Katja Rigoll - Head of Human Resources

Q: Where is Katja based?

Katja is based in Oberhausen, Germany and can operate in on-site , hybrid , and remote work models.

Q: What languages does Katja speak?

Katja speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced) .

Q: How many years of experience does Katja have?

Katja has at least 37 years of experience. During this time, Katja has worked in at least 18 different roles and for 20 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 9 months . Note that Katja may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Katja's latest experience?

Katja's most recent position is Head of Human Resources at Knapheide Solutions GmbH, Knapheide Schlauchtechnik GmbH .

Q: What companies has Katja worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Katja has worked for Knapheide Solutions GmbH, Knapheide Schlauchtechnik GmbH , Kostal Automobil Elektrik GmbH & Co. KG , Wüsthof GmbH , LGI Logistics Solutions GmbH , and Pandora Jewelry GmbH .

Q: Which industries is Katja most experienced in?

Katja is most experienced in industries like Professional Services , Manufacturing , and Tourism . Katja also has some experience in Construction , Government and Administration , and Transportation .

Q: Which business areas is Katja most experienced in?

Katja is most experienced in business areas like Human Resources , Accounting , and Operations .

Q: Which industries has Katja worked in recently?

Katja has recently worked in industries like Professional Services , Manufacturing , and Automotive .

Q: Which business areas has Katja worked in recently?

Katja has recently worked in business areas like Human Resources and Operations .

Recommended expert

Oberhausen, Germany

Check rate

Experience

Oct 2023 - Jan 2025

1 year 4 months

Beckum, Germany

Head of Human Resources

Knapheide Solutions GmbH, Knapheide Schlauchtechnik GmbH

Led the HR department, including its realignment
Negotiated and concluded works agreements
Advised management and the board on integration after company acquisition
Led partial plant closures with social transfer plans
Implemented short-time work
Optimized payroll

Jun 2023 - Sep 2023

4 months

Lüdenscheid, Germany

HR Operations Manager

Kostal Automobil Elektrik GmbH & Co. KG

Led a team of 7 employees, both functionally and disciplinarily
Supported negotiations on interest reconciliation and social plans during the production shutdown
Ensured all formalities during the business transfer
Prepared decision papers and presentations

Mar 2023 - May 2023

3 months

Solingen, Germany

VP Human Resources

Wüsthof GmbH

Led the HR department
Advised on short-time work and related measures
Change management
Process optimization

Oct 2022 - Mar 2023

6 months

Hünxe, Germany

HR Business Partner

LGI Logistics Solutions GmbH

Coordinated and negotiated works council matters
Developed a business case for a partial operational change

Apr 2022 - Oct 2022

7 months

Hamburg, Germany

HR Director Northern Europe (9 countries)

Pandora Jewelry GmbH

Realigned the HR department, including process optimization
Introduced HR reporting
Handled various legal cases

Nov 2021 - Apr 2022

6 months

Soest, Germany

HR Manager

Magna BDW technologies GmbH

Realignment of the HR department
Close coordination with the works council
Restructuring of the organizational structure
Optimization of HR processes
Digitization: Led the implementation of SuccessFactors

Jul 2021 - Nov 2021

5 months

Oberhausen, Germany

HR Business Partner / HR Manager

New York Pizza GmbH

Expansion of New York Pizza B.V. into Germany
Recruiting the country team
Transferring the corporate culture to the German organization
Establishing HR administration

Apr 2021 - Jun 2021

3 months

Bonn, Germany

HR Manager

Ardagh Metal Beverage GmbH

Support in restructuring the IT department
Optimizing the HR structure at the Weißenthurm site
Consulting with managers
Regular communication with the works council

Sep 2020 - Oct 2020

2 months

Cologne, Germany

HR Business Partner

ESL Gaming GmbH

Support in restructuring
Developing the requirements for a business change
Drafting an agreement of interests and social plan

Jan 2020 - Jun 2020

6 months

Global Director Human Resources

Hackforth Holding GmbH & Co KG

Strategic HR management, member of the Executive Management Team
Advising and supporting managing directors as well as managers and employees
Harmonizing workflows by introducing HR core processes and the HR Business Partner principle

Sep 2018 - Present

7 years 9 months

Trainer

Choreoo – the human side of change

Support for leadership workshops
Advising and developing a COVID-19 pandemic plan
Further developing the workshop concept

Aug 2018 - Dec 2019

1 year 5 months

Human Resources Director, Authorized Signatory

SIG Germany GmbH

Led the HR department, member of the executive management team and the international senior leadership team
Ensured professional and legally compliant HR processes
Responsible for HR budget, planning and controlling, increasing profitability
Ensured process improvements and cultural change

Mar 2010 - Jul 2018

8 years 5 months

Head of HR Central Europe, Authorized Signatory

Atlas Copco Tools Central Europe GmbH

Member of the executive management team and authorized signatory, headed the HR department including payroll for three legal entities in DACH, the Netherlands and Belgium
Responsible for controlling and reporting total personnel costs and presenting them to the board
Developed HR strategies and initiatives based on global and local business needs, ensuring compliance with group policies
Collaborated with employee representatives and corporate committees
Harmonized and optimized process workflows across all companies and countries

Apr 2008 - Feb 2010

1 year 11 months

Director Human Resources

Movie Park Germany GmbH & Co. KG

Member of the executive management team, overall responsibility for HR including payroll with up to 2,000 hires per season
Responsible for and reported on the HR budget

Jun 2005 - Mar 2008

2 years 10 months

Manager Human Resources

Movie Park Germany GmbH & Co. KG

Led the HR department including payroll
Negotiated and implemented company agreements
Responsible for all labor law matters
Designed and coordinated training programs, focusing on motivation, customer orientation and leadership

Jul 2000 - May 2005

4 years 11 months

HR Officer, Deputy HR Manager

Warner Bros. Movie World

Supporting HR management and filling in during absences
Working on various HR topics

Jul 1998 - Jun 2000

2 years

HR Administrator, part-time

Der Baustoffmann Schneider OHG

Handling HR administrative tasks on a part-time basis

Oct 1996 - Jun 1998

1 year 9 months

HR Administrator, part-time

Alteneinrichtungen der Stadt Oberhausen

Supporting the HR department on a part-time basis

Sep 1993 - Sep 1996

3 years 1 month

Essen, Germany

HR Administrator

Boecker oHG

Handling HR processes for 28 locations

May 1990 - Aug 1993

3 years 4 months

Pension Administrator

MAN Unternehmensberatung GmbH

Managing company pension plans

Feb 1989 - Apr 1990

1 year 3 months

Accounting Clerk

Transport-Vertretungs-Service GmbH

Bookkeeping tasks in daily operations

Industry Experience

See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.

Experienced in Professional Services, Manufacturing, Tourism, Construction, Transportation, and Government and Administration.

Professional Services

Manufacturing

Tourism

Construction

Transportation

Government and Administration

Business Area Experience

See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.

Experienced in Human Resources and Accounting.

Human Resources

Accounting

Summary

With over 30 years of experience, I'm an HR professional through and through. As a consultant, I lead HR projects or step in as an Interim HR Manager to cover vacancies. I'm used to communicating confidently at all levels while also being strong in operational execution.

Skills

Interim Hr Management, Vacancy Cover
Sick Leave Or Parental Leave Replacements
Workforce Reductions And Restructurings
New Setup And Optimization Of Hr Departments
Implementation And Documentation Of Hr Processes
Works Agreements
Business Transfers
Due Diligence Support

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

Education

Oct 2007 - Jun 2009

Donau-Universität Krems

Professional MBA, Strategic Management · Professional MBA Strategic Management · Krems an der Donau, Austria

Oct 1991 - Jun 1993

Bildungswerk der Wirtschaft e.V. für Essen, Mülheim, Oberhausen

Human Resources Specialist, IHK · Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany

Oct 1986 - Jun 1989

MAN Gutehoffnungshütte GmbH

Industrial clerk, commercial assistant certificate, IHK · Oberhausen, Germany

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 21

Experience in Professional Services 14 y

Avg length 2 y

Longest experience 8 y 4 m

Global Experience

Countries worked in 1 (Germany)

Primary country Germany

Expertise

Recent roles Head of Human Resources, HR Operations Manager, VP Human Resources

Main industries Professional Services, Manufacturing, Tourism

Main business areas Human Resources, Accounting

Qualifications

Highest degree Master

Profile

Created

January 2025

Last Update

May 2026

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have questions? Here you can find further information.

Where is Katja based?

Katja is based in Oberhausen, Germany and can operate in on-site, hybrid, and remote work models.

What languages does Katja speak?

Katja speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced).

How many years of experience does Katja have?

Katja has at least 37 years of experience. During this time, Katja has worked in at least 18 different roles and for 20 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 9 months. Note that Katja may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Katja be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Katja would be well-suited for roles such as: Head of Human Resources, HR Operations Manager, VP Human Resources.

What is Katja's latest experience?

Katja's most recent position is Head of Human Resources at Knapheide Solutions GmbH, Knapheide Schlauchtechnik GmbH.

What companies has Katja worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Katja has worked for Knapheide Solutions GmbH, Knapheide Schlauchtechnik GmbH, Kostal Automobil Elektrik GmbH & Co. KG, Wüsthof GmbH, LGI Logistics Solutions GmbH, and Pandora Jewelry GmbH.

Which industries is Katja most experienced in?

Katja is most experienced in industries like Professional Services, Manufacturing, and Tourism. Katja also has some experience in Construction, Government and Administration, and Transportation.

Which business areas is Katja most experienced in?

Katja is most experienced in business areas like Human Resources, Accounting, and Operations.

Which industries has Katja worked in recently?

Katja has recently worked in industries like Professional Services, Manufacturing, and Automotive.

Which business areas has Katja worked in recently?

Katja has recently worked in business areas like Human Resources and Operations.

What is Katja's education?

Katja holds a Master in Professional MBA Strategic Management from Donau-Universität Krems.

What is the availability of Katja?

Katja will be available part-time from May 2026.

What is the rate of Katja?

Katja's rate depends on the specific project requirements. Please use the Meet button on the profile to schedule a meeting and discuss the details.