Head of HR - Denmark
About Synoptik:
Our client, Synoptik A/S, is one of Denmark’s leading optical retailers and since 2021 part of the global eyewear group EssilorLuxottica. With over 180,000 employees across 40 countries, EssilorLuxottica is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of optical and eyewear products.
In 2022, Synoptik A/S expanded its footprint by acquiring the Swedish optical chain Smarteyes, adding 500 new employees and strengthening its Nordic presence. Synoptik’s 100+ stores are centrally managed, allowing store teams to focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences.
About the Role:
As Head of HR – Denmark, you will lead a team of HR Professionals supporting employees across our Danish retail operations. This position is central to driving and implementing key HR initiatives, including digital HR applications and rollout of new HRM system infrastructure, while aligning with the broader Nordic HR organization based in Scandinavia. The role is placed in Denmark, Herlev at our Danish headquarters and you’ll work closely on a day-to-day basis with the management team in Denmark, store managers, regional managers, and corporate teams including finance and marketing, ensuring that HR practices support the operational and cultural needs of the business.
This is a unique opportunity to join a well-established retail business undergoing a significant transformation at both local and Nordic level. You will take full ownership of the Danish HR agenda, lead a small team, and become a vital sparring partner for managers across the retail network.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the Danish HR team including HR operations and payroll.
- Take full ownership of day-to-day HR operations in Denmark.
- Act as a trusted HR Business Partner to stakeholders across retail and corporate functions.
- Drive the local implementation of the new HRM systems and support the HR transformation journey.
- Ensure compliance with Danish labor law, work environment rules and maintain effective collaboration with trade unions.
- Align local HR practices with Nordic strategies in collaboration with colleagues in Norway and Sweeden.
- Promote a positive, performance-driven culture in a fast-paced retail environment.
About You:
- 7–10 years of experience in HR and business partnering, ideally within retail or similar operational industries.
- Strong working knowledge of Danish labor laws, HR processes, and union relations.
- Experience with HR IT systems (e.g., SAP HRM, CRM platforms).
- Proven leadership skills and staff responsibility.
- Comfortable leading through change and managing system transitions.
- High-energy individual with a hands-on approach and strong business acumen.
- Fluent in Danish and English both in written and spoken.
What We Offer:
- A position in a rapidly growing company where professionalism is top-notch, and where you can help shape your own role
- An international collaboration within a global group
- A responsibility area with opportunities to achieve visible results in a market-leading and well-managed retail chain
- A welcoming and informal work environment among skilled and helpful colleagues
- Favorable employee discounts in our stores
- A healthy and varied lunch scheme
- An active staff association
We value diversity and encourage all qualified applicants to apply, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. We believe that diversity creates a strong foundation for meaningful discussions, problem-solving, and learning, and we look forward to hearing from you!
The Recruitment Process:
Synoptik is collaborating with Nigel Wright Group for this recruitment. We look forward to your application with an updated CV. If you have any questions about the role or the recruitment process include these in your application. Please also note that the applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis.
