HR Operations and Compliance Manager (EMEA)
Department: People & Culture
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Ghent
Reporting To: Els De Paepe
Description
This role is responsible for leading the design, execution and continuous improvement of scalable, efficient and compliant HR operations across the organization, with a primary focus on the EMEA region. It oversees global HR operations and payroll delivery, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with labor laws, internal policies, and operational standards.The role covers process optimization, automation, vendor management and system integration, while also owning employment compliance, from tracking legislation and conducting audits to managing complex cases such as terminations and disputes. It serves as a strategic partner and escalation point for P&C Partners and People Leaders, providing expert support on HR execution and local compliance matters.
While the primary focus is on strengthening HR operations and compliance in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, South Africa, and Romania within a globally integrated HR service delivery model, the role will also involve participation in global projects.
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.
- 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.
- 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.