Senior HR Operations Manager – FTC
Private Equity
My client is a high calibre Private Equity firm which focuses on investing in and scaling mid-market businesses across Europe, particularly those led by founders or entrepreneurial management teams.
The firm is known for its hands-on approach to accelerating growth, strengthening operations, and supporting long-term value creation.
The HR team itself is well staffed by some exceptional people and led by two of my favourite senior HR people, which reflects the value HR is held by the senior partners.
This is one of two Maternity Covers of a similar level, this one starting in April and the other starting in March. If you are interested in both, please do let me know.
THE ROLE
This role leads HR operational delivery, ensuring excellence, compliance, and a strong employee experience across multiple entities. You will oversee the full employee lifecycle, manage payroll, support complex employee relations, and enable organisational growth through scalable and data-driven HR practices.
HR Operations & Process Excellence
* Lead efficient, compliant HR operations, including onboarding and leaver processes.
* Review and improve HR policies, procedures, and workflows.
* Ensure operational consistency across jurisdictions and alignment with local employment laws.
* Drive automation and effective use of HR technology.
* Manage payroll and pension administration, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Systems Management & Data Integrity
* Oversee and optimise HR systems, ensuring accuracy and data security.
* Partner with vendors and IT to maintain system performance and evaluate new solutions.
Employee Relations & Compliance
* Lead on ER matters, providing clear, pragmatic advice.
* Ensure policies, contracts, and handbooks remain legally compliant.
* Identify and mitigate ER risks through early intervention and manager support.
Leadership & Collaboration
* Manage and develop the HR team to ensure strong performance.
* Foster a collaborative, solutions-focused HR service.
* Support HR projects and contribute to key workstreams.
Candidate Profile
* Significant experience in senior HR operations or generalist roles within complex or multi-entity environments.
* Candidate must come from a Buy Side background such as Private Equity, Private Credit, Venture Capital, Investment Management or Asset Management. Top Tier Investment Banking might also be considered if they have been hands on.
* Strong technical HR expertise, including employment law and payroll oversight.
* Experience managing cross-jurisdictional HR operations.
* Commercially aware, able to balance compliance with business needs.
* Strong communicator with the ability to influence and handle sensitive matters.
* Proactive, resilient, and focused on delivering high-quality HR support.
This role is 4 days in the office and 1 working from home.
Due to large numbers of expected CV's, I may not be able to get back to those who don't match the job description. Almost certainly due to lack of PE experience.