HR Business Partner– Czech Republic (Cheb)

Location: Cheb, Czech Republic

Reports to: Director, HR – International

About the Role

FORTNA is expanding into the Czech Republic, and we are seeking a hands-on, experienced HR Business Partner to establish and lead the HR function at our new site in Cheb. This is a critical role for building a solid HR foundation to support the rapid growth of a high-impact project.

You will be responsible for setting up HR operations from scratch, ensuring compliance with Czech labour laws, partnering closely with business leaders, and driving people-focused strategies that enable our success. This is not a purely strategic or supervisory role—we’re looking for someone who will lead by doing, roll up their sleeves, and build trust through direct engagement with employees and managers.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the local HR function, including policy development, compliance practices, systems setup, and operational processes. Offer and labour contract set-up is completed.
• Act as a true HR business partner to local leadership and project teams—providing both strategic support and practical, day-to-day HR guidance.
• Ensure local recruitment efforts, from workforce planning and interviewing to onboarding and retention.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable Czech labour laws, health and safety regulations, and FORTNA’s global HR policies.
• Serve as a hands-on leader, actively involved in executing core HR activities such as onboarding, employee relations, communications, and data management.
• Promote a strong, values-based culture by modelling professionalism, approachability, and fairness in every interaction.
• Coordinate and implement training, performance management (via Workday), and career development activities.
• Handle employee relations issues with empathy and sound judgment, resolving conflicts and fostering a positive workplace.
• Support compensation processes, HR reporting, audits, and data accuracy using tools like Workday.
• Collaborate with the International HR team to align local practices with FORTNA’s global strategy and support broader initiatives.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong knowledge of HR practices and Czech labour law, with demonstrated experience implementing compliant HR frameworks.
• Proven ability to build HR structures from the ground up in a growing or start-up environment.
• A doer and role model—you take initiative, get involved at all levels, and lead with a “show the way” mindset.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to earn trust and work effectively across diverse teams and levels.
• Organized and detail-oriented, with the flexibility to shift priorities in a fast-paced, project-driven setting.
• Fluent in Czech and English.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable using HR systems (Workday preferred).
• Opportunity to expand the scope to a site in Poland as well.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in HR roles, with at least 3 years in a standalone or managerial HR position.
• Experience in industrial, logistics, manufacturing, or related environments is preferred.
• Background in greenfield projects or site launches is a strong advantage.
• HR certifications (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR) are a plus.

Why This Role?

This is a rare opportunity to build and lead an HR function from the ground up in a global, high-growth company. As HR Business Partner, you’ll be part of a critical strategic initiative, trusted to shape the employee experience and workplace culture from day one. If you’re passionate about making things happen, building strong teams, and leading by example—we want to hear from you. Join the Movement