Join Synoptik Norway as Head of HR and drive local impact for Brilleland & Interoptik

About the Role

As Head of HR, you will lead a mature team of HR professionals supporting employees across our Norwegian retail operations of our two banners: Brilleland and Interoptik. This leadership role will have its main focus on translating our global HR-agenda to concrete impact in Norway, and make sure local needs are being reflected in the overall HR-plan for Scandinavia. This includes the local rollout of digital HR applications and the implementation of a new HRM system infrastructure. It is a hands-on role where you contribute as a trusted business partner. You will work in close collaboration with the broader Scandinavian HR organisation to ensure alignment and consistency across markets. Synoptik is part of a Scandinavian matrix organisation and you will be reporting to HR Scandinavian Director (solid line), and Country Manager Norway (dotted line). The position is a part of the Norwegian management team.

Based at our Norwegian headquarters in Sandvika, you will be an active sparring partner to the Norwegian management team, store managers, regional leaders, and corporate departments including finance and marketing. You’ll ensure that HR strategies and operations fully support both the business objectives and cultural values of the organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established retail business undergoing transformation at both the national and Scandinavian levels. You will take full ownership of the Norwegian HR agenda, lead a small team, and contribute directly to the future direction of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Norwegian HR team

• Own and manage day-to-day HR operations across Norway

• Act as a trusted HR Business Partner to leaders in both retail and head office functions

• Lead the local implementation of new HRM systems and support ongoing HR transformation

• Ensure compliance with Norwegian labour law, health and safety regulations, and maintain productive union relations

• Coordinate and align local HR practices with Scandinavian strategies, in collaboration with HR colleagues in Denmark and Sweden

Who are you?

• 5+ years of HR and business partnering experience, ideally within retail or other operational industries. Experience from working in a matrix organisation is preferred

• Solid understanding of Norwegian labour laws, HR processes, and union collaboration

• Experience working with HR IT systems (e.g. SAP HRM or similar platforms)

• Proven people leadership and experience managing a HR team

• Skilled in navigating change and leading systems and process transitions

• Strong commercial mindset with a hands-on, solution-oriented approach

• Fluent in a Scandinavian language and English, both written and spoken

What We Offer

• A key role in a growing company where you can help shape the HR function locally

• The opportunity to work within a global group and collaborate across Scandinavian markets

• Responsibility and room to achieve tangible results in a respected and well-managed retail chain

• A professional, friendly, and informal work environment with skilled and supportive colleagues

• Favourable staff discounts across our stores

• A healthy and varied lunch scheme

• An active and social workplace in Sandvika

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We welcome all qualified applicants, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or background. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our culture and our ability to learn, grow, and succeed together.

The Recruitment Process

Synoptik is collaborating with Nigel Wright Group for this recruitment. Please apply with your CV as soon as possible, as applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. For any questions about the position or process, you’re welcome to contact Tove Bruhn.

Our client, Synoptik Norway, is part of Synoptik A/S – one of the leading optical retailers in the Nordics and a member of the global eyewear group EssilorLuxottica. With over 180,000 employees across more than 40 countries, EssilorLuxottica is the global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of optical products and eyewear.

Synoptik operates two retail chains in Norway: Brilleland and Interoptik. Together, they represent Synoptik’s strong presence in the Norwegian optical retail market.