People & Operations Lead

We are seeking a People & Operations Lead to own the employee experience from start to finish, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and organizational culture. Beyond this, the P&O role will also provide broad operational support on things like systems roll‑out and management, vendor oversight, and contract generation. Our ideal candidate is an energetic self‑starter who appreciates organization. You are as capable of navigating health care documents as you are supporting a colleague in need. You are trustworthy, discreet, and systems oriented. This role is based either in London or Barcelona and is expected to require approximately 80–90% of a full‑time commitment, starting immediately.

Responsibilities

• Talent Management & Recruitment
• Administer all employment changes on our HRIS (BambooHR) and global PEOs (US, UK, Spain).
• Summarize employment changes to inform payroll, in coordination with our Finance team.
• Own recruitment from start to finish: prepare job descriptions, review applications, screen candidates, coordinate interviews, and share updates internally and with candidates.
• Ensure our compliance with internal policies and external compliance requirements, in the US, UK, and Spain.
• Onboard and orient new team members to the how and what of everything we do.
• Promote our collaborative culture in ways big and small.
• Discreetly elevate employee relations matters as necessary.
• General Operations & Logistics
• Manage service providers (IT, PEOs, background check, etc.).
• Prepare internal meeting agendas and decks as needed.
• Generate and track consultant contracts.

Finally, like all colleagues, this role is responsible for continuous improvement in our processes and systems. See something to improve? We want you to take the lead in making it happen.

Qualifications

• Must haves:
• Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience, ideally in a fast‑paced and growing company, social enterprise, or nonprofit.
• Demonstrated ability to operate flexibly, find creative solutions, and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Strong sense of personal accountability, punctuality, and attention to detail.
• Compassion, poise, and professionalism.
• Interest in climate, sustainability, or nature‑based solutions.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills.
• Nice to haves:
• Experience, formal training, and/or certifications in HR.
• Experience with a globally dispersed organization.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must have work authorization in the country where they are applying.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Emergent provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, local or other applicable laws.