Curious About our Recruiting Process?

The interview process at applike group is seamless, fast, and fun for you! Recruiting is a two-way street, so that’s why our process is designed for both you and us to get to know each other. Our Talent Acquisition team is there to guide you through the process, making sure you will receive the best candidate experience. The process is usually divided into 5 major steps:
Recruiting FAQs
Screening Process
Simply apply with your updated resume, we don’t need any cover letters or additional documents. If you have a relevant protfolio, you can of course share this as well. After reviewing, we will get in touch with you quickly.
First Interview
In the first interview you will meet someone from the Talent Acquisition team to get to know more about the company, our culture and the open role.
Case Study Step
We designed this step to get a deeper understanding of your skills and also give you some insights into tasks that might be awaiting you in the new role.
Final Interviews
In the final interviews you will get the chance to meet you future Lead, Team and also Managing Director to get the full picture of what it could be like working here.
The offer
Finally – after clearing all steps successfully, you are going to receive an offer from our side. Congrats, we want you on our team! … and we hope you accept the offer and join us! 🙂

Open jobs

Do you want to build awesome, engaging mobile games and scale them to millions of users?

Team Lead HR Operations (f/m/d)

  • Hamburg
  • applike group
  • HR
  • Full time
Apply for this job

As our Team Lead HR Operations, you are the operational anchor and execution driver of our People engine across German and global entities. You balance empathetic team leadership with ultimate end-to-end accountability for operational delivery, adherence to service SLAs, high data quality standards, and continuous process evolution.

You lead a team of currently three (2 HR Operations Specialists, 1 HR Coordinator), with a focus split across Team Leadership & Governance (40%), Hands-On HR Operational Execution (40%), and Process Optimization & AI Adoption (20%).

This role is designed for someone with the ambition to elevate HR Operations toward a modern, global-first, and zero-backlog setup. You lead by working alongside your team in daily operations (payroll runs, legal contract architecture, onboarding & offboarding best practices) while enforcing robust SOPs, always keeping the internal knowledge base up-to-date, setting clear performance expectations, and navigating constructive change discussions. In close collaboration with your team, cross-functional partners (IT, Finance, Office, Legal, Business), and internal SMEs, you operationalize automated workflows and AI implementations to ensure our process infrastructure scales smoothly as the company grows further.

What you will do:

Team Leadership & Operational Oversight (40%)

  • End-to-End Ownership: Hold ultimate accountability for the accuracy, timeliness, and legal compliance of all HR Operations workflows across all global entities, tailoring according to the differentiating needs of companies in startup vs. scaleup mode. Define, monitor, and enforce clear response times and resolution SLAs for employee inquiries and internal requests, fostering a fast, solution-oriented, and reliable service culture. Set and maintain high standards for the team.

  • Workload & Performance Management: Actively oversee task distribution, monitor team capacity, and manage individual performance. Coach and mentor direct reports, encouraging them to question the status quo and grow their technical and operational capabilities. Address skill gaps, provide direct feedback, and support development.

  • Knowledge Architecture: Oversee the creation and continuous maintenance of operating procedures and internal documentation across all operational routines to eliminate single points of failure and ensure seamless knowledge transfer.

  • Global-First Execution: Ensure international HR lifecycle processes are executed with the same quality, accuracy, and premium employee experience as German operations.

  • Escalation & Change Navigation: Act as the primary escalation point for team or employee issues, while constructively managing resistance during process changes.

Core Hands-On HR Operations (40%)

  • Cross-Functional Work: Drive tight operational alignment with group-intern (TA, IT, Finance, …) and Business stakeholders, to execute frictionless “click-to-xx” workflows, e.g. “Day-1-ready” hardware/system access setups incl. Coordination of appointments and information to hiring managers.

  • Payroll Execution: Steer the monthly German and international payroll preparation, data validation, and vendor coordination.

  • Contract & Mobility: Oversee and issue standard employment contract/document creation, and facilitate global mobility and relocation procedures.

  • Data & HRIS: Manage process-related updates in Personio; maintaining clean master data & e-files, and ensuring meaningful reporting for internal stakeholder and management.

Smart Workflows & AI Integration (20%)

  • Continuous Improvements: Work with the team to identify operational bottlenecks and execute structured improvements that eliminate manual work.

  • Operational AI Adoption: Drive the practical adoption of AI tools within the team, ensuring new systems are actively embedded in daily routines, document creation, and employee inquiries rather than remaining theoretical.

Exemplary Projects & Ownership

  • HR Operations Blueprinting & Inventory: Conduct end-to-end checks of our HR workflows, and further potential for tool integration, mapping out bottlenecks, eliminating redundancies, and executing a follow-up plan to streamline daily operations and support organizational growth with minimal administrative overhead.

  • Next-Level Payroll Revamp: Makeover of our German and international payroll preparation, integrating meaningful software tools and automated validation checks to eliminate manual entry and reach maximum payout accuracy.

  • Relocation & Immigration Revamp: Take over our global mobility support and manage external service providers for a seamless relocation experience.

  • AI-Powered Operations: Co-Lead practical implementation initiatives leveraging AI processing and automation opportunities into daily HR tasks.

Who you are:

  • Hands-On HR Ops Mastery: 6+ years of direct experience in HR Operations, HR Administration, and Payroll.

  • Leadership & Performance Management: First leadership experience (team lead, interim lead, or strong mentoring role) in a fast-paced environment (scale-up, dynamic, ideally SaaS from 500 to 2000+ employees).

  • Operational Accountability: Proven ability to hold outcome responsibility while staying actively engaged in execution.

  • Project Track Record: Experience executing operational projects (payroll revamp, audit, tool implementation).

  • Education & Domain Expertise: Degree or HR qualification; strong knowledge of German labor law, payroll execution, and mobility.

  • HRIS Expertise: Heavy-user (ideally Admin) in HRIS (Personio preferred) and tool integration, driven by a #ZeroManualWork orientation.

  • Future-Proof Mindset & AI Literacy: A strong intrinsic interest in emerging technologies and a proactive mindset toward leveraging AI tools and their integration to automate routines, optimize workflows, and continuously elevate role efficiency.

  • Languages: Business fluent in English (B2/C1) and German (B2).

Fuel for the Journey: Benefits to Support Your Ambitions

  • Invest in Your Future: Regular feedback and our development program support your growth, helping you expand your skill set and achieve your career goals.

  • Easy Arrival to applike: From signing to settling in Hamburg, we’ve got you covered. Need a visa? No problem. Ready to build your new life and career at applike in Hamburg? We support every ambition – from learning German to a relocation bonus that helps you settle in and make Hamburg feel like home.

  • Live Your Best Life, at Work and Beyond: We work in a hybrid setup with 3 core office days, plus flexible working hours. Enjoy 30 vacation days, 3 weeks of remote work per year, and free access to an in-house gym with lots of different fitness classes and mental health support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

  • Thrive Where You Work: Enjoy the Alster Lake view from our central office with top-notch equipment, fun open spaces, and a large variety of snacks and drinks.

  • Join the Community! Participate in regular team and company events, including hackathons and social gatherings. We work together, and we celebrate together, too.

Our mission is to create an inspiring work environment for amazing people to achieve extraordinary things. Be part of it!

Skip writing cover letters. Tell us about your most passionate personal project, your desired salary, and your earliest possible start date. We are looking forward to your application!

We welcome applications from people who will contribute to the diversity of our company.

Apply for this job

Tips & Tricks to Nail Your Interviews!

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Skip cover letters

Since we want to keep everything fast and easy for you, we don’t want you to waste time on a cover letter – we would rather take a look at your CV and if it’s a match, we directly invite you to a first call.
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Check your equipment

Test your internet connection, camera, mic, and speakers beforehand. Time for each interview is limited, and we’d like to spend as much of it as possible on getting to know each other. If the interview is online, always have your camera on! It’s way easier to create a meaningful interaction if we also see each other.
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Do some research

We will give you all the information about the role & company’s culture, but it’s always nice to see how you perceive us after doing some online detective work. 😉
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Prepare an elevator pitch

We will certainly ask you to briefly summarize your work experiences in a short overview. Think of what you’re going to say beforehand so you can fit all of the essential information in 2-3 minutes. Keep the goal of the interview in mind, and make sure everything you say is relevant to the position you’re applying for.
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Structure your answers

Be specific, but don’t get caught up in details – following the STAR method can help you: Situation (set the scene and give the necessary details of your example) – Task (describe what your responsibility was in that situation) – Action (explain exactly what steps you took to address it) – Result (share what outcomes your actions achieved).
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Let your personality shine

It is a recruiting process, but this doesn’t mean you can’t loosen up and showcase your personality. We are looking for an authentic character and we are open to having some small talk or a funny joke thrown into the mix. This might even show us that you’re a good cultural fit. Remember, next to all our ambition we like to have fun!
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Come with your questions

At the end of the interview, we will ask you whether you have any questions for us. Use this time to get answers to all your questions or clear out any curiosities. Always have two or three questions prepared, whether about the position specifically or about career development, upcoming projects, or company culture.
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Don’t be afraid of rescheduling

Even if you’ve already scheduled an interview, urgent things might pop up in your schedule or you might not feel fit to attend the interview. We are all humans & we treat these situations with empathy. It’s better to reschedule rather than not be 100% prepared to attend the interview. Simply communicate the change with your TA Manager and we will find a solution.

Finding Home Abroad – Relocation Stories

We’re supporting new colleagues from all over the world to move to Hamburg, Germany – see what they have to share about their relocation experience:
Read Relocation Article
“Unlike other companies, justDice/applike was there for me from the beginning. After signing the offer, I got comprehensive support in getting my visa, finding a temporary apartment in Hamburg & covering travel expenses for my whole family. All of this made our relocation significantly easier and more enjoyable.”
Grigory – justDice
relocated from Georgia with spouse
“I moved to Hamburg from New Zealand. It is easily the most beautiful city in Germany, and in my eyes, the whole world. My story is a little different, as I was already living here when I found my role at applike group, but the experience was just as seamless. applike supported me through the full visa change process from day one. The People team made something very complex feel simple, clear, and fully taken care of. You are in good hands!”
Gemma – applike group
relocated Hamburg from New Zealand
“Relocating always comes with plenty of challenges, but applike helped make the entire process very straightforward. From quick visa support to helping secure accommodation, my family (wife and son) and I were able to smoothly move to Hamburg within just two months. Just 2 weeks in, all essential paperwork had already been sorted, and my son was already attending kindergarten, allowing me to fully focus on my new role and getting settled in.”
Yuriy – adjoe
relocated from Israel to Hamburg with spouse and child
“Relocating to Hamburg with my family of four was a significant undertaking, but applike’s comprehensive support made the transition smooth and stress-free. From arranging our family’s transfer to assisting with residence permits, Applike’s thorough planning and financial backing ensured we felt welcomed and settled in our new home from day one.”
Roman – Sunday
relocated from Kazakhstan with spouse and 2 kids
“Relocating to another country is challenging, but applike group made the process significantly smoother by providing comprehensive support: from handling paperwork to offering a relocation allowance.”
Min – justtrack
relocated from Thailand with spouse
“My relocation process was supposed to be quick and easy yet we stumbled across delays from the embassy. So, the People team was extremely helpful, providing us with all necessary support with documentation, appointments, and processes; all in order to speed up the process and make sure we get to Germany as fast and as easily as possible.”
Mia – applike group
relocated from North Macedonia with spouse
“Moving to Hamburg was a breeze thanks to adjoe/applike. They managed every detail, from flights to accommodation, and their thorough support made me feel valued even before starting my new role. The entire experience was smooth and memorable, making my transition to this beautiful city unforgettable.”
Kim – adjoe
relocated from the Philippines

Recruiting FAQs

Frequently asked questions
How long does your recruiting process take?

We aim to make our recruiting process as fast and efficient as possible, but the duration can vary depending on the role you are applying for. Usually we are really fast, though (less than 4 weeks).

Can I apply for more than one role?

Yes, if you see multiple roles open that match your skill set, you can apply for them simultaneously. Our Talent Acquisition team will review your application and contact you about the role that best seems to match your skills. 

Can I apply for multiple companies within applike group?

Yes, if you see multiple roles that match your skill set, you can apply for them simultaneously. Our Talent Acquisition team will review your application and contact you about the role that best matches your skills.

I just handed in my application, what are the next steps?

Great! Please allow a few days for our team to review your application. We will contact you with the next steps as soon as possible.

How do I know I’m really being contacted by someone from applike group?

We’ll never ask you for money, fees, or sensitive information (like bank details, tax forms, or credit card numbers) during the hiring process.
If anything feels off, you can always double-check by reaching out to our Talent Acquisition team at ta@applike-group.com.
Once you’ve signed your contract, our HR team may request personal details, but only from our official email: hr@applike-group.com.

Do I need to be located in Germany to be able to apply for your jobs?

No, we do provide full visa and relocation support. 

Do you help with my relocation?

We do! You can find more information about our relocation support and the succesful relocation of our colleagues here on this website.

What if I want to relocate together with my family?

No problem! Our visa and relocation support does also include your partner or kids. (Please be aware that legal marriage is often times a requirement to obtain a partner-visa).

Can I work remotely?

If you prefer 100% remote companies, applike is not the right place for you because we strongly believe in face-to-face collaboration. However, we did implement a hybrid working model where we are in the office at least three days a week (Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday) and can work remotely the remaining two days. Additionally, you get three whole weeks per year to work fully remotely if you want.

What does hybrid working and flexible working hours mean?

Our hybrid working approach involves being in the office at least three days a week (Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday) and the option to work remotely the remaining two days. Flexible working hours mean that we work Monday-Friday, but do not have fixed working hours. Just make sure to adapt to the rhythm of your team.

Where is your main-office located?

The headquarters of the applike group and all its subsidiaries are located in Hamburg, Germany. We do have offices in the US and APAC.

What is so great about your office?

Well next to the fact that you are able to see and collaborate with your colleagues face-to-face, we have a super modern office that leave no wishes open: from Drinks & Snack, areas to work away from your desk to a fully equiped gym.

Can I really bring my dog to the office?

Yes, you can!

Couldn’t find the perfect job offer?

Nevermind! We are always interested to get in touch with new talents.

Contact us