(Senior) Specialist Organizational Development, Leadership & Change (m/w/x) chez Thorlabs

Description

Organizational Development & Change

• Design and implement organizational development initiatives aligned with European business strategy and growth priorities
• Actively support leaders and teams through organizational and cultural change processes
• Apply structured change management approaches to drive adoption, engagement, and sustainable impact
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders on organizational effectiveness, leadership challenges, and team dynamics

Leadership & Talent Development

• Design, further develop, and continuously improve leadership development programs across Europe
• Define and embed a shared leadership understanding aligned with Thorlabs values (Respect, Accountability, Empathy, Innovation, Trust)
• Identify leadership capability gaps and translate them into targeted development initiatives

Training Design & Delivery

• Design and personally deliver leadership trainings, workshops, and learning formats (in-person and virtual)
• Facilitate team workshops, leadership offsites, and change-related sessions
• Ensure learning concepts are practical, business-oriented, and measurable in impact

Collaboration & Enablement

• Work closely with HR People Partners, business leaders, and global HR colleagues
• Contribute to European and global HR initiatives and cross-functional projects
• Ensure alignment between European leadership and OD initiatives and global people strategies

Requirements

• Educational Background: Degree in Organizational Psychology, Business Administration, Human Resources, Adult Education, or a related field; additional certifications in OD, Change Management, Coaching, or Facilitation are a plus.
• OD & Change Experience: Several years of experience in Organizational Development, Leadership Development, HR, or related people-focused roles.
• Comfortable working across multiple European countries and with global stakeholders
• Fluent in written and spoken English and German
• Willing to travel within Europe (approx. 25%)
• Strategic & Analytical Capability: Strong conceptual, analytical, and strategic thinking with the ability to translate business strategy into practical people initiatives.
• Program Design & Facilitation: Proven experience designing and delivering leadership or organizational development programs; hands-on facilitation of trainings, workshops, and group learning formats.
• Influence & Credibility: Strong facilitation, communication, and influencing skills with high credibility and trust-building capability across all leadership levels.
• International Effectiveness: Empathy, cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and confidence in European and international, matrixed environments.

Benefits

• Flexible working hours (arranged individually), 30 days of vacation, mobile work
• Company pension scheme & health insurance options
• Support for your personal development and career growth
• Wide range of health and sports activities (Urban Sports Club, company runs, etc.)
• Leasing options (JobRad)
• Free charging stations for e-bikes and electric cars
• Option to take a time-out
• Annual company events and social activities

ABOUT US
At THORLABS, we don’t just accept differences – we support them, we celebrate them, and we rely on them to strengthen our people, our community, and our products. We are proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for everyone. We value diversity, actively encourage inclusion, and welcome applications from all individuals. This mindset is reflected in our values, which we practice every day.
 

If you have any questions about the application process or our job vacancies, please contact our colleague Nicole Metzger (Human Resources) by email: [email protected]