HR Operations Manager at Meridiam

A: Job Summary

The HR Operations Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth execution of HR processes and payroll operations across France and international offices (excluding the US). Acting as the primary point of contact for employees on operational HR matters, this role focuses on delivering efficiency, compliance, and consistency in HR administration and payroll. The HR Operations Manager will lead a small team, optimize processes, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to guarantee seamless HR service delivery.

B : Key Responsibilities

1. Payroll Management

• Oversee payroll operations for France and international offices

• Validate payroll accuracy with the Payroll Manager and external provider (e.g., ADP or other selected vendors)

• Ensure timely payroll processing and compliance with local regulations

• Implement robust controls for statutory reporting (e.g., DSN, social security declarations) in each country

• Act as backup for payroll production in the absence of the Payroll Manager

• Liaise with Finance for payroll reconciliation and reporting

• International coordination: Serve as the interface for local payroll and HR providers, ensuring data quality and compliance with local practices

2. HR Administration

• Manage HR administrative processes for France and selected international offices

• Maintain and update employment contracts, policies, and employee handbooks

• Oversee relationships with social security bodies, health insurance providers, and pension funds in France

• Coordinate employee lifecycle management with external HR service providers abroad

• Ensure compliance with labour laws and conduct regular legal monitoring

• Supervise international mobility processes (tax, social security, payroll, immigration)

• Provide guidance and monitor contractual arrangements for transfers, mobility, expatriation, or impatriation

• Define SOPs dedicated to HR Operations, ensuring maintenance is provided by the team

• Ensure global consistency of HR policies and advising on best practices

• Ensure quality and accuracy of contracts, amendments, secondments, and related documentation

• Strong interface role with local payroll and HR providers for international offices

3. Project companies

• Manage the SPV Coordinator and support administrative tasks : from onboarding,  to contract reviewing (local & expatriate contracts), consultancy agreements, and other global employment solutions to respond to local project needs

• Support the development of the workforce planning, performance management, talent management within the project companies’ network, Co-animate an HR network within the project companies’ network,

• Review regular reportings of HR activities and issues to management (HR Director, Meridiam Management)

4. Controlling & Comp - Ben

• Collaborate closely with “HR Controlling and Compensation & Benefits” team to:

• Support guarantee data accuracy for HR and financial analysis

• Co-develop trackers and dashboards for monitoring headcount, and key metrics

• Support budget preparation and forecasting, in partnership with Finance

• Strengthen internal controls for all statutory reporting and legal deliverables across jurisdictions

5. Employee Support & Internal Coordination

• Act as the go-to contact for employees on HR operational queries

• Promote transparency and clear communication on HR processes

• Ensure seamless onboarding and offboarding experiences

6. Process Optimisation & Systems

• Streamline HR workflows and implement best practices for operational excellence

• Contribute to HRIS maintenance, updates, and digitalisation projects; act as Super Administrator backup

• Enhance internal controls and audit readiness

• Acts as the administrator of the Absence Management (GTA – Eurecia) tool

• Ensures that the settings are optimised

• Prepares reconciliation reports with payroll

7. Team Leadership

• Manage and develop the HR Coordinator, Payroll Specialist & SPV Coordinator

• Foster autonomy, accountability, and professional growth within the team

• Ensure workload distribution and prioritization for operational efficiency

8. Reporting & Compliance

• Oversee HR reporting (absenteeism, headcount, compensation summaries)

• Prepare documentation for audits and labor inspections

• Support the preparation of documentation for Works Council meetings

• Use of HR data for analytics insights

Education & Experience

·       Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field

·       7+ years of HR experience with strong operational focus; prior experience in payroll and HR administration is essential

·       Proven ability to manage small teams and coordinate international HR operations

Technical Skills

·       Solid knowledge of French labor law and familiarity with international HR compliance

·       Knowledge of the Syntec collective agreement is mandatory

·       Hands-on experience with payroll systems and HRIS platforms

·       Strong expertise in Absence Management (GTA) is required

·       Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PPT…) and HR reporting tools

·       Fluent in English and French; additional languages are a plus

Soft Skills

·       Strong organizational and problem-solving skills

·       Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities

·       Ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment

·       High attention to detail and process orientation

Key Attributes for Success

·       Operational excellence mindset

·       Ability to balance hands-on tasks with team leadership

·       Proactive approach to improving processes and employee experience