Global HR Generalist

Grant Thornton (US); San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

In-person attendance 3 days per week

Job summary

Grant Thornton in the United States is seeking a Global HR Generalist to administer core People Operations activities across multiple jurisdictions and to support the employee lifecycle, data governance, and HR systems administration.

The role focuses on ensuring compliance, consistent service delivery, and partnering with HR stakeholders to drive operational excellence within a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3 – 5 years of experience in an HR Generalist, HR Operations, People Operations, or shared services environment.
• Experience administering complex employee lifecycle processes across multiple jurisdictions, including workforce changes, employee documentation, employee data management, and compliance activities.
• Experience serving as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex employee/executive inquiries, employee lifecycle processes, and operational issues.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance employee experience, operational requirements, and business priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret policies, exercise sound judgment, and resolve complex employee matters with professionalism and discretion.
• Excellent customer service, communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across global, cross-functional, and geographically distributed teams.
• Experience leveraging HR technology, service management platforms, and reporting tools to support process execution, service delivery, and continuous improvement.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to utilize data and insights to identify trends, solve problems, and drive operational excellence.
• Self-motivated and accountable, with a strong sense of ownership, initiative, and follow-through.
• Commitment to continuous learning, continuous improvement, and delivering high-quality employee experience.
• HR certification or professional designation (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) preferred.
• Experience within a consulting, professional services, or similarly fast-paced environment preferred.
• Experience working with HRIS and case management platforms, such as Oracle Fusion, Oracle Help Desk, ServiceNow, or similar technologies.
• Strong technical proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, with experience leveraging reporting, automation, and analytics tools such as Power BI, Power Automate, and macros to support operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• A reputation for integrity, sound judgment, discretion, responsiveness, and attention to detail.
• A continuous improvement mindset with a passion for enhancing processes, service delivery, and employee experience.

Responsibilities

• Execute and oversee employee lifecycle activities, including workforce changes, promotions, compensation updates, employee documentation, and separations, through the HR Help Desk, ensuring timely resolution and adherence to service level expectations.
• Partner with key HR stakeholders, including HR Business Partners, Benefits, Employee Relations, Immigration, Payroll, and Talent Acquisition, to resolve cross-functional employee matters and support business priorities.
• Maintain the integrity of employee data and HR systems through transaction processing, audits, record maintenance, and adherence to data governance and compliance standards.
• Produce, analyze, and interpret People & Culture data, metrics, and reports to support operational decision-making, compliance requirements, and business initiatives.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, standard operating procedures, self-service and knowledge of resources that promote consistency, scalability, and operational excellence.
• Identify and implement process improvements, leveraging HR technology, automation, and AI-enabled tools to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
• Act as a subject matter expert for assigned People Operations processes, providing guidance, training, and support to team members while driving standardization and continuous improvement.
• Support strategic initiatives, including entity integrations, technology implementations, process transformations, and other projects that strengthen the Global People Operations operating model.
• Become knowledgeable and supportive of the strategy of the firm, service line practices, and business priorities.

Skills

HR Generalist

HR Operations

People Operations

Data governance

Data analysis

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Oracle Fusion

Oracle Help Desk

ServiceNow

Job description

Job Description

Grant Thornton is seeking a Global HR Generalist to join the team. Approved office locations can be found below.

About Global People Operations

Global People Operations (GPO) is the firm’s centralized global function within People & Culture, delivering integrated People services through specialized service pillars, including HR Generalists, Leave Administration, and Onboarding. GPO combines operational service delivery with functional expertise, owning the design, governance, and execution of core employee lifecycle processes to provide consistent and scalable employee experiences across the globe.

Position Summary

At the center of the employee lifecycle, the HR Generalist is responsible for administering and enhancing core People Operations activities across multiple jurisdictions. Areas of focus include employee transactions and lifecycle events, promotions, employee support, HR systems administration, compliance activities, and employee data governance, ensuring services are delivered consistently and in alignment with global standards and local requirements.

Through a customer-focused and solutions-oriented approach, the HR Generalist balances business needs, employee experience, and compliance while driving high-quality service delivery. The role also plays a critical part in strengthening processes, improving efficiency, and advancing operational excellence across the Global People Operations function.

The HR Generalist collaborates with the Director of Global People Operations, Team Leads, HR Business Partners and cross-functional stakeholders, to ensure the seamless execution of People & Culture programs and processes across all entities. Leveraging regional knowledge and subject matter expertise, the HR Generalist serves as a trusted resource to leaders and employees, acts as an escalation point for complex matters, and drives the execution of global programs, process standardization, and service delivery.

Core Responsibilities

• Execute and oversee employee lifecycle activities, including workforce changes, promotions, compensation updates, employee documentation, and separations, through the HR Help Desk, ensuring timely resolution and adherence to service level expectations.
• Partner with key HR stakeholders, including HR Business Partners, Benefits, Employee Relations, Immigration, Payroll, and Talent Acquisition, to resolve cross-functional employee matters and support business priorities.
• Maintain the integrity of employee data and HR systems through transaction processing, audits, record maintenance, and adherence to data governance and compliance standards.
• Produce, analyze, and interpret People & Culture data, metrics, and reports to support operational decision-making, compliance requirements, and business initiatives.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, standard operating procedures, self-service and knowledge of resources that promote consistency, scalability, and operational excellence.
• Identify and implement process improvements, leveraging HR technology, automation, and AI-enabled tools to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
• Act as a subject matter expert for assigned People Operations processes, providing guidance, training, and support to team members while driving standardization and continuous improvement.
• Support strategic initiatives, including entity integrations, technology implementations, process transformations, and other projects that strengthen the Global People Operations operating model.
• Become knowledgeable and supportive of the strategy of the firm, service line practices, and business priorities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3 – 5 years of experience in an HR Generalist, HR Operations, People Operations, or shared services environment.
• Experience administering complex employee lifecycle processes across multiple jurisdictions, including workforce changes, employee documentation, employee data management, and compliance activities.
• Experience serving as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex employee/executive inquiries, employee lifecycle processes, and operational issues.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance employee experience, operational requirements, and business priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret policies, exercise sound judgment, and resolve complex employee matters with professionalism and discretion.
• Excellent customer service, communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across global, cross-functional, and geographically distributed teams.
• Experience leveraging HR technology, service management platforms, and reporting tools to support process execution, service delivery, and continuous improvement.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to utilize data and insights to identify trends, solve problems, and drive operational excellence.
• Self-motivated and accountable, with a strong sense of ownership, initiative, and follow-through.
• Commitment to continuous learning, continuous improvement, and delivering high-quality employee experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• HR certification or professional designation (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) preferred.
• Experience within a consulting, professional services, or similarly fast-paced environment preferred.
• Experience working with HRIS and case management platforms, such as Oracle Fusion, Oracle Help Desk, ServiceNow, or similar technologies.
• Strong technical proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, with experience leveraging reporting, automation, and analytics tools such as Power BI, Power Automate, and macros to support operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• A reputation for integrity, sound judgment, discretion, responsiveness, and attention to detail.
• A continuous improvement mindset with a passion for enhancing processes, service delivery, and employee experience.

The base salary range for this position is between $77,000 and $116,600. Placement within the pay range is at Grant Thornton’s discretion, and it is based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job -related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, progression within the role, geographic location, and internal equity. At Grant Thornton, compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

About Us

At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result – for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It’s what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better.

In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.

In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.

Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.

About The Team

• Whether it's your work location, weekly schedule, or flex time off, we empower you with the options to work the way that it best serves your clients and your life. Consistent with the firm's hybrid work model, this position will require in-person attendance at least three days per week, either at a GT office or client site.
• Here, you are supported to prioritize your overall well-being through work-life integration options that work best for you and those in your household.
• We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different — and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. See how at www.gt.com/careers
• When it comes to inclusion, we are committed to doing more than checking boxes. Explore all the ways we’re taking action for diversity, equity & inclusion at www.gt.com/careers

Benefits

We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different, and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit: https://www.grantthornton.com/careers/rewards-and-benefits

• Benefits for internship positions: Grant Thornton interns are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Interns also receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave and are paid for firm holidays that fall within their internship period.
• Benefits for seasonal employee positions: Grant Thornton seasonal employees are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Seasonal employees may also be eligible to participate in the firm’s 401(k) savings plan and employee retirement plan in accordance with applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements. Seasonal employees receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave.

Grant Thornton employees may be eligible for a discretionary, annual bonus based on individual and firm performance, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility criteria of the applicable bonus plan or program. Interns and seasonal employees are not eligible for bonus compensation.

Additional Details

It is the policy of Grant Thornton to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions (including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, working conditions, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, evaluations, and termination) are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital or civil union status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic predisposition or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, it is the policy of Grant Thornton to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. To make an accommodation request, please contact [e-mail].

For Los Angeles Applicants only: We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

For Massachusetts Applicants only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Grant Thornton does not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.