Regional HR Lead – Heilbronn (Germany)

About imec Germany

Imec Heilbronn is a new regional hub pioneering open chiplet architecture that will power the next generation of automotive innovation and AI‑driven systems. Situated at the heart of the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI), imec Germany brings together worldclass semiconductor expertise and a vibrant ecosystem of AI innovation. This unique combination positions the site as a catalyst for technological breakthroughs that will shape the next generation of mobility and intelligent systems. 

What you will do

Take the lead in shaping and driving the HR foundation of imec Germany, ensuring a seamless people foundation as we grow toward a 30‑strong team in 2026.

• Run all core HR operations, including salary reviews, talent processes, and learning initiatives aligned with global standards and adapted to the German context.
• Ensure full legal and regulatory compliance, managing German employment law, collective labor agreements (preferably TV‑L), payroll, social security, data protection, and local HR policies.
• Finalize and maintain the imec Germany Employee Handbook, translating global HR principles into clear and compliant local guidelines.
• Act as a trusted HR partner, supporting leaders and employees while managing key external partners such as relocation, visa, and payroll providers.
• Lead Talent Acquisition and onboarding, building a scalable hiring process and driving recruitment to grow imec Germany

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its local footprint in Heilbronn, Germany. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will determine the society of tomorrow.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth. 

At imec Germany, salaries are aligned with the TVL public sector pay scales, ensuring transparent and equitable compensation. 

Who you are

• Minimum 10 years of HR experience, with a proven experience in a site setup or establishing a new business entity Germany.
• In-depth, demonstrated knowledge of German Labor Law and collective labor agreements (preferably TVL), immigration regulations, and local social security requirements. Combined with a solid experience managing international mobility, relocation, and visa/work permit processes.
• Demonstrable success in defining and managing Talent Acquisition strategies (ideally recruiting technical or R&D staff).
• Strategic & Operational Balance: Ability to think strategically about organizational growth while maintaining focus on operational execution and compliance.
• Autonomy & Initiative: High degree of self-management, and the ability to operate effectively without direct local HR supervision.
• Excellent cross-cultural communication skills, with the ability to act as a cultural bridge between Leuven headquarters and the Heilbronn location.

IMEC and its affiliates will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. IMEC will consider unsolicited referrals and/or resumes submitted by vendors such as search firms, staffing agencies, professional recruiters, fee-based referral services and recruiting agencies (hereafter “Agency”) to have been referred by the Agency free of charge. IMEC will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have a prior written agreement with IMEC, validated by its HR department, in place regarding a specific job opening and allowing to submit resumes.