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 (Wo

Co) 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 (Wo

Co)

• 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

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