Start: ASAP

Languages: German and English - please do not apply if you are not fluent

About the Role

I am looking for a dynamic and resilient Operations Manager to lead operations in my clients office in Essen for this fast growing international recruitment firm.

This is a pivotal role for someone with strong leadership skills, experience within large staffing or recruitment firms, and the ability to drive transformation projects across HR, IT, and operational functions.

You will manage a German-based team while ensuring operational excellence across multiple European markets.

This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for a professional with a strong personality, sharp mind, and the ambition to bring their operations to the next level.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Management
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team whist fostering accountability, resilience, and team spirit.
• Drive performance and ensure operational excellence across multiple regions.

• Operational Transformation & IT Systems
• Oversee the transition and migration to new automated IT systems, ensuring smooth adoption and minimal disruption.
• Standardize workflows, contracts, and documentation using best practices from large staffing firms.
• Act as a bridge between HR, IT, and business functions during the transition.

• Compliance & Standards
• Ensure operations are in line with ISO and SCC standards.
• Lead internal audits and strengthen compliance processes.
• Upskill and train the workforce on required compliance and certification standards.

• International Shared Services
• Implement and manage international shared-service processes across HR, payroll, and administration.
• Optimize and streamline operations across multiple European countries

• Strategic Projects & Growth
• Take ownership of cross-border projects improving efficiency and scalability.
• Drive best practice sharing from global recruitment leaders
• Partner with the MD to support strategic decisions and long-term business planning.

Requirements

• Experience:
• At least 7+ years of operational management experience in HR, recruitment, or staffing.
• Proven track record from large international staffing firms
• Experience with international shared services and multi-country operational oversight.
• Hands-on experience with IT system migrations and digital automation tools.

• Knowledge & Skills:
• Strong knowledge of ISO and SCC standards with the ability to train and implement improvements.
• HR background (contracts, compliance, workforce management).
• Strong IT literacy; comfortable with system transitions and process automation.
• Excellent German and English (written & spoken).

• Personal Attributes:
• Strong personality, resilient, and confident in leading a workforce with diverse expectations.
• Operationally sharp with a "hands-on, get-things-done" attitude.
• Young spirit with energy and a sense of humor – not easily shaken.
• Comfortable managing projects independently and juggling multiple priorities.
• Willingness to travel across Europe every now and then

What they Offer

• International scope with the chance to shape and elevate a growing business.
• A role of real impact, driving operational transformation across three countries.
• Opportunity to work closely with the MD and leadership team.
• Professional growth within a company committed to innovation and efficiency.
• A vibrant, energetic culture