German speaking HR Operations Associate

We're looking for an experienced HR Operations Specialist to deliver expert-level HR support across EMEA and North America. In this senior position, you'll manage the full spectrum of HR cases—from routine inquiries to complex, escalated, and VIP matters—ensuring accuracy, compliance, and exceptional employee experience throughout the employee life cycle. You'll leverage your deep understanding of multi-jurisdictional HR operations and your advanced knowledge of employment law, systems, and processes to make a tangible impact for thousands of employees across diverse markets. Please note, this role follows a hybrid working model, with three days per week onsite in our Glasgow office and two days working from home. Deliver high-quality HR support across EMEA and North America, managing cases ranging from routine inquiries to complex, cross-border matters. Execute the full spectrum of HR transactions, including reorganisations, international transfers, and sensitive separations, with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and "First Time Right" delivery. Maintain data integrity across all HR systems, identifying and resolving potential issues before they impact employees or processes. Champion process improvement and operational excellence, using your expertise to streamline workflows, enhance service quality, and share best practices with the wider team. Ensure full compliance with GDPR, local data privacy laws, and regional employment regulations, maintaining audit-ready records and safeguarding sensitive information. Build trusted relationships with employees, managers, and HR partners, collaborating closely with Payroll, Benefits, and specialist HR teams to deliver seamless, end-to-end HR services. Contribute to cross-functional projects and initiatives that improve employee experience and drive continuous improvement across the global HR Operations function. 5+ years in HR operations, shared services, HR Generalist roles, or related fields with demonstrated progression in case complexity ~ Expertise in HR case management, from routine queries to complex employee relations across UK, Germany, Nordics, Switzerland, North America, and other EU countries ~ Proven track record of efficiently handling high-volume caseloads while maintaining quality across all complexity levels ~ Labour law and regulatory framework knowledge across multiple jurisdictions with practical application across diverse case types ~ Advanced HRIS knowledge with ability to navigate complex system configurations ~ Data analysis capabilities for trend identification and process improvement insights ~ Cultural intelligence: Fluent in English (required); additional European languages such as German, Swedish, or Finnish are a plus This role offers an exceptional opportunity to leverage extensive HR operations expertise while handling diverse cases and making a meaningful impact on employee experience across multiple markets. Working conditions typical of a climate controlled and professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers. Quality & Environmental Responsibilities Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System. Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.