HR Operations and Compliance Manager (EMEA)

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations 

• Oversee, optimize, and automate global employee administration and payroll processing ensuring accuracy, timeliness and compliance with local tax and labor regulations. 
• Lead and guide the local P&C EMEA Operations team (4 FTE) and work closely with the HR generalists in APAC and US to ensure consistent execution and alignment with global operations standards and practices. 
• Identify gaps in HR operations and lead improvement initiatives.  
• Standardize and streamline P&C processes across 17 countries to enhance operational efficiency and alignment with global practices. 
• Assess and enhance payroll systems, identifying opportunities for automation, accuracy, and streamlined workflows. Consider the implementation of global payroll solutions to drive vendor consistency, automation, and standardized SLAs. 
• Document, maintain and update global P&C documentation and policies, ensuring accessibility and compliance across all entities. 
• Ensure data integrity, accuracy and consistency across all P&C systems and reports to support effective decision-making. 
• Manage external payroll and benefits partners, acting as a liaison between vendors, finance, and P&C teams to resolve discrepancies and improve service delivery. 
• Partner with the Reward, Data, and HRIS Manager to ensure seamless integration between HR systems, payroll and business platforms. 
• Support the preparation of HR metrics by ensuring high-quality data inputs for reporting, workforce planning and talent insights. 
• Coordinate the processing of salary reviews and bonus outcomes, ensuring accurate execution aligned with compensation guidelines. 

Compliance & Risk Management 

• Lead the handling of complex employment compliance matters (eg terminations, misconduct cases, contract disputes), ensuring all actions are legally sound, documented and aligned with company policy.  
• Monitor labor law changes across jurisdictions (focus EMEA) and ensure HR operations are updated accordingly in collaboration with regional P&C leads. 
• Conduct internal P&C audits and risk assessments to identify and address gaps in compliance or operational controls. 
• Ensure compliance with visa/work permit processes, employee classification and remote work regulations, partnering with internal stakeholders and external advisors. 
• Oversee internal and external audits, regulatory checks and formulate responses to authorities to ensure compliance with employment legislation, workplace safety, and internal standards. 
• Manage all compliance-related reporting and required documentation, including input for ESG and sustainability reporting (e.g., CSRD, EU Taxonomy). 
• Prepare HR operations for due diligence and potential private equity exit scenarios by ensuring data accuracy, audit readiness, and robust documentation of compliance practices. 

HR Service Delivery 

• Provide guidance to People Leaders and P&C colleagues on operational and compliance topics and resolve employee relations matters, ensuring operational alignment with policies and legal frameworks. 
• Act as the go to expert and escalation point working closely with P&C Partners to manage cases from initial assessment through to resolution, including preparation of documentation, managing legal risk, and interfacing with counsel if needed. 
• Lead the management and continuous improvement of the HR ticketing system to ensure timely, high-quality support and proactive service communication. 
• Drive the evolution of the HR service delivery model to enhance scalability, user experience and process efficiency. 

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in HR operations, payroll, and compliance, with exposure to multi-country or regional responsibilities. 
• Master’s degree or equivalent in Human Resources, Business Administration, Law or a related field. 
• Experience working in an international or global HR operations environment, preferably within a complex or matrixed organization. 
• In-depth knowledge of employment laws, payroll legislation and HR compliance frameworks in key EMEA countries (e.g., Belgium, France, Netherlands, UK, Germany, Romania). 
• Demonstrated experience leading global payroll processes, managing vendors and driving improvements in HR service delivery and compliance. 
• Proficiency in HR systems and tools; experience with system integration, automation, and data reporting platforms is a plus.