HR Operations Specialist - German Speaking

Coherent is a global leader in photonics, developing advanced laser, optical and materials technologies that enable semiconductor manufacturing, AI infrastructure, advanced communications and precision industrial applications worldwide.

HR Operations Specialist – German Speaking

As an HR Operations Specialist (German Speaking), you will play a key role in delivering a seamless and positive employee experience across EMEA and North America. Acting as one of the first points of contact for employees and managers, you will provide responsive HR support, resolve queries, process employee lifecycle transactions, and maintain accurate employee records.

Based in Glasgow with a hybrid working arrangement (3 days onsite), you will join a collaborative global HR Shared Services team. Working closely with Payroll, Benefits, HR Systems and specialist HR teams, you will help ensure the delivery of consistent, compliant and high-quality HR services across multiple countries and cultures. This role will also include shift coverage to support our North American operations.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Serving as a first point of contact for employee and manager HR queries through our case management system.
• Providing guidance on HR policies, benefits, processes and general employee-related questions.
• Taking ownership of cases and ensuring they are resolved accurately and within agreed service levels.
• Escalating complex enquiries to specialist HR teams while ensuring a thorough and effective handover.
• Processing employee lifecycle transactions, including data changes, contract updates and benefits administration.
• Validating employee information to ensure accuracy and minimise payroll, benefits and compliance risks.
• Maintaining accurate, confidential and audit-ready employee records within HR systems.
• Handling sensitive employee information with professionalism, discretion and empathy.
• Partnering with Payroll, Benefits, HR Systems and Centres of Excellence to provide seamless end-to-end support.
• Ensuring compliance with GDPR, local privacy requirements and employment legislation through accurate record keeping and documentation.
• Supporting data cleansing, migration and ongoing data quality activities.
• Following established processes while identifying opportunities to simplify workflows and improve service delivery.
• Monitoring case trends, sharing insights and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assisting with the development and maintenance of HR knowledge articles, guidance and self-service resources.
• Supporting the delivery of standardised HR services across a diverse, international workforce.

What You’ll Bring

• Fluency in both German and English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• At least two years of experience in HR Operations, HR Shared Services, customer service, administration, or a related support function.
• Experience handling confidential and sensitive information with integrity and discretion.
• Previous experience using HR systems such as Workday, SuccessFactors, Oracle, or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with case management, ticketing, or workflow systems.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to resolve queries professionally and efficiently.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to delivering accurate work.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• A proactive approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.
• Resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• The ability to build effective relationships and collaborate with colleagues across different countries, cultures and time zones.
• An understanding of the importance of compliance, data privacy and HR process excellence.

What We Offer

Our benefits vary by country and role. Depending on your location, your package may include:

• Competitive base salary and annual incentive eligibility
• Employer-supported pension or retirement provision
• Health, wellbeing and employee-assistance programmes
• Life and income-protection benefits
• Flexible-working arrangements, where compatible with the role
• Learning and professional-development opportunities
• Employee recognition and share programmes

Our ICARE Values

How we work is just as important as what we achieve. Everyone at Coherent is expected to demonstrate our ICARE values:

🤝 Integrity – Create an environment of trust
✨ Collaboration – Innovate through the sharing of ideas
🎯 Accountability – Own the process and the outcome
🌍 Respect – Recognise the value in everyone
🚀 Enthusiasm – Find a sense of purpose in work

Application and Selection

Current employees who wish to apply should submit a cover letter detailing their interest in the position and how their skills and experience align with the requirements of the role.

If you require an adjustment or accessibility accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact john.cairney@coherent.com. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Join us and help shape the technologies that connect, inform and transform our world.