MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:
We are looking for a proactive and detail-focused HR Specialist to manage key HR operations across the full employee life cycle, including onboarding, offboarding, contractual changes, and support with complex employee and payroll queries. This role will also ensure compliance with local employment legislation in both the UK and EU, and act as a key liaison between HR and payroll teams.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Employee Life Cycle Management:
• Manage onboarding and offboarding processes for UK and EU employees, ensuring full compliance with local legislation
• Prepare employment contracts, verify right-to-work documentation, and manage pre-employment screening across jurisdictions
• Coordinate employee changes such as promotions, relocations, secondments, and contract amendments
• Ensure timely and accurate updates in the HRIS and effective handover of payroll-impacting changes
HR & Payroll Coordination:
• Ensure HR processes, contracts, and documentation align with local employment legislation in the UK and EU (e.g. GDPR, Working Time Regulations, notice periods, statutory entitlements)
• Stay updated on legislative changes across relevant jurisdictions and support policy updates accordingly
• Collaborate with external legal or compliance partners where necessary to support cross-border employment activities
• Maintain compliant record-keeping and audit-ready documentation across all personnel files
Employee Support:
• Serve as the first point of escalation for employee queries relating to contracts, policies, absence, and pay
• Support managers with guidance on best practices and local employment policies across the UK and EU
• Escalate sensitive issues appropriately
HR Systems & Reporting:
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate records in the HRIS
• Ensure documentation is managed securely and in line with data protection policies
• Generate regular and ad hoc HR reports as required (e.g. headcount, starters/leavers, absences)
• Identify and implement process improvements across HR operations
SKILLS REQUIRED:
• Solid experience in an HR operations or specialist role supporting UK and EU regions
• Strong understanding of local employment laws, HR compliance standards, and GDPR
• Experience managing payroll-related processes and working with payroll providers
• Proficient in HR systems (e.g. Workday, IRIS, BambooHR, SAP) and Microsoft Office
• Strong communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills
• Discreet and professional approach to handling confidential and sensitive information
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:
• CIPD Level 3 or 5 (or working towards)
• Experience supporting HR activity across multiple EU countries (e.g. Netherlands, Germany, Belgium)
• Previous exposure to HR audits or supporting internal policy reviews
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills for reporting and data analysis
• Experience in a recruitment, staffing, or professional services environment