HR Operations Team Leader

We are a Global Legal Services Firm, and our mission in HR Operations is to provide seamless operational support to the business. The LifeCycle Team Leader plays a critical leadership role in managing complex HR processes across multiple regions and driving strategic initiatives that enable the business to focus on its core legal expertise.

This is not just a coordination role—it’s about managing the process end-to-end, aligning with other departments, and ensuring operational excellence in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Scope & Impact

Countries & Regions: Supports 17 countries across Europe, MEA, and Asia-Pacific

Processes Managed

• Promotions & grade changes
• Internal transfers
• Annual/Sick Leaves
• Other Leaves (Maternity, Paternity etc)
• Organizational changes
• Position management
• Exit (Voluntary and Involuntary)
• Employee Coverage: Approx. 4,840 employees
• High Impact Areas: UK Payroll, Global Mobility, and compliance-critical processes

Main duties and responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Manage daily operations and annual processes planning
• Allocate resources and balance workload
• Ensure SLAs and KPIs are achieved and strive to exceed set targets.

Quality & Compliance

• Drive quality checks and manage outcomes to ensure all requests are handled with maximum accuracy and compliance
• Monitor performance metrics and implement improvements

Stakeholder Management

• Act as primary escalation point for HR Business Partners and senior stakeholders
• Promote communication standards and build trust with partners
• Align with UK Payroll and other cross-functional teams

Strategic Project Delivery

• Plan, align and deliver strategic projects within the team (Digital, Transitions, Transformation)
• Execute Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives and automation projects
• Develop and align project plans with other departments

People Development

• Staffing & selection, integration of new staff to teams, facilitating technical/functional training or leveraging other training resources,
• Measuring and managing individual and team performance
• Provide feedback, coach and mentor team members
• Guide team members in developing independence in this area
• Inspire a mindset focused on UX, quality, and continuous improvement
• Foster collaboration, openness, and positive energy
• Build and execute development and corrective programs and succession plans

About you

• International Experience: Comfortable working in a global business environment; experience managing an HR team is essential
• HR Expertise: At least 5 years of relevant experience (preferably in HR, ideally in professional services) and a minimum of 1 year in people management
• Inspiring Leadership: Leads by example and motivates the team through strong, authentic leadership
• Excellent Communication: Strong command of English, enabling effective communication in an international setting
• Precision & Reliability: Demonstrates timeliness, accuracy, and high‑quality task delivery
• Workload Management: Experienced in handling high demands and balancing conflicting priorities
• Organised & Methodical: Able to multi‑task, meet deadlines, and work logically in a fast‑paced environment
• Quality Focus: Ensures delegated tasks are completed thoroughly and to a high standard
• Discretion & Integrity: Proven ability to manage confidential and sensitive information responsibly
• Stakeholder Savvy: Uses tact, diplomacy, and strong interpersonal skills when engaging with stakeholders
• Proactive Mindset: Highly motivated with a positive “can‑do” attitude; works well independently and collaboratively, looking for improvement opportunities and lessons learned
• Values‑Driven: Understands and aligns with the firm’s goals, culture, and values
• Strong Ownership: Takes initiative and drives results independently
• Problem Solver: Comfortable with ambiguity and able to organize chaos into clear plans
• Collaborative & Positive: Brings good vibes, openness, culture of support and energy to the team
• Challenge-Driven: Thrives in dynamic environments and enjoys tackling complex projects
• Strategic Mindset: Aligns plans with other departments and ensures seamless execution

About Us:

We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.

At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.

Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.

Apply now