Regional HR Integration Manager (M&A)

Cognizant; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology services company in London is seeking a Regional HR Integration Manager to lead HR integration efforts following mergers and acquisitions across the EMEA region. The ideal candidate will have strong HR experience, particularly in transition roles, and a deep understanding of EMEA employment laws. This hybrid role requires close collaboration with global HR leaders and involves the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Wellbeing programs

Qualifications

• 5+ years of HR experience, preferably in acquisitions or transitions.
• Strong understanding of EMEA employment law and ARD regulations.
• Proven track record in HR transformation and employee engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR integration activities across EMEA.
• Collaborate with Global HR Integration Manager for integration solutions.
• Ensure compliance with HR standards in acquired companies.

Skills

HR experience in acquisition or transition roles

Understanding of EMEA employment law

Project management skills

Advanced MS Excel proficiency

Confident in client-facing situations

Job description

Regional HR Integration Manager (Senior Manager Level)

About the role

As a Regional HR Integration Manager (Senior Manager level), you will make an impact by leading and coordinating HR integration efforts across UKI and EMEA following mergers, acquisitions, or insourcing activities. You will be a valued member of Cognizant’s specialist HR M&A team and work collaboratively with global HR leaders, acquired company stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless transitions.

In this role, you will

• Lead HR integration activities across EMEA, ensuring smooth transitions of people, processes, and policies.
• Review HR data from due diligence and collaborate with the Global HR Integration Manager to identify and implement integration solutions.
• Ensure acquired companies are fully aligned with Cognizant’s HR compliance standards, including hiring and contractor policies, restrictive clauses, and worker classifications.
• Develop financial impact analyses and costed project plans for people transfer and integration.
• Coordinate with the Data Management Team to enable employee system transitions.
• Act as the primary HR contact for acquired company/client HR teams during the transition.
• Lead onboarding and handover processes to BAU HR teams.

Work model: Hybrid

We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 2–3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in London, UK. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs. The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered

• HR experience, including in acquisition, outsourcing, or HR transition roles.
• Strong understanding of EMEA employment law and European ARD regulations.
• Proven experience in HR transformation, employee engagement, and multicultural environments.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Strong data management skills, including advanced proficiency in MS Excel.
• Confident in client-facing situations, including C-suite interactions.
• Ability to manage confidential information and turn strategy into actionable plans.

These will help you stand out

• Experience leading employee consultation and transition processes across multiple countries.
• Familiarity with works council frameworks and employment terms negotiation.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Willingness to travel across UK/EMEA as needed.