Job Description

HR Project Manager, South-West Europe

This is a dynamic and critical role for an experienced HR professional with a strong project management background.

You will report directly to the HR Director and be responsible for the end-to-end execution of a broad portfolio of Human Resources projects across South-West Europe (SW EU), ensuring successful adoption and integration of both hard (transactional/legal) and soft (cultural/developmental) HR initiatives within the local business processes.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Implementation (Hard & Soft HR)

Key Responsibilities

• HR Project Management
• Manage full HR project lifecycle across SW EU (UK, Benelux, France, Spain, Italy) ensuring delivery on time, scope, and budget.
• Drive Hard HR (Comp & Benefits, HRIS, payroll/recruitment systems) and Soft HR (Talent, Performance, L&D, engagement) projects across the region
• Ensure integration of new processes with HRBPs and local teams.
• Provide regular status updates, risk assessments, and reports to HR Director.

Change Management & Standardization

• Design and execute Change Management strategies (e.g., ADKAR).
• Develop clear communication plans for stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with country management, HR, Finance, IT, and vendors.
• Deliver training and support for new processes and systems and identify opportunities for process harmonization across SW EU while respecting local regulations.

Regional Compliance & Standardization

• Legal Scrutiny: Partner with legal counsel and local HR experts to ensure all project deliverables related to hard HR are compliant with the specific labor laws and collective agreements of the SW EU countries.
• Standardization: Identify opportunities to harmonize and standardize HR processes across the SW EU region where appropriate, while respecting local regulatory requirements.

Qualifications and Skills

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with at least 3 years in an HR Project Management role within an international, matrixed organization.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing mid-scale, cross-functional HR projects (both systems and programs).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certification (e.g., PRINCE2) is highly desirable.

Technical Skills & Competencies

• Fluent in English (written and verbal) is required; fluency in at least one key SW EU language (e.g., French, Spanish, or Italian) is a strong asset.
• In-depth knowledge of general HR policies, processes, and best practices across the employee lifecycle, with an understanding of both Hard and Soft HR concepts.
• Strong understanding of Change Management principles and practical experience in applying them.
• Proficiency in HR Information Systems (HRIS) and project management software.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Able to transfer projects to process and let go.

Why Join SMA ?

Join the leading global specialist in photovoltaic system technology, contributing to a sustainable and decentralized energy supply for tomorrow. You'll be part of a purpose-driven company with over 4,000 employees globally, taking ownership of impactful HR transformation across a key European region.

Ready for your next career move?

We look forward to receiving your application!

Interested in this position but don’t meet every requirement? We’d still love to hear from you – please send us your cover letter and resume!

Your recruiting contact:

Ann Van der Voort | ​SMA France S.A.S.​

∗ SMA is committed to equal opportunity and diversity – regardless of gender, age, origin, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.