Senior People Operations Specialist

Hawk; München; On-site; USD 70,069 - 116,782; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a People Operations Specialist, where you'll shape HR strategies and processes to attract and retain top talent. This role is perfect for someone passionate about building scalable HR frameworks in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. You'll collaborate with leadership to enhance employee satisfaction and foster a culture of inclusivity and excellence. With a commitment to compliance and ethical practices, you will play a vital role in supporting the organization's rapid growth while ensuring a positive work culture. If you thrive in a startup atmosphere and are ready to make a significant impact, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of HR experience, ideally in fast-scaling startups.
• Experience in creating scalable HR processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement global HR processes to improve efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws across jurisdictions.

Skills

HR Management

Process Design

Employee Relations

Compliance Knowledge

Strategic Thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Tools

Personio

Leapsome

HRIS

ATS

Job description

About Us

Hawk is the leading provider of AI-supported anti-money laundering and fraud detection technology. Banks and payment providers globally are using Hawk’s powerful combination of traditional rules and explainable AI to improve the effectiveness of their AML compliance and fraud prevention by identifying more crime while maximizing efficiency by reducing false positives. With our solution, we are playing a vital role in the global fight against Money Laundering, Fraud, or the financing of terrorism. We offer a culture of mutual trust, support and passion – while providing individuals with opportunities to grow professionally and make a difference in the world.

As our People Operations Specialist, you will play a crucial role in shaping and managing the People function alongside our Head of People. You will be responsible for designing and implementing HR programs, policies, and initiatives that attract, develop, and retain top talent while fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence. With a strong focus on building scalable HR frameworks and systems, you will help lay the foundation for a high-performing People function that evolves with the company’s rapid growth. This role is ideal for someone with a strong drive to build processes and structure from the ground up.

Your Responsibilities

• Designing and implementing scalable, global HR processes that reduce manual work while improving employee satisfaction and operational efficiency.

• Continuously assessing and optimizing HR systems (especially Personio and Leapsome) to enhance efficiency, automation, and scalability.

• Serving as a trusted point of contact for employees on HR-related matters, offering guidance and support on policies and procedures.

• Driving initiatives that enhance employee satisfaction, well-being, and professional growth.

• Championing a culture of engagement, inclusivity, and excellence to foster a positive and motivating work environment.

• Ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations across multiple jurisdictions, mitigating risks, and maintaining a strong ethical foundation.

• Leading the initial build-out of HR frameworks and systems, with the potential to take on people leadership responsibilities as the function expands.

• Collaborating cross-functionally to ensure HR strategies align with broader business objectives.

Your Profile

• 8+ years of HR experience with a focus on leading HR functions, ideally in fast-scaling startup environments.

• Experience creating and implementing scalable HR processes that support a rapidly growing organization.

• Strong ability to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving startup environment, ensuring the HR function grows effectively alongside the business.

• Experience in People Operations, with expertise in HRIS, ATS, and other HR systems (Personio and Leapsome experience is a plus).

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Strong knowledge of HR best practices, employment laws, and compliance requirements across multiple regions.

• A strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, comfortable rolling up your sleeves to build structure while keeping a long-term vision in mind.