HR Operations Specialist

At Quaker Houghton, we are experts in the development, production and application of industrial process fluids, lubricants and coatings for the manufacturing industry. We have been an integral part in the growth of the world’s largest industrial and manufacturing companies from aerospace and automotive to primary metal and energy. Today, we have a global presence, with our corporate headquarters located in Conshohocken, PA. Quaker Houghton is a global publicly traded company with a unique collaborative culture that supports career growth for its colleagues and offers competitive compensation and benefit programs.

About the Role

The HR Operations Specialist role is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse and dynamic Global HR Operations team. As part of our global HR support structure, you will help deliver a seamless and positive employee experience and act as the connection point between employees and the Global HR function.

You will serve as the primary coordinator for day-to-day HR activities and manage HR transactions, documentation, and processes across the entire employee lifecycle.

This role also provides multi-country exposure, supporting HR Operations in France, Poland, and Hungary and participating in global projects designed to streamline HR Operations workflows and drive a consistent and cohesive employee experience worldwide.

What’s in it For You?

• A permanent contract
• Competitive pay programs with bonus opportunities
• Hybrid and flexible hours work arrangement for a better work-life balance
• An international, collaborative and dynamic work environment
• Access to QH University - an online platform with comprehensive learning tools and development programs for all employees
• DEI and recognition programs such as Women in Manufacturing, Next Gen, PRIDE CRGs, and our Global Giving & Impact Awards
• Global Giving initiatives offering 2 additional paid volunteering days to support the cause of your choice
• Joining a team where supporting each other is part of the culture, in a company where customer success is our own

What will you do?

• Perform HR transactions throughout the employee lifecycle (onboarding, offboarding, transfers, job/compensation changes, internal mobility)
• Provide transactional support for France, Hungary, and Poland as needed
• Manage and resolve HR inquiries through the HR support platform
• Provide Level 1 and Level 2 support for HR process-related queries
• Route non-HR inquiries to the appropriate teams
• Conduct regular data audits in HR systems (HRIS, recruitment platforms) to ensure accuracy and integrity
• Coordinate hiring activities with Hiring Managers and Talent Acquisition
• Manage new hire setup in local systems and coordinate onboarding workflows
• Collaborate with Operations, IT, Payroll, and other teams to ensure smooth onboarding
• Support employees with questions about policies and benefits; work closely with Total Rewards on wellness initiatives
• Ensure local HR policies and processes comply with statutory and internal requirements
• Maintain employee files in line with statutory, regulatory, and internal retention standards
• Manage offboarding processes, documentation, and cross-functional coordination
• Support disciplinaries as directed by HRBPs
• Liaise with global HR colleagues (HRIS, TA, HRBPs) and other internal support functions (IT, Legal, Payroll, FP&A)
• Contribute to global projects to standardize and strengthen HR practices
• Act as a trusted resource for HR systems and data, supporting enhancements and process improvements

What do we look for?

Experience & Knowledge

• Experience in an HR/People Operations role, ideally within a multinational environment
• Solid understanding of HR regulations and data privacy requirements in France and other European countries
• Experience with HRIS platforms; ability to adapt quickly to new systems (Workday and ADP Celergo are strong assets)
• Team player with strong organizational and planning capabilities
• Results-oriented with a high sense of accountability
• Analytical mindset and strong problem‑solving skills
• Innovative and open to new ways of working
• Customer focused with excellent communication skills
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)

Languages

• Full professional fluency in French and English (spoken and written) is required

Location

• Must be within commuting distance to our office in Villefranche-sur-Saône (600 Bd Albert Camus, 69400 Villefranche-sur-Saône, France)
• Hybrid working arrangement available

Soft Skills<