People Operations Manager - Space tech startup

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

As a People & Payroll Operations Manager you will be part of a dynamic and international team, working cross-functionally with Talent Acquisition, Legal, and Finance. You will be responsible for handling and coordinating monthly payroll preparation, providing critical HR administrative support for our team members and employees, and for establishing new personnel processes in order to guarantee and ensure legal compliance, great employee experience, and maintain a positive company culture. You will also work to provide accurate reporting and employee data analytics. Your focus area will be the German branch of The Exploration Company.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and coordinate monthly payroll preparation (with a focus on Germany), in regards to the entire employee lifecycle (e.g. payroll registration, personal and employment data changes, time offs and absences)

• Be the first point of contact for our employees based Munich for any HR-administrative topics

• Manage and own people operations-related projects, process improvements, and automation implementation (e.g. onboarding support, maintaining employee records, ESG shareholder reporting, administration and issuance of contracts, documents and amendments)

• Administration and support of the visa and work permit processes for our employees with a focus on Germany

• Maintain and continually improve features of our HRIS (Personio)

• Support daily operations of the People Team

• Create and update HR policies and procedures

• Monitor on regular bases changes of local legislation, ensure HR process and documentation compliance with GDPR and labor legislation

• Monitor working conditions, well-being, engagement and turnover rates

• Have ownership of trusted People & Culture related local projects and initiatives

• Manage compensation and benefits programs, including salary reviews, bonuses, and employee benefits administration

• Organize events and support site management aspects

What we would love to see from you

• At least 5 years experience as an HR / People Operations Manager, Admin or Generalist in a German or French company

• Experience in handling and coordinating monthly payroll preparation within multiple countries

• Solid knowledge and understanding of German labour law, taxation and social security systems in regards to payroll operations - knowledge of Italian or French labour law is a plus

• Experience in the administration of visa and work permit processes

• Advanced MS Office skills (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)

• Experience with Personio and other HRIS is a plus

• Fluent communication skills in English and German (French and / or Italian are a plus)

Why you should join us!

What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:  

• We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind 

• We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them  

• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?  

We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly. 
 
The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.