Global Head of HR Operations & Excellence

This role can be located in Austria, Getzersdorf, NÖ or Netherlands, Maastricht

As part of the company’s divestment journey, the Global Head of HR Operations & Excellence will lead the definition and execution of the future-state HR service delivery model, ensuring Day 2 operational readiness and long-term functional excellence. This role is accountable for delivering fit-for-purpose HR operational capabilities, managing the HR component of the broader separation program, and ensuring continuity and efficiency through the transition. The role will also guide HR Operations vendor governance, data and reporting strategies, and HR technology simplification.

Your key responsibilities

Design and implement the Day 2 HR service delivery model, balancing in-house and outsourced shared services, and ensure operational readiness for payroll, HR administration, time management, benefits, and compliance.
Lead HR operations within the divestment program, driving program management activities such as planning, risk mitigation, stakeholder alignment, and progress tracking.
Build a data-driven HR culture, enhancing analytics capabilities, AI adoption, and overseeing data governance, reporting infrastructure, and insights delivery using tools like InsightsNow Visier.
Manage external HR vendors and agreements, including TSA with Global Employee Services, vendor contracts, SLA governance, and performance tracking across RPO, payroll, and benefits providers.
Drive process improvement and technology transformation, focusing on simplification, automation, digitalization, and defining the future-state HR technology landscape in collaboration with Digital & Technology.
Shape global HR strategy and leadership, streamline HR operations across regions, harmonize processes, ensure data compliance, and lead the global HR Operations & Excellence team toward Day 2 and beyond.

We offer

Unique career paths across Animal Nutrition & Health - explore what drives you and get the support to make it happen
A science led company, cutting edge research and creativity everywhere – from biotech breakthroughs to sustainability game-changers, you’ll work on what’s next
Growth that keeps up with you – you join an industry leader that will develop your expertise and leadership
A culture that lifts you up – with collaborative teams, shared wins, and people who cheer each other on.
Customer-first approach, turning ideas into impactful solutions

You bring

Significant experience in global HR operations, preferably within a complex transformation, separation, or divestment environment.
Demonstrated senior program management expertise, ideally with formal project management training or certification
Deep understanding of HR systems, data, and vendor ecosystems, including management of TSAs and external service providers.
Proven ability to lead change and drive process excellence across global teams.
Experience / Knowledge of various employee centric technology, data and AI platforms
Understand the HR Effectiveness integration within the HR operating model
Understand growth drivers and key performance measures and apply it to effectively support the business strategy
Encourages cross-functional and global thinking & working and ensures awareness of external trends and practices

About Animal Nutrition & Health

ANH, in the process of separating from dsm-firmenich, is a global leader in animal nutrition and health, as well as vitamins, carotenoids, and aroma ingredients - driven by its strong purpose: feeding the planet without costing the earth. Together, we make it possible. www.dsm-firmenich.com/ANH

About dsm-firmenich

At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them.

Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.

From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.

And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future.

Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.

Our application process

Interested in this position? Then please apply online only via our career portal.

For further information, please contact: claudia.huber-newman@dsm-firmenich.com

Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity statement

At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.

And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work.

Agency statement

We’re managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you’re applying as an individual, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.