Head of People Operations - EMEA

About the role RELEX Solutions is looking for an experienced People Operations leader to lead HR operations across our EMEA region, based in Finland. This role sits at the center of a fast-growing, globally distributed technology company and is responsible for aligning regional delivery with global strategy, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement across a multi-country People Operations team, including finding smarter, more automated ways of working as the function scales. Given the scope of our German operations, experience managing People Operations in Germany, including working with Works Councils (Betriebsrat), is a strong plus. Role profile Leads HR operations across the EMEA region, aligning with global strategy, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement. Manages a team to deliver efficient HR services and supports business goals. What you'll do General responsibilities • Oversee HR operations, including payroll, benefits, HRIS, vendor management, and invoice approvals. • Design and oversee regional employee benefit programs in collaboration with the People Operations Director and team. • Co-plan and oversee the salary review process, ensuring alignment with global standards. • Participate in global People Operations projects and take the lead on global initiatives where agreed. • Ensure compliance with labor laws and company policies across EMEA, implementing new regulations when required. • Act as the primary HR contact for regional leaders and manage stakeholder relationships with functions such as Finance, HRIS, and vendors. • Manage HR budgets and provide regular KPI reports to ensure cost-effective service delivery. • Collaborate with global and regional HR leaders to share best practices and enhance employee engagement. • Look for opportunities to simplify, automate, and improve the efficiency of People Operations processes, including through AI-enabled tools, as the function scales. Individual responsibilities • Lead complex employee relations and people-escalation cases across the EMEA region, ensuring effective resolution and compliance with local regulations. • Manage relationships with works councils and other employee representative bodies (e.g., Germany, France). • Document and share received legal advice to support the team. • Organize regular meetings with key stakeholders in the region and facilitate team meetings, trainings, and information sessions. • Drive employee engagement initiatives by monitoring feedback (e.g., Peakon results) and collaborating with peers, other Team Leads, and the People Development & Processes team. • Keep the regional team informed about current topics, news, projects, and HR processes. • Support the implementation of global People Operations strategy in collaboration with the People Operations Director. • Lead and implement change management initiatives across the EMEA region. What you'll need • Significant experience in a senior People Operations / HR leadership role covering multiple European jurisdictions. • Experience leading distributed People Operations teams across multiple countries, including managing through Team Leads. • Experience with Workday and payroll oversight across multiple countries. • Track record managing complex, sensitive employee relations matters — investigations, restructuring, performance management — with sound judgment and discretion. • Excellent stakeholder management skills; able to operate credibly with senior leadership, Finance, HRIS, vendors, and works councils alike. • A track record of streamlining HR processes and an interest in using automation and AI tools to improve how a People Operations function runs day to day. • Fluency in English required. • Experience managing People Operations in Germany, including working with German Works Councils (Betriebsrat), is strongly preferred. • Strong working knowledge of German employment law preferred; familiarity with other EMEA jurisdictions (e.g., Poland, UK, France) a plus. • German fluency a plus. • Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving, globally distributed technology company.