Our client, AXEL Christiernsson International (AXEL Group), is a global leader in lubricating grease solutions, directly supporting customers across Europe and North America through six factories. In modern R&D facilities, AXEL turns tough challenges into business opportunities, offering cutting-edge products and services to some of the world’s most prestigious and well-known lubricant brands.
With 300 employees across Sweden, the Netherlands, France, and the US, AXEL is recognized for its deep expertise, customer-focused approach, and passionate commitment to delivering lasting value that directly meets client needs.
AXEL is now embarking on its next chapter to continue its ambitious growth journey. As part of this transformation, the company is seeking a Head of People to lead its newly established Group HR function and play a key role in shaping the future of its expanding business.
This hybrid role combines strategic HR leadership at a global level with hands-on responsibility for HR operations in Sweden (Axel Christiernsson AB).
The position is based at AXEL’s head office, located 30 km north of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Global Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate global HR/People initiatives, ensuring alignment of strategies, policies, and practices across regions.
- Serve as a strategic partner to executive leadership, contributing to organizational planning and the evolution of a cohesive, global company culture.
- Own and scale the full talent management lifecycle — from employer branding and recruitment to career development and leadership growth.
- Promote cross-border collaboration and facilitate the sharing of best practices within the international HR team.
- Provide support to the site based HR functions in driving effective change management efforts.
Sweden-Focused Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and development of the HR function to ensure practices and processes effectively support business objectives.
- Oversee and drive workforce planning and leadership development initiatives
- Manage salary benchmarking and job evaluations to ensure consistent and equitable application of compensation and benefits across business units.
- Lead union negotiations and foster constructive, collaborative labour relations.
- Champion initiatives that promote employee engagement, well-being, and a positive workplace culture.
Qualifications
Professional background:
- At least 10 years of experience in HR/People roles, including 5+ years in a senior leadership position, ideally in an international environment
- Experience working in decentralized organizations, preferably including manufacturing or industrial operations
- Broad HR expertise with a strong track record in driving strategic initiatives as well as managing day-to-day HR operations
- In-depth knowledge of Swedish labour law and extensive experience in union negotiations
- University degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
- Fluency in English and Swedish; knowledge of French is a plus but not required
Personal Profile
- A strategic thinker with a hands-on approach
- Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills
- A culturally aware change leader with the ability to build long-term relationships and foster cross-functional and cross-border collaboration
Why join AXEL?
- AXEL offers the best of both worlds—a truly international environment with colleagues across Europe and North America, combined with a supportive, down-to-earth, informal and enjoyable internal culture.
- As Head of People, you will step into a high-impact role at the heart of AXEL’s transformation, leading efforts to build a cohesive, high-performing multinational organization.
- A competitive compensation package, including bonus eligibility, is offered with the position.
Interested?
We review applications and interview candidates on an ongoing basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
For more details, please contact Lena Lind, Lena.lind@carpenova.se or Helena Sävenek, helena.savenek@carpenova.se.