HR Manager - France & Italy

P&O Manager

Reporting directly to the VP People & Organisation EMEA, the P&O Manager is the local P&O representative for France & Italy and acts as a strategic and operational HR partner across our Theatrical and TV Distribution businesses.

This role combines full ownership of payroll and HR operations with a broader HR Business Partnering responsibility, supporting leaders in driving organisational performance, talent development and cultural engagement.

The P&O Manager ensures operational excellence and compliance while actively contributing to the execution of the people strategy in alignment with business priorities and transformation needs.

HR Business Partnering

• Act as a trusted advisor to business leaders, providing both strategic insight and pragmatic HR solutions.
• Align people initiatives with business objectives, supporting leaders in achieving performance, growth and transformation goals.
• Lead and support change initiatives at the local level (reorganisations, role evolutions, restructures), ensuring clear communication and smooth implementation.
• Provide expert guidance on employee relations, disciplinary processes and complex labour law matters.
• Lead the 2 work councils in France and work with the Business Leaders to foster a constructive social climate.
• Support salary review and bonus processes in partnership with Compensation & Benefits, ensuring fairness and consistency.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition on recruitment strategy, role definition and selection processes.
• Ensure high-quality onboarding experiences and successful integration of new hires.
• Contribute to talent development discussions, succession planning and identification of key capabilities.
• Act as cultural ambassador, promoting collaboration, accountability and performance excellence.

Payroll & HR Operations (France only)

• Own and lead the end-to-end payroll process in coordination with the external provider: data collection, validation, controls and final approval.
• Ensure full accuracy of payroll elements, including variable compensation, bonuses, benefits, absences and terminations.
• Guarantee compliance with social security, tax regulations and statutory reporting obligations.
• Manage year-end payroll activities, withholding certificates, audits and regulatory filings.
• Administer all employee benefits (health, life insurance, pension, fleet, restaurant tickets).
• Maintain integrity and accuracy of employee data across HRIS (Workday), payroll and time-tracking (Edays) systems.
• Manage the full employee lifecycle administration (contracts, amendments, onboarding, exits, leave management).
• Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements and local labour law requirements.
• Manage occupational risk prevention and workplace accident reporting.
• Partner closely with Finance to ensure accurate documentation and reporting for internal and external audits.

What You Have

• 6–8 years of progressive HR experience, including strong payroll ownership.
• Proven experience acting as an HR Business Partner in a dynamic environment.
• Solid knowledge of labour law and statutory compliance.
• Experience operating as a stand-alone or lead HR representative.
• Strong ability to balance operational execution with strategic advisory responsibilities.
• Experience in a multinational and matrix environment preferred.
• Business insight and commercial awareness.
• Ability to influence and build credibility with senior stakeholders.
• Strong operational discipline and attention to detail.
• Sound judgement and integrity in managing complex situations.
• Situational adaptability and resilience.
• Collaborative mindset and strong interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in French and English required.