Head of HR - City of Graz | Leadership Role in Public Administration

The city of Graz, Austria, is seeking a new head of its Personnel Department following the planned departure of the current leader. This opening presents a significant opportunity to shape the strategic direction of human resources for the city’s administration, which serves 31 departments and approximately 4,000 municipal employees.

A Key Leadership Role

The Personnel Department functions as a central internal service provider, handling a broad spectrum of HR functions including personnel administration, payroll, recruitment, legal matters related to civil service, and occupational health management. The department emphasizes professional, transparent processes and a commitment to digital modernization.

Did You Know? The Graz Personnel Department supports 31 city departments and around 4,000 employees.

Responsibilities of the New Leader

The new department head will have overall responsibility for both the strategic and operational aspects of personnel management. This includes strategic workforce planning, budget control, and the development of modern HR processes designed to attract and retain talent. A key focus will be on creating flexible working models and a contemporary leadership approach.

The role also encompasses ensuring legal compliance with civil service regulations, advising city leadership on personnel matters, and fostering collaboration across departments. The position requires leading and developing the department’s five division heads and a team of approximately 40 staff members, with a focus on service-oriented culture and optimized IT systems.

Expert Insight: The emphasis on modernizing HR processes and attracting talent suggests a recognition of the evolving needs of the workforce and the importance of positioning the city as a competitive employer. This is a common challenge for public sector organizations.

Qualifications and Expectations

Candidates must hold a completed university degree relevant to the position and possess several years of leadership experience in human resources, ideally within a comparable organization. Experience with legal and organizational aspects of HR, as well as strategy and digitalization projects, is essential. Austrian citizenship is a requirement due to the nature of the position’s responsibilities.

The successful candidate will receive a gross monthly salary of at least 7,443 Euros, plus standard bonuses, and will be appointed as department head for an initial period of five years. The city of Graz actively promotes gender equality, prioritizing female applicants when qualifications are equal to address underrepresentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of the Graz Personnel Department?

The department serves as a central internal service provider for 31 city departments, managing all personnel matters for around 4,000 employees.

What are the key responsibilities of the new department head?

The new leader will be responsible for the strategic and operational management of personnel, including workforce planning, HR process modernization, and legal compliance.

Is there a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the hiring process?

Yes, the city of Graz actively promotes gender equality and welcomes applications from people with disabilities, offering workplace adaptations as needed.

How might the city’s focus on modernization impact the role of the Personnel Department in the coming years?

Head of HR – City of Graz | Leadership Role in Public Administration