HR Manager (m/f/d) Interim with Recruiting Focus

Applause is a world leader in digital quality testing. Since 2007, Applause has been the driving force in testing and digital quality innovation. Utilizing the skills of 1.5+ million testers in more than 200 countries and territories, Applause helps the world’s leading brands to deliver quality digital products and experiences to their customers on a global scale. With insightful, actionable testing results that can directly inform go/no go release decisions, we enable our customers to release digital products and experiences better, faster and with confidence.

We’re looking for a proactive, highly organized, and motivated HR Manager (f/m/d) with a Focus on Recruiting to join our dynamic People team for a one-year maternity cover. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR professional (3+ years) who loves the thrill of matching the right talent with the right roles, but also enjoys the backbone of HR operations.

In this versatile role, about 60% of your time will be dedicated to driving our full-cycle international recruitment and sourcing strategies. The remaining 40% will see you championing the broader employee lifecycle—from managing German visa processes and onboarding to HR administration and keeping our office vibe alive. If you are a fluent German and English speaker who thrives in a fast-paced environment and loves variety, this is the perfect project for you.

Key Responsibilities:

• End-to-End Recruitment: Manage the full-cycle recruitment process for various levels and departments, from initial briefing with hiring managers to offer negotiation and contract closing.

• Active Sourcing & Pipeline Management: Proactively source passive talent using professional networks (LinkedIn Recruiter, Xing) and leverage modern AI tools to optimize messaging and engagement.

• Hiring Manager Partnership: Act as a trusted advisor to hiring managers and Senior Management; drive efficient communication, hold stakeholders accountable for feedback, and provide ATS training where needed.

• Candidate Experience: Maintain a seamless, positive, and communicative candidate journey by utilizing and refining communication templates and feedback loops.

• Lifecycle Management: Coordinate smooth EU onboarding initiatives (including new hire orientation) and handle structured offboarding processes (exit interviews, work certificates).

• Documentation & Compliance: Ensure detailed, standardized, and legally compliant maintenance of physical and digital employee files and HR master data.

• Relocation & Visa Support: Serve as the primary point of contact for German visa applications and work permit processes, coordinating directly with local authorities.

• Retention & Team Motivation: Support ongoing internal "feel-good" initiatives, employee motivation projects, and alumni networking.

• Office Operations: As a team we support the overall office management by managing local supplies, organizing on-site gatherings or supporting other teams with deliveries. And no worries, we have a hybrid system, so you don’t need to go to the office daily.

Job Requirements and Preferred Skills:

• Professional Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in a fast-paced environment, ideally combining full-cycle recruitment with generalist HR administration.

• Languages: Fluency in German and English (both written and spoken) is mandatory. You will comfortably switch between international candidate interviews in English and official German communications with local authorities.

• Tech-Savviness: Solid experience working with modern Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), HRIS databases, and active sourcing tools. Comfort using or experimenting with AI tools for recruitment copywriting is a major plus.

• Analytical & Organized: You possess a data-driven, structured approach to managing recruitment pipelines and administrative data. You know how to prioritize when wearing multiple hats.

• Strong Communicator: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to confidently navigate high-level candidate negotiations and manage internal stakeholder communication effectively.

• Adaptable & Hands-On: As an interim champion, you are comfortable jumping into a broad role, taking ownership from day one, and balancing strategic hiring with practical HR administration.

Why Applause?

We’re proud to cultivate an inspiring, engaging employee culture that’s consistently reflected in high employee retention rates and satisfaction. Our talented team – known as Applause Nation – is set up for success with the latest collaboration and learning tools, opportunities for career advancement, and more.

• We have a flexible work environment with top talent from across the globe

• Collaborate with an international team of 450+ passionate, talented co-workers

• Learn and grow through structured onboarding, in-house knowledge sessions and access to thousands of virtual courses available on demand

• Incorporate AI and other exciting technologies into your work, to help you prioritize and boost productivity

• Experience a supportive culture that emphasizes teamwork, innovation and transparency

• Workout wherever you want - outdoor activities, online or at multiple fitness studios with Urban Sports Club

• Language classes

• Share your voice! Contribute and integrate creative and innovative ideas across roles and departments

Applause Core Values:

As a global employee community, we strive to uphold the following core values, which are critical to business success and how we measure individual and team performance. Do you share our core values?

• Be Accountable: You love to take ownership, and hold yourself and others accountable to increase empowerment and success.

• Celebrate Authenticity: You love bringing your true self to work and creating genuine and trustful relationships within a diverse environment.

• In It Together: You have a team-first mindset and love collaborating with your peers.

• Create Value for Our Customers: You love delivering meaningful business impact and being a release partner for all aspects of digital quality.

• Crush Your Goals: You always strive for excellence and constantly seek ways to be better, more effective and more efficient.

Accommodations:

Applause is a place where everyone belongs and where we believe everyone deserves the exceptional. We continue to celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable environment for our employees. If you believe you require a reasonable accommodation und.er any of the legally protected characteristics, please click here to complete an accommodation request. Please note, Applause will only review requests for applications that have been submitted. We will review your qualifications and follow up with you regarding your request if your qualifications meet our current needs.

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