Senior Director - Human Resources Business Partner (m/w/d)

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. We’re driven by our vision of ‘Food and Companionship Enriching Life’ and our approach to sustainability – the Elanco Healthy Purpose™ – to advance the health of animals, people, the planet and our enterprise.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!

Position Summary:

The Manufacturing Site HR Business Partner (HRBP) is a critical member of the site leadership team and the face of the people strategy on the ground. This role leads the HR function across our two manufacturing sites in Germany, driving employee experience, organizational effectiveness, and operational performance in partnership with the broader HR organization.

The HRBP is responsible for leading a team of HR professionals and for partnering closely with the Works Council, HR Centers of Excellence (COEs), and HR Solution Centers to ensure seamless delivery of HR programs and compliance with German labor law. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic manufacturing environment and bring a strong track record of influencing, collaboration, and business acumen.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Business Partnership

• Act as a trusted advisor to the Site Leader and leadership team, aligning people strategies to enable business success.

• Lead the development and implementation of site-specific HR plans in alignment with enterprise-wide initiatives.

• Use data, insights, and business knowledge to influence decision-making and drive continuous improvement.

HR Team Leadership

• Lead and develop the on-site HR team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.

• Ensure the team provides exceptional support across core HR activities, including employee engagement, talent management, performance, and culture.

• Serve as the escalation point for complex or sensitive people issues.

Works Council & Employee Relations

• Build a strong, collaborative relationship with the Works Council based on transparency, trust, and mutual respect.

• Lead co-determination processes and negotiations in line with Betriebsverfassungsgesetz and collective agreements.

• Ensure timely consultation and communication on relevant topics including policy changes, restructures, and working conditions.

Talent & Capability

• Partner with COEs to drive talent acquisition, onboarding, development, and succession planning at the site.

• Support the development of technical and leadership capabilities to meet current and future business needs.

• Lead and support initiatives around apprenticeships, early career development, and workforce upskilling.

Culture, Engagement & Change

• Act as a culture champion, helping embed values, behaviors, and leadership expectations at all levels.

• Support site engagement efforts, including employee surveys and action planning.

• Guide the site through change, ensuring employees are informed, supported, and engaged during transitions.

HR Operating Model Collaboration

• Actively participate, partner, and demonstrate leadership with our M&Q HRLT to help drive and execute our HR People & Culture agenda

• Partner closely with HR Centers of Excellence (e.g., Talent, Total Rewards, DEI, Learning) to localize and implement programs.

• Leverage HR Solution Centers for consistent delivery of transactional services, case management, and employee support.

• Ensure alignment and feedback loops between global/regional HR and local execution.

Compliance & Risk Mitigation

• Ensure compliance with German labor law, GDPR, occupational health and safety regulations, and internal HR policies.

• Maintain accurate and auditable records, and lead or support audits and investigations as needed.

Qualifications:

• University degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Law, or related field.

• 7+ years of progressive HR experience, including leadership roles in a manufacturing or operational setting in Germany, experience working with an international company.

• Strong understanding of German labor law, Betriebsverfassungsgesetz, and relevant compliance requirements.

• Proven experience in partnering with Works Councils and navigating co-determination processes, with proven practical experience in individual and collective labor law, collective bargaining agreement (preferred chemical industry) and local regulations.

• Experience working in or with a matrixed HR model, including COEs and Shared/Solution Centers.

• Strong interpersonal, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.

• Fluent in German and English (spoken and written).

Additional details:

• Role will sit on the Site Leadership Teams, M&Q HRLT.

• On-site presence required to support operations and employee engagement.

• May include flexibility to support shift-based production schedules and participate in site events or meetings outside of standard business hours.

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status