As the HR team of the uvex group, we are available as empathetic, competent, and trustworthy partners for the people within the company, contributing to its overall success.
People are at the center of everything we do.
With our recommendations, we shape the corporate culture and connect people, numbers, regulations, as well as the analog and digital worlds. We are proud to make protecting people tangible for you.
Interested in a job or have you already applied? Take a look at the interviews to get to know us.
Three questions for our HR contacts
What is important to you in an application? (in writing or during the interview)
I want to be able to see that the applicant has already familiarized themselves with the role and uvex in advance. Why do I meet the specific requirements both professionally and personally? Why am I aiming for this particular role at uvex?
What does a relaxing weekend look like for you?
Sunny weather around 25 to 28 degrees. An early Sunday morning run. Long walks with my wife and our Labrador. A delicious Italian or Asian dinner with friends and/or family. And honestly, I feel more relaxed when I occasionally check my work inbox—rather than being surprised on Monday.
What are three or four qualities your friends would use to describe you?
Here’s some unfiltered feedback from friends and acquaintances: humorous, passionate, straightforward, and consistent—with a touch of gruffness now and then.
Rene Fertinger
responsible for:
uvex Winter Holding, Information Technology (IT)
in Fürth
What do you do at uvex?
In my role as Head of HR Management & Services, I’m responsible for the team of HR Managers, the admin team, and payroll. In addition, I support the Group Information Management (GIM) area as an HR Manager.
What did you do before joining uvex?
I first trained as an industrial clerk, then completed my high school diploma, followed by a dual study program—which even gave me the opportunity to work in Hong Kong. Right before joining uvex, I worked in HR at a medium-sized company.
Which benefit do you personally value most at uvex?
Being able to work independently while enjoying a high level of trust is extremely important to me. Another major benefit I’ve experienced at uvex is the modern and digital way of working. These aren’t necessarily the classic benefits people think of first—but they make a real difference.
What tips do you give to applicants?
Application documents should be carefully prepared. A clear and well-structured CV is essential so it’s easy to understand someone’s background. The cover letter should clearly explain why the applicant is interested in this specific position at the uvex group.
In the interview, authenticity is key. You shouldn’t pretend to be someone else—stand by who you are. That’s fairer for both sides and leads to better long-term matches.
What is your professional passion?
Without a doubt: labor law. I find it fascinating to dive into complex cases and—ideally—find a solution that works for both sides. It’s a field that requires sensitivity and precision, and one where you need to stay continuously up to date with legal changes and new rulings—which I actually enjoy 😊.
What is your favorite travel destination?
I love Italy. I always enjoy discovering new regions there. The combination of culture, cuisine, and the warmth of the people keeps drawing me back.
Franziska Hempel
responsible for:
uvex Winter Holding, all departments except Information Technology (IT)
uvex International, including expats
uvex Arbeitsschutz, International Sales
in Fürth
What does your day-to-day work in HR look like?
There’s rarely such a thing as a typical day. Usually, I start by opening my laptop with a rough plan in mind—what I want or need to tackle alongside scheduled meetings. And then everything turns out differently. People often think HR doesn’t involve emergencies, but in reality, the day often consists of putting out fires. And that’s exactly what makes it so exciting.
What has been your favorite travel destination?
Totally cliché—but definitely my honeymoon. We spent it in New Zealand, traveling across (almost) the entire country for three and a half weeks. The culture, landscapes, wildlife, and people were truly unforgettable. The long journey is absolutely worth it, and I can recommend it to everyone!
What did you do before joining uvex?
After studying organizational education, I went straight into HR. Before joining uvex, I worked as an HR Business Partner at an event agency—a completely different industry and work environment. It was a very valuable experience that I wouldn’t want to miss. But now, I’m definitely happy to have found my place at uvex!
Isabel Kienlein
responsible for:
uvex Arbeitsschutz, Sales Germany
uvex safety Austria
in Fürth
What did you do professionally before joining uvex?
I trained as a clothing tailor and spent several years working in retail sales for women’s and men’s fashion. After that, I completed a business degree with a focus on human resources. Through various internships—including one in fashion purchasing at Quelle—I eventually found my way into the HR field.
How are talents and skills nurtured at uvex?
We foster a very open culture. When filling positions, we always look first at internal candidates who want to grow within the company. There are people who have moved from Sales to IT, from Sports to Occupational Safety, or from Field Service to Product Management.
Through a well-established development program, talents are supported over the long term. Employees can actively position themselves and shape their own development paths.
Why do you enjoy working at uvex?
I’m proud to work for a company that develops products designed to protect people. I also appreciate the strong connection to Germany and the EU. Our company never stands still—it’s driven by innovation and by the constant question: How can we improve? How can we critically reflect on what we do—again and again?
Andrea Katzenberger
responsible for:
uvex safety group
uvex Arbeitsschutz, After-Sales-Service
UD2C group
Laservision
uvex sports group KG with ALPINA
in Fürth
What was your last travel destination?
Australia, with a five-day stopover in Tokyo—we wanted to see if Japan might be a good fit for us. And yes, absolutely! It really captivated us, so we’re heading back soon for a two-week round trip through Japan.
Do you have pets?
Yes, things are pretty lively at our place. The name says it all—we have four British Shorthair cats and a “leased dog” from my parents, whom I regularly borrow for long walks.
What was your dream job as a child?
Lawyer—because justice has always been a core value for me. That still fits well with my work today: I strive to weigh all interests fairly.
Ivonne van Trill
responsible for:
uvex Arbeitsschutz, Production Department
uvex safety Lederdorn
SBU Footwear
in Fürth
What do you most enjoy eating during your lunch break?
I most enjoy going to the uvexeria with my colleagues — it truly lives up to its great reputation. Having such a good cafeteria is a real benefit for me. I especially look forward to dessert. When it's available, I definitely treat myself to a small portion
What do you especially enjoy about working in HR?
I enjoy accompanying people throughout their entire professional journey — from the first meeting in the job interview to development conversations and even during challenging phases. What I find particularly exciting is the variety: no day is like the other, and every encounter brings new perspectives. It’s rewarding to see that you can truly make a difference — for the company and for the people within it.
What was your last travel destination?
We went to the Netherlands, near Zandvoort — a wonderful family vacation with my husband and our three children. The long beaches were perfect for building sandcastles, and the relaxed nature of the Dutch people really helped us slow down. We stayed in a small holiday cottage — it was simply perfect all around.
What does your typical day in HR look like?
Man plans, and fate laughs! I plan my day — and an hour later, everything looks completely different. Sometimes it’s quite chaotic when it comes to scheduling and coordination. Then someone walks in with a new topic that needs urgent attention — and suddenly, priorities shift entirely.
What do you most enjoy eating during your lunch break?
In the morning, I prepare sandwiches for the whole family — and by mid-morning, my own lunchbox is usually empty too. That’s why I prefer to use my lunch break for a 15- to 20-minute walk along the Elbe Side Canal to clear my head. It’s become a regular ritual. Even when it rains, I just put on my rain jacket, grab an umbrella — and head out anyway.
What is your professional passion?
I’d say leadership is one of my strengths. I got into leadership quite early — at the age of 26 — through my first employer. Of course, not everything went smoothly: in the beginning, I experienced a few setbacks, which turned out to be crucial learning moments for me. These experiences led me to dive deep into the topic of leadership — and I discovered that it truly suits me. Over the past 15 years, I’ve realized that no matter the area I’m working in, I genuinely enjoy taking on a leadership role.
Manuela Graf (currently on parental leave)
responsible for:
uvex sports group
in Fürth
What was your craziest side job?
I had a few side jobs during my university years. For many years, I worked in the office of an English trainer, cutting thousands of flashcards. But the one I liked the least? Working as a server in a restaurant—because I regularly burned my fingers serving soup or dumplings with gravy.
What do you pay particular attention to in a job application?
The CV is absolutely essential—everything important needs to be in there. It should be clear, compelling, and well-structured. The cover letter is secondary. Certificates and references serve as a supplement. A photo isn’t necessary, but if included, I want to see the person as they truly are. These days, I actually prefer a short video—it's a great way to gain additional insight beyond the usual paper documents. My goal is to learn as much as possible about the person as early as possible.
What tips do you give potential applicants?
In an interview, it’s really important to be authentic. Standard answers won’t get you far. What matters more is taking time beforehand to understand the company and the role. Applicants should ask themselves: Why do I want to work here? What are my expectations for the position? What might a typical workday look like?
Also: bring all your questions—and ask them! After all, it’s not just the company deciding whether you’re a fit. You’re also deciding whether this is the right place for you.