Senior Manager, People Operations (m/f/d)

FlixTrain, Europe's greenest rail travel provider, is looking for an experienced Senior Manager, People Operations to take on substantial operational responsibility within our dynamic People Team. As part of the FlixMobility family, you'll play a critical role in shaping HR processes for our diverse workforce, from train personnel to corporate and tech colleagues. This position is ideal for a proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, excels under pressure, and is eager to implement AI-driven solutions for HR automation.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager, People Operations who is eager for genuine operational responsibility in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. You will be responsible for and shape HR processes across our entire workforce, encompassing train staff, operational employees, and corporate/tech colleagues. This role is for someone who proactively tackles challenges, is motivated by tight deadlines, and ideally has experience using AI tools to automate repetitive HR tasks.

Your Responsibilities

Operational HR Management

• Oversee the entire HR lifecycle, from onboarding and contract management to offboarding and compliance.
• Manage and develop HR processes for a mixed workforce of operational and administrative staff, ensuring legally compliant and consistent implementation.
• Execute tasks under pressure, ensuring timely completion even with tight timelines.
• Collaborate closely with management from railway operations, customer experience, and corporate departments.
• Provide support for payroll accounting in the absence of the Payroll Manager.

Stakeholder Management & Consulting

• Serve as a trusted point of contact for managers and employees on all HR-related matters, including policies, compliance, and labor law.
• Confidently handle complex labor law situations and employee discussions.
• Work closely with Talent Acquisition, People Partnering, and Legal teams to ensure seamless interdepartmental collaboration.

Process Optimization & Automation

• Identify inefficiencies in existing HR processes and develop scalable, semi-automated solutions, preferably with AI support.
• Co-design and implement HR digitalization projects to reduce manual effort and improve data quality.
• Develop dashboards and reporting structures for data-driven people decisions at the management level.
• Actively foster a culture of continuous improvement within the People Team.

We value a holistic approach – even if you don't meet 100% of the requirements, but believe you can make a difference, we encourage you to apply!

About You

Must-haves

• Minimum 4 years of professional experience in HR / People Operations, ideally in a high-growth or operationally complex company.
• Proven experience supporting mixed workforces – operational and/or administrative groups are a distinct plus.
• Strong operational mindset: You build systems rather than just firefighting; you document rather than just acting.
• Fluent German (C1 minimum) in speaking and writing for effective communication with employees and authorities.
• Good English for cross-departmental collaboration within the international Flix environment.
• Solid knowledge of German labor law and HR compliance.
• Experience with HRIS systems (e.g., Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, BambooHR) and data-driven HR reporting.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills across all levels.

Nice-to-haves

• Practical experience with AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, workflow automation) for HR process optimization.
• Background in logistics, transport, retail, or other operationally intensive industries.
• Experience with large-scale People projects or HR transformations.
• Genuine curiosity about the future of HR Tech – you proactively explore AI capabilities.

What We Offer

• Travel perks: 12 free Flix vouchers + 12 discount vouchers for friends & family.
• Work from (M)Anywhere: Work from another location for up to 60 days per year, depending on your role.
• Hybrid work model: Flexibility to balance work and life while being office-first.
• Wellbeing support: Access to confidential 1:1 counselling, courses, and stress management resources for you and family members.
• Learning & Development: Opportunities for language classes, training courses, and expert-led sessions.
• Mentoring Program: Connect with experienced colleagues for career acceleration and insights.
• Dog-friendly Office: Bring your dog to the office.

Our Culture

FlixTrain moves fast – this isn't a cliché, it's our daily reality. We are a team of pragmatic problem-solvers who don't wait for ideal conditions. We value curiosity, reward initiative, and expect people to speak up when things aren't right. Hierarchy doesn't hinder good ideas, and we firmly believe that operational excellence and a strong team culture are not mutually exclusive.

If you're the kind of person who solves a complex HR problem before lunch and starts automating it in the afternoon – you're in the right place.

Why Become Part of Flix?

At Flix, we focus on making travel simple, safe, and affordable – for our passengers and our employees. Things move quickly here, with ample room for impact. We are constantly growing and evolving, seeking individuals ready to contribute and shape our way of working. If you're looking for a role where you can grow and make a difference, FlixTrain is the place for you. Join a team where your contributions matter and you can shape your own journey!