People Operations Manager

About AQEMIA

Aqemia is a drug invention company dedicated to creating novel molecules to address unmet medical needs. Its proprietary QEMI platform combines more than 12 years of physics-based research with state-of-the-art generative AI, enabling the launch of preclinical programs without relying on experimental data and accelerating discovery from day one. Aqemia’s portfolio spans oncology, immunology, neurology, and cardiology, and includes both wholly owned programs and partnered programs with leading pharmaceutical companies, such as a multi-year, $150M strategic collaboration with Sanofi. The company’s most advanced preclinical programs are currently undergoing in vivo optimization.

Mission

We are looking for a People Operations Manager to own and continuously improve AQEMIA’s People Operations, compliance, and employee experience across France and the UK. This hybrid role combines hands‑on People Ops execution, HR systems ownership, and legal/compliance coordination to keep day‑to‑day operations running smoothly in a fast‑growing, international environment.

Responsibilities

HR Operations & Systems

• Keep People Operations running smoothly day to day.
• Run employee lifecycle ops (onboarding → changes → offboarding).
• Own HR tools and data (HRIS, payroll, benefits).
• Coordinate payroll/benefits providers in France & the UK.
• Align processes with HRBP and Talent Acquisition.

Legal & Compliance (France & UK)

• Support the VP People in building a solid, compliant HR framework across both markets.
• Be the main point of contact for People‑related legal matters.
• Keep contracts, amendments, and policies up to date.
• Track law changes and ensure actions are implemented.

Process Improvement & People Projects

• Goal: simplify, standardize, and improve visibility as we scale.
• Document and standardize key People Ops processes.
• Fix recurring issues and simplify workflows.
• Lead People Ops projects as needed (onboarding, HRIS, benefits).
• Track core People KPIs and maintain dashboards.

Profile

• 5+ years’ experience in People Operations and HR Administration within high‑growth environments.
• Strong knowledge of French employment law and good grasp of UK labour regulations.
• Proven track record in cross‑border People Ops (France & UK).
• Excellent organization and project management skills with strong attention to detail.
• Comfortable managing HR, legal, and operational topics.
• Fluent in English and French, both used daily.
• Hands‑on, proactive, and collaborative, with a passion for building lasting processes.