People Operations Partner

Job Summary and Purpose: 

The People Operations Partner provides in-country-specific HR operational expertise within the global HR operating model. Acting as the Tier 2 operational HR lead for their assigned country, the role manages complex employee lifecycle activity, local legislative requirements, employee relations support, and operational implementation of HR processes and business change.

The role serves as the primary operational HR expert for managers, HRBPs, Payroll, Legal and COEs on country-specific employment practices, compliance requirements, and operational people matters. The position ensures global HR processes are delivered effectively while remaining compliant with local legislation and market practice.

This role is distinct from Global People Services and focuses on judgement-based operational HR support, local expertise, compliance, and operational execution rather than high-volume transactional query handling.

Main Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Country HR Operations - Act as the operational HR lead for assigned country populations.
• Manage complex employee lifecycle activity including contractual changes, leave management, transfers, and local compliance processes.
• Ensure operational HR processes are delivered in line with local employment legislation and company standards.
• Support implementation of global HR initiatives within country-specific legislative and operational frameworks.
• Coordinate with Payroll, Benefits, HRIS, Finance and external vendors to suport compliant local delivery.
• Employee Relations & Compliance
• Support employee relations matters including disciplinary, grievance, absence, performance, and workplace concerns in partnership with managers and HRBPs.
• Provide practical guidance on local employment legislation, policies, and operational risk.
• Escalate complex or high-risk matters appropriately to Regional Ops Lead or Legal team.
• Maintain compliance with local labour law, working time obligations, statutory requirements, and internal governance standards.
• Support audits, compliance reviews, and regulatory documentation requirements.
• Business & Manager Support
• Provide operational HR guidance to managers on employee lifecycle and country-specific people matters.
• Support operational delivery of organisational changes, restructures, transfers, and workforce actions.
• Partner with HRBPs to operationalise business decisions and workforce changes.
• Ensure managers are supported through operational implementation of HR processes and policy application.
• Operational Governance & Improvement
• Identify operational risks, processes, gaps, and opportunities for improvement or standardisation.
• Contribute to development and maintenance of operational process documentation and country guidance.
• Support implementation of new HR systems, operational processes, and service delivery requirements.

Minimum Education & Experience:

• Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field preferred
• Professional HR qualification (e.g. CIPD, SHRM, HRCI or equivalent) desirable.
• 6+ years of experience in relevant country-specific HR operational experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies: 

• Strong HR generalist experience with operational HR ownership
• Experience supporting employee relations and operational HR delivery within a multinational environment.
• Strong understanding of local employment legislation and HR operational practices.
• Ability to manage complex operational issues requiring judgement and practical application.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently within a global operating model.
• Strong organisational, prioritisation, and problem-solving capability.
• Experience working with HR systems and operational workflows.