Human Resources Business Manager

About the Company

Sonae Sierra is a fully integrated real estate business that provides complete solutions across development, management, and investment. With more than 35 years in the market, the company oversees assets worth over €6.8 billion across multiple asset classes and has established trusted relationships with major investors and financial institutions.

The organization operates in 36 countries across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia and is backed by a workforce of approximately 900 employees. Its culture is shaped by strong ethical values, a long-term sustainability mindset, and a focus on operational excellence and growth.

You will join an inclusive, international environment where different perspectives are valued, learning is encouraged, and people are empowered to build purposeful careers while helping shape the future of real estate.

Role Overview

The company is seeking an experienced Human Resources Business Manager to join the People & Culture team and lead the HR agenda in Germany. This is a senior, high-impact position for someone who understands German labour law deeply and is willing to question existing approaches in order to drive change.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with People Leaders across Germany on operational and strategic People & Culture matters.
• Implement the global People & Culture strategy locally, making sure initiatives support business needs.
• Serve as a dependable advisor to the business by offering practical guidance, constructive challenge, and informed recommendations.
• Make sure People & Culture policies, standards, and processes are applied correctly and comply with German labour law and internal rules.
• Represent People & Culture in Germany as the local point of contact for legal, regulatory, and works-council-related matters where relevant.
• Take part in national and international People & Culture projects and initiatives, ensuring the interests of German employees are represented.
• Collaborate with colleagues across People & Culture, including CoEs, Operations, and other Business Partners, to develop aligned solutions and deliver them smoothly.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Human Resources, Law, Business Administration, or Psychology. Extra HR-focused training would be an advantage.

You should bring several years of HR experience, including at least 10 years in a Business Partner position within a complex, international, and demanding environment. Background in retail, service industries, or real estate would be beneficial.

Strong knowledge of German labour law is essential, along with proven experience acting as a country-level People & Culture representative.

The role calls for someone who has worked on both strategic HR areas such as organization strategy, people strategy, talent, and culture, as well as day-to-day HR operations.

You must have a strong business mindset and a genuine interest in improving company performance through people-related initiatives. The role also requires excellent stakeholder management skills, including the ability to influence, challenge constructively, and handle different expectations.

Strong relationship-building and communication abilities are important, as is the comfort to work across countries and cultures in a fast-moving, matrixed, international setting.

Native-level German and fluent English, both written and spoken, are required.

Candidates should be based in or near Düsseldorf, be willing to attend the office regularly, and be open to occasional travel within Germany. Trips to Portugal may also be needed from time to time.

Why Join Sonae Sierra

• Work on a global platform with colleagues across 36 countries and a wide mix of backgrounds.
• Contribute to people initiatives that support sustainability and long-term business impact.
• Enjoy a high degree of ownership and trust in a lean, empowered team environment.
• Access strong learning and development opportunities through a supportive People & Culture network.
• Be part of a values-driven workplace built on ethics, openness, and respect.

Additional Information

This position is based in the Greater Düsseldorf area and requires onsite presence.

The role mentions regular office attendance, occasional travel across Germany, and possible occasional travel to Portugal.

No salary, bonus, or vacancy count was specified in the source information.

The posting ends with an open invitation to get in touch.