HR Operations and Compliance Manager (EMEA)

HR Operations and Compliance Manager (EMEA)

Department: People & Culture

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Manchester

Description We are looking for a HR Operations and Compliance Manager that will focus on two key areas: leading Global HR Operations and serving as the HR Manager for EMEA. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, global HR operations expertise, and regional employment law knowledge, effectively navigating complex workforce challenges while ensuring HR strategies align with business priorities.
This role is responsible for optimizing and standardizing HR operations, payroll, and compliance processes on a global scale. The incumbent will drive operational efficiency, automation, and alignment with business objectives, ensuring a seamless HR service delivery model across multiple jurisdictions. Leading a global payroll and HR operations team, this role ensures the effective management of payroll, HR systems, and compliance with international labor laws.

Simultaneously, this role oversees HR operations and compliance across Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, and Romania. The focus is on fostering a compliant, inclusive, and high-performing workplace by executing HR policies, supporting People Leaders, and enhancing the employee experience within the region. Acting as a trusted resource, the HR Operations and Compliance Manager provides guidance on employee relations, talent management, compliance, and workforce planning.
Responsibilities HR Process Standardization & Optimization

• Optimize and implement agile scalable HR operations that align with the fast-paced nature of consultancy projects.
• Develop global HR workflows that support both permanent employees and a large contingent workforce (contractors, freelancers, project-based teams).
• Oversee and transform global payroll processes, policies and systems, driving efficiency, standardization, and automation.
• Partner with P&C and Finance teams to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, reporting, and reconciliation.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with global labor laws, including independent contractor classification, intellectual property (IP) protection, and data privacy (GDPR, CCPA, etc.).
• Navigate local employment regulations and compliance requirements.
• Manage visas and remote work policies.

HR Technology & Systems Management

• Assess and enhance payroll systems, identifying opportunities for automation and streamlined workflows.
• Work closely with Head of Reward, Data and HRIS to ensure integration with other HR and business platforms.
• Leverage analytics to provide workforce insights that help in capacity planning, talent acquisition, and project staffing efficiency.

HR Service Delivery

• Optimize HR service delivery model enhancing employee experience and engagement
• Collaborate closely with P&C Partners and people/business leaders to implement change and optimization management initiatives to support transformation and evolving workforce models.
• Align HR strategies with business objectives by collaborating closely with partners, senior consultants, and research leads.

Employee relations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee queries, providing guidance on HR policies, procedures, and workplace concerns.
• Address and resolve employee relations matters in collaboration with the P&C Partner, ensuring fairness and consistency.
• Manage the HR ticketing system, maintaining proactive communication and ensuring timely resolution of employee issues.
• Act as a trusted advisor to employees, handling sensitive matters with discretion and empathy.

HR data management & reporting

• Prepare and analyze HR metrics and reports to inform decision-making and improve HR practices.

Compliance

• Ensure HR practices and policies align with local labor laws and organizational standards across Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, and Romania.
• Conduct regular audits of HR processes to ensure compliance with workplace safety, labor regulations, and internal policies.
• Manage compliance-related reporting, including participation in company surveys and external audits.
• Stay up to date on changes in employment legislation in the region, proactively updating HR policies and advising People Leaders to ensure organizational compliance.
• Act as a subject matter expert on compliance matters, offering clear interpretations of legal and regulatory requirements.

Talent Management

• Facilitate onboarding processes for new hires, ensuring a smooth transition into the organization.
• Oversee offboarding procedures, including exit interviews and the processing of final documentation.
• Assist with performance management processes and coordinating training programs.
• Provide support for the salary review and bonus allocation process.
• Partner with People Leaders to identify staffing needs and develop recruitment strategies together with the Talent Acquisition team.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in a senior HR operations role, with a focus on payroll, compliance, and HR service delivery.
• Master's degree or equivalent in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience working in a global HR operations role, preferably within a multinational organization.
• Knowledge of employment laws and payroll regulations in multiple countries is required.
• Experience managing global payroll processes and HR service delivery models.