🚀 Associate HR Business Partner

Overview

Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (NYSE:HLI) is a global investment bank with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, capital solutions, financial restructuring, and financial and valuation advisory. Houlihan Lokey serves corporations, institutions, and governments worldwide with offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia‑Pacific region. Independent advice and intellectual rigor are hallmarks of the firm’s commitment to client success across its advisory services. The firm is the No. 1 investment bank for all global M&A transactions for the past two years, the No. 1 M&A advisor for the past 10 years in the U.S., the No. 1 global restructuring advisor for the past 11 years, and the No. 1 global M&A fairness opinion advisor over the past 25 years, all based on number of transactions and according to data provided by LSEG.

Scope

As an Associate HR Business Partner, you will be a member of the Human Capital Group (“HCG”) based in Frankfurt, Germany, reporting to the Regional HR Business Partner, EMEA. You will serve as a strategic partner to our Corporate teams and lines of business, providing sensible HR guidance and support while ensuring compliance with the complex regulatory landscape, particularly in Germany and France. You will work in close coordination with the HCG Legal team (i.e., our in‑house team of legal professionals specialising in employment law) on a variety of HR matters. This role requires a good understanding of the financial services industry, specifically investment banking, the ability to keep abreast of employment law changes in each jurisdiction, and the ability to navigate a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with HR colleagues in order to deliver the full suite of HR services, including, but not limited to, all aspects of the employee life cycle, such as recruiting, on‑boarding, employee development, employee retention, and off‑boarding, as well as handling leaves of absence, requests for accommodation, compensation matters, performance management, mobility, and terminations.
• Build and maintain close working relationships with business leaders, corporate department heads, regulatory and compliance functions, and other business stakeholders to develop and execute HR strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Act as the primary point of contact for employees in Frankfurt, Munich, and Paris regarding HR policy questions and address employee concerns, escalating to the Regional HR Business Partner, EMEA as necessary.
• Work in close coordination with the HCG Legal team and the Regional HR Business Partner, EMEA to manage HR issues including, but not limited to, time and absence tracking, performance matters, disciplinary and grievance investigations, absence management, policy issues, and employment related initiatives.
• Provide support for the HCG Operations team with HR documentation and administration and maintain employee records and HR databases.
• Provide strategic support to ensure smooth delivery of cross‑functional projects, including, but not limited to, time and absence tracking and developing and revising employee handbooks, policies, and procedures.
• Support the Company’s international expansion through organic growth and acquisitions, which will involve conducting HR due diligence and post‑close integration of employees.
• Work closely with the Regional HR Business Partner, EMEA and the HCG Legal team to maintain appropriate risk oversight.
• Ensure all HR systems and procedures are kept up to date, and leverage HR data and analytics to inform decision‑making and drive business performance.
• Provide proactive support to HCG team members, fostering a high‑performance culture.
• Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations and Company policies and procedures in our Frankfurt, Munich, and Paris offices.
• Support the year‑end and mid‑year performance review cycle process and ensure compliance with deadlines.

Basic Qualifications

• Fluency in German, French, and English.
• Proven track record as an HR Coordinator or HR Advisor within the financial services industry, preferably investment banking.
• Experience and knowledge of financial services regulations in Germany and France.
• Strong business acumen and ability to build effective partnerships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Commercial mindset, resilient, diligent, and ability to operate with a sense of urgency.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to deliver difficult messages with confidence.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Proactive with a positive attitude.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure with strong organisational skills. Ability to have a flexible work schedule.
• Exercise good judgment, a high level of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality at all times. Display a level of professionalism in accordance with the Company’s values.
• Willingness and flexibility to work independently and as a team member with all levels of personnel.
• MS Office proficiency and experience with HR systems and data analytics.
• Relevant HR certifications preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.