People Operations Payroll Specialist (French Speaking)

We are currently looking for a People Operations Shared Service Specialist to join our dynamic team. We value the right mindset as being key to success: anticipating customer needs, supporting your department, consistently delivering memorable experiences and taking a solution-oriented approach.

Successful candidates will be invited to interviews throughout the recruitment process.

Desired start date: 1 November 2026

Location: The position is based in our offices in Madrid.

• Provide first-level support and guidance to Department Heads and employees, where required, regarding HR and payroll policies, procedures and programmes. Requests are managed through a ticketing system according to priority; complex or sensitive matters are escalated to the People Operations Business Partner France, as appropriate.

• Manage, monitor and control French payroll processes, ensuring the accuracy, reliability and compliance of payroll data and adherence to deadlines. This includes reviewing and monitoring variable pay elements, absences and leave, overtime, bonuses, employee joiners and leavers, changes in employee status and other elements impacting remuneration. A good knowledge of French payroll and employment legislation is essential to ensure compliance and identify and resolve any payroll discrepancies.

• Provide administrative support across payroll and HR processes throughout the employee lifecycle, from pre-selection through to employment; including, but not limited to, posting and closing vacancies on SmartRecruiter and Workday, initiating and verifying position changes in Workday, collecting and analysing feedback on the recruitment process and supporting other HR activities using Workday, the ATS or any other tools used within RHG P&C.

• Collaborate with Department Heads to ensure a smooth and positive onboarding experience for new employees, including preparing and sending onboarding documentation, checking relevant forms to ensure compliance, setting up benefits, configuring onboarding journeys and login credentials in Workday, sending announcements and collecting feedback on the onboarding process.

• Support the management of the performance management process, in collaboration with the People Operations Business Partner France and the HR information system.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records and files, ensuring compliance with French legal requirements, Group standards, and applicable processes and authorisations.

• Provide support with employee benefits, leave, absences and other HR and payroll-related activities, as required.

• Work closely with the People Operations Business Partner France and the wider Shared Services team to continuously improve HR and payroll processes, data quality and the employee experience.

The above list is not exhaustive and may be amended or supplemented at any time according to the responsibilities associated with the role.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in French payroll and personnel administration, with a good understanding of French payroll and employment legislation.

• Strong knowledge of French payroll processes, including variable pay, absences, overtime, bonuses, employee changes and joiners/leavers.

• Experience with payroll and HRIS systems; knowledge of ADP, Silae and/or SD Worx would be an advantage.

• Experience with Workday, SmartRecruiters or similar HR systems, as well as Microsoft Office.

• Previous experience in HR, People Operations or personnel administration; hospitality or service-sector experience is highly desirable.

• Strong attention to detail, organisation and confidentiality, particularly when handling sensitive employee and payroll data.

• Excellent communication, customer service and problem-solving skills, with the ability to support employees and managers effectively.

• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks independently in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong team player, with the judgement to know when to escalate complex or sensitive matters.

• Fluent French and good working English.

• Flexibility to work different hours when required and travel occasionally if necessary.