Senior 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 Senior People Operations to lead and elevate AQEMIA's People operations, compliance, and employee experience across France and the UK.

This hybrid role combines operational excellence, HR systems management, legal compliance, and office leadership, ensuring smooth operations and a great employee experience in a fast-growing, international environment.

Responsibilities

HR Operations & Systems

- Lead employee lifecycle processes – from contracts to onboarding and offboarding.

Manage and improve HR tools (HRIS, payroll, benefits, data).

Ensure legal compliance in France and the UK with external partners.

Collaborate with HRBP and TA teams for consistent People processes.

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 policies and contracts up to date with French and UK labour laws.

Work with external counsel on contracts, terminations, benefits, mobility, and risk.

Track regulatory changes to maintain compliance.

Process Improvement & People Projects

- Develop and optimize People Operations in line with AQEMIA's growth.

Foster a positive, inclusive, and consistent employee experience across locations.

Continuously optimize and document HR & Ops processes.

Implement and support new People initiatives.

Develop and track People dashboards and KPIs to enhance business visibility.

Profile

6–8+ 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.

Our recruitment process

Screening call with HRBP - 30mn

Business case with VP People & HRBP - 1h

Cultural fit interview with Emmanuelle Martiano, Co-founder and COO - 45mn

Final interview with Maximilien Levesque, Co-founder and CEO - 1h

Why Join Us?

At AQEMIA, we are redefining drug discovery through the power of physics and generative AI. Joining us means contributing to transforming how new medicines are invented and helping shape the direction of our fast-growing company and team.

Pioneering a physics-first approachto drug discovery: we leverage fundamental research to redefine how drugs are discovered. At the core of our approach lies atomic-scale physics, enabling us to uncover truly innovative medicines and deliver hard-to-find therapies.

Interdisciplinary team: brilliant talent from tech and life sciences.

Recognition & Impact: part of French Tech 120 and France 2030, supporting the most promising French scale-ups with global impact potential; also featured in the 2025 Sifted AI 100, Europe's top AI startups.

International environment: based in central Paris (HQ) with an office in London. English is our working language.

Strong financial backing: $100M raised since inception from leading European and International investors.