At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR operations across Europe, driving efficiency and compliance.
- Company: Join a global leader committed to inclusivity and employee wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, comprehensive health benefits, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in HR while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in HR operations with experience in multi-country environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
This newly created Deputy Head of HR Operations role is designed to provide additional leadership capacity within Global HR Operations, enabling greater focus, pace, control and consistency across operations delivery. The primary purpose of the role is to take ownership of key operational and transformation priorities currently managed by the Global Head of HR Operations, with a particular focus on Europe as the largest region.
The role will act as a strategic and operational partner, leading critical workstreams including deployment of the HR Target Operating Model (TOM), strengthening HR operational compliance, embedding new ways of working across the HR Operations team, and developing scalable frameworks (e.g., vendor management governance) to improve performance and consistency. This role is intended to operate as a second-in-command, supporting leadership continuity and acting as a potential future successor role.
Day to day:
- Europe HR Operations Leadership (Primary Regional Portfolio)
- Hold primary leadership responsibility for HR Operations across Europe, working closely with the Regional HR Operations Manager, Europe.
- Provide day-to-day operational leadership oversight, ensuring effective prioritisation, issue resolution and delivery focus.
- Act as a key escalation point for complex operational challenges within Europe, ensuring timely resolution and stakeholder confidence.
- Drive alignment and consistency of regional operational practices to support a stable, scalable HR service model.
- HR Target Operating Model (TOM) Deployment
- Ensure deployment of the HR TOM across remaining European locations where it is not yet implemented (Ireland, AGCO Finance UK, Southern Europe, Nordics, Poland).
- Coordinate and drive planning, readiness, and change activities required to successfully embed TOM design.
- Partner with stakeholders across HR and the business to ensure TOM implementation supports both employee experience and operational efficiency.
- Embedding Operational Processes & Ways of Working
- Lead the embedding of new operational processes and ways of working across the Global HR Operations organisation.
- Identify, address, and reduce regional inconsistencies by driving adoption of consistent standards, templates, governance routines and operating rhythms.
- Reinforce an outcomes-focused performance culture across HR Operations through structure, clarity and accountability.
- Operational Reporting and Performance Visibility
- Build and embed a systematic approach to operational reporting, ensuring improved visibility of HR Operations activities and performance.
- Establish consistent reporting routines and dashboards (as appropriate), enabling more proactive decision-making and operational control.
- Provide actionable insights to support the Global Head of HR Operations in strategic planning, prioritisation and governance.
- HR Compliance, Audit and Controls Ownership
- Take lead responsibility for overall HR function compliance issues, including responding to and coordinating remediation for audit findings, control gaps, and operational compliance risks.
- Support the development and ongoing strengthening of compliance practices across HR Operations directly and across the wider HR function more widely, ensuring consistent adherence to required standards and controls.
- Utilise the DLL tracking and reporting mechanisms (Archer) for compliance actions, driving closure and sustained improvement.
All members enjoy:
- Work-Life Balance: Flexible working, including hybrid, designed to support you at every stage of life.
- Global and Inclusive Culture: A global and inclusive culture where your unique background and perspectives are valued.
- Two volunteering days: Two working days to contribute to charities and your community.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Health, wellness, and financial programs, including mental health support, parental leave, and industry leading holiday package.
- Professional Growth: Access to training, mentorship, tuition reimbursement, and career development programs tailored to your goals.
Skills and Capabilities Required:
You will be an experienced HR Shared Services/HR Operations leader with a minimum of 10 years’ experience of which at least 5 years leading large, multi‑country or regional operations. The skills and experience you are able to bring to the role should include:
- Successful implementation of an HR Shared Services operation, ideally in multiple countries.
- Evidence of a solid understanding of effective HR Operations performance.
- Utilisation of data from case management and systems to drive operational improvement.
- Demonstrable ownership of HR compliance and control frameworks, with oversight beyond a single country.
Good to know:
- Deadline for application: 3rd June 2026 (Due to high volume of applications this requisition may close prior to posted close date).
- Location: UK (Watford), NL (Eindhoven) or DE (Düsseldorf); hybrid working required (minimum 2 days per week on-site), remote not available.
- The selection process may involve an assessment.
- Applications via email will not be reviewed. Please apply online via our career website.
- DLL’s referral program applies.
- For more information, please contact our Talent Acquisition Partner, Natalie Gray via natalie.gray@dllgroup.com.
- DLL is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and an inclusive work environment.
- We’re dedicated to ensuring our hiring process is accessible to all. If you require accommodation at any stage, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner.
- Hiring is subject to successful completion of a background check.
Deputy Head HR Operations in Watford employer: DLL Group
DLL is an exceptional employer that prioritises work-life balance through flexible working arrangements and a global, inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are celebrated. Employees benefit from comprehensive health and wellness programs, professional growth opportunities, and the chance to contribute to their communities with dedicated volunteering days. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing and career development, DLL fosters an environment where you can truly thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head HR Operations in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. This can give you insider info about the company culture and even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s HR operations and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to HR compliance and operational challenges. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel ready to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at DLL.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head HR Operations in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in HR operations, especially in multi-country settings. We want to see how your skills align with the Deputy Head of HR Operations role!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented HR processes or improved operational efficiency. We love seeing tangible results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application via our career website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at DLL Group
✨Know Your HR Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the HR Target Operating Model (TOM) and how it applies to various European locations. Familiarise yourself with the specific operational challenges faced in these regions, as this will show your potential employer that you're ready to take ownership of key priorities.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles in HR operations, especially in multi-country settings. Share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented HR Shared Services and driven operational improvements, as this will highlight your capability to lead critical workstreams effectively.
✨Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge
Since compliance is a major part of this role, brush up on your knowledge of HR compliance frameworks and audit processes. Be ready to explain how you've managed compliance issues in the past and what strategies you've used to ensure adherence to standards across different regions.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex operational challenges. Think of examples where you've had to resolve issues quickly while maintaining stakeholder confidence, as this will demonstrate your readiness for the role's demands.
