Senior Human Resources Generalist

On behalf of our international client, we are looking for a senior HR Generalist to take full ownership of local HR operations in France. This is a hands-on, operational role for a highly autonomous HR professional who is confident operating in a demanding, fast-paced business environment.

This position requires resilience, legal rigor, and the ability to represent company interests firmly and consistently. It is not a junior role, and it is not a soft HR or wellbeing-focused position.

Key responsibilities

• Full ownership of HR operations in France across the entire employee lifecycle

• Acting as first point of contact for employment law, labor relations, and works council (WoCo) matters

• Managing hiring, onboarding, disciplinary actions, and terminations in full compliance with French labor law

• Ensuring payroll accuracy and coordination with external payroll providers

• Maintaining high data accuracy across HR systems (SAP or similar)

• Monitoring changes in local labor legislation and enforcing compliance

• Operating confidently within an international matrix organization

• Representing the company’s interests first, including making firm and sometimes unpopular decisions when required

Critical expectations

• Senior, autonomous HR professional with solid experience in French HR operations

• Strong legal literacy in employment and labor law (legal background is a strong advantage)

• Proven experience with works councils (WoCo)

• Mentally resilient, assertive, and comfortable working under pressure

• Structured, disciplined, and compliance-driven – this role requires strength and clarity rather than a “people-first” soft HR approach

• Digital mindset with strong attention to data accuracy and reporting

• Pragmatic and business-oriented, balancing legal precision with operational efficiency

Requirements

• Proven experience as an HR Generalist in France (experienced profile – not junior)

• Strong knowledge of French labor law and local HR requirements

• Experience managing both hiring and termination processes end-to-end

• Fluent English communication skills (international working environment)

• Experience working in an international matrix organization

• SAP or similar HR system experience preferred

• Part-time availability preferred; full-time (1 FTE) option open for the right candidate

What’s on offer

• A highly autonomous role with real ownership and responsibility

• International exposure in a complex, business-driven environment

• Flexible workload (part-time preferred)

• Opportunity to operate as a trusted, senior HR authority locally