Leitende

Leitende is a German term derived from the verb leiten, meaning to lead or direct. As an adjective, leitend describes something that leads or is in a leading position. When used as a noun, Leitende (often capitalized) refers to people who hold leadership roles, such as executives or managers, typically in organizations, administrations, or public institutions.

In organizational contexts, the phrase leitende Angestellte or leitende Funktion denotes employees with management responsibilities who have authority to direct activities, make strategic decisions, and supervise others. The exact scope of duties varies by company size, industry, and contract. Common examples of positions considered leitend include managing directors, department heads, and senior managers who carry broad decision-making authority.

In German labor law, Leitende Angestellte are a defined category with particular implications for works council representation, collective bargaining, and working-time regulations. The precise criteria and consequences depend on statutory provisions, collective agreements, and individual contracts, and they can differ across sectors and jurisdictions. In practice, courts examine factors such as autonomy in decision-making, responsibility for strategy, budget control, and personnel management when determining whether a position is leitend.

Usage notes: Leitende can modify nouns such as Position, Rolle, or Funktion, as in leitende Position (leading/managerial position). As a plural noun, die Leitenden can refer to a group of individuals in leadership roles. The term is common in corporate discourse, HR documentation, and discussions of organizational structure.