wide HR policies. Your role will be crucial in fostering an inclusive and dynamic work environment that aligns with Austrian labor practices.

Your Responsibilities:

• Lead and motivate the local HR team of around 10 people and the Education Center with 40 apprentices - the latter is not directly managed by the HR Manager.
• Plan, manage, and monitor HR budget and costs in Austria.
• Drive long-term people capability, considering local needs, legislative requirements, and strategic business developments.
• Manage the annual performance calendar to ensure a competent and motivated workforce.
• Coordinate and participate in selection & recruitment processes.
• Coordinate the work of the payroll team.
• Ensure legal compliance in relation to local legislation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee representing associations and functions.
• Work closely with various stakeholders, including management, employee representatives, and external partners (authorities, law offices, communities, and payroll providers).
• As being part of the Local Management Team, be the partner of trust of the Managing Director of LAT Nitrogen Linz.
• Cooperate closely with LAT Nitrogen HR organization in the matrix landscape.
• Initiate, lead, and manage projects that support the continuation of the current success of the location and our industry.

Role Requirements:

We seek for an experienced pragmatist who can navigate complex HR challenges effectively.

• 15+ years of relevant experience, preferably in an Austrian industrial environment in multinational companies. International multicultural experience preferred.
• Degree in social sciences, law, or economics, or equivalent relevant experience. Coaching or equivalent education preferable.
• High level of empathy
• Mastery of the English and German languages at a business level is a must.
• Very strong understanding of Austrian labor law.
• Good IT skills, mainly SAP, success factors and MS Office and mastery of the latest HR tools and technologies.
• Proven ability to align global and local policies and processes for the benefit of the organization and employees.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a function, lead major change processes, and execute projects.
• Ability to negotiate with employee representatives, resolve conflicts, and act as a constructive challenger.
• Proficient in providing coaching and feedback.
• Ability to motivate and engage teams, strong in two-way communications, and leadership skills.
• Capability of taking calculated risks to drive innovation and positive change.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively in entirely new categories.
• Experience in simplifying processes, enhancing efficiency, and streamlining operations.
• Proven ability to energize and inspire teams.

What we offer:

At LAT Nitrogen we recognize the value of our employees and offer:

• Work-life balance, home office option after the induction phase.
• Competitive compensation package, including bonus.
• Opportunities to develop within the company across various locations and roles.

LAT Nitrogen is a leading European provider of nitrogen-based products in the fertilizer and industrial chemical market. With nearly 2,000 employees across Europe, we have production units in Austria, France, and Germany, and an extensive warehouse and commercial network in Western, Central, and Eastern Europe. LAT Nitrogen Linz is the largest production company in the Linz Chemical Park and within the LAT Nitrogen Group. Currently 850 employees are working in the production-plants for LAT Nitrogen in Linz and 56 employees are working for our Vienna based sales-organization.

LAT Nitrogen is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Join us in making a difference! Apply now to be part of our dynamic team and contribute to our continued success.