Description
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Project Manager to join the ES Operations team in EMEA and lead medium- to large-scale projects that improve the employee hire-to-retire lifecycle through process enhancements, technology, automation, and data insights. Collaborating with COEs, vendors, and global stakeholders, you will drive initiatives that enhance employee experience, streamline operations, and support international growth. As a curious problem-solver with a consultative mindset, you build strong partnerships and use playbooks and roadmaps to scale solutions. Passionate about emerging technologies like AI, you continuously seek innovative ways to boost operational efficiency and transform ES Operations.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead cross-functional project teams to deliver initiatives collaboratively, managing end-to-end project delivery with alignment to scope and timeline, proactive risk management, and a focus on driving successful, value-driven outcomes.
* Partner with stakeholders to optimize scalable processes and systems for sustainable growth.
* Collaborate with the team to proactively identify and drive operational and employee experience improvements by leveraging AI, automation, RPA, and analytics.
* Maintain detailed project plans and RAID logs to track tactical projects progress and risks.
* Actively analyze and report data-driven insights to leadership to support informed decision-making and project success.
* Manage change communication to global stakeholders, ensuring alignment and adoption while addressing resistance effectively.
* Foster cross-team collaboration to drive continuous improvement, training, and thought partnership.
* Identify and implement process improvements, automation, and risk controls ensuring compliance with SLAs, SOX, and local laws.
* Analyze data and service delivery metrics to drive insights, inform actions, and scale programs.
* Provide process guidance and conduct audits to mitigate risks and ensure quality.
* Build strong stakeholder relationships to deliver scalable, regionally effective solutions and support transformation initiatives.
* Deliver excellent customer service to maintain a best-in-class employee experience.
Minimum Qualifications
* Proven experience managing Employee Services projects improving employee lifecycle processes with automation and data insights.
* Strong track record implementing or assessing technologies like AI, RPA, chatbots, or analytics in HR/operations.
* Experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau, Smartsheets, Excel, and Google Sheets to create insightful reports, dashboards, and data-driven storytelling that effectively communicate key insights.
* Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills.
* Experience coordinating complex, cross-functional projects with competing priorities.
* Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing abilities.
* Minimum 5 years leading medium to large-scale transformation programs in complex or matrixed organizations.
* Knowledge of change management methodologies and frameworks.
* Strong leadership skills to motivate teams and drive organizational change.
* Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
* Adaptable and resilient in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
* Fluent in English; additional European languages are a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
* Experience supporting multi-country HR operations in global environments.
* Familiarity with Workday and HR technology implementations.
* Project management certifications (PMP, PRINCE2, Agile/Scrum).
* Understanding of emerging HR technology trends in shared services.
* Consulting experience with successful HR transformations.
Success Indicators
* Projects consistently delivered on time and within budget.
* Tangible improvements in HR processes and employee experience.
* Adherence to global compliance standards.
* Successful piloting and adoption of new technologies driving efficiency gains.
* Positive stakeholder feedback and high adoption of changes implemented.
* Setting up, tracking, and reporting on specific, agreed project metrics.