People Operations Specialist
Who we are
Since 1843, The Economist Group has championed independence, excellence and openness, helping people understand and tackle the critical challenges shaping the world. Today, we are building on that legacy as a global media and information-services company powered by digital innovation, analytical rigour and evidence-based insight.
Across our three businesses -The Economist, Economist Enterprise and Economist Education - we deliver trusted analysis and insights to individuals and organisations in more than 170 countries. United by a shared purpose to drive progress, we empower decision-makers to make sense of change and chart a course through an increasingly complex world.
As a colleague, you will be part of a culture that values ideas, encourages ownership and holds itself to high standards. We invest in people who are curious, thoughtful and adaptable, whether they are launching new products, reporting on global events or harnessing emerging technologies such as AI to improve how we work. Here, fresh thinking is taken seriously, ambition is matched by integrity, and great work is recognised. Working across disciplines, geographies and perspectives, we are united by a commitment to innovation, excellence and creating meaningful impact.
The role
The People Operations Specialist sits within the People Operations, Systems and Analytics team. This role is suitable for someone interested in starting or progressing their career within the HR space.
People Operations team is responsible for delivering accurate, timely and consistent colleague lifecycle processes globally. We provide first-line support to employees through our PeopleDesk inbox, maintain trusted colleague data and records, and work with our People partners to ensure that operational processes are compliant, clearly documented, consistently applied and continuously improved.
This is a hands-on operational role, suited to someone who enjoys delivering excellent customer service. You will support colleague lifecycle activity across multiple regions, resolve first-line queries, maintain high standards of data quality and process discipline, and contribute ideas that help make our services simpler, more reliable and more efficient.
You will work closely with stakeholders both across the People team and the wider organisation. You will be expected to understand where People Operations ownership begins and ends, resolve matters within your area of responsibility and escalate specialist or higher-risk matters appropriately.
Responsibilities
Service delivery and PeopleDesk
Act as a first point of contact for first line queries, providing clear, accurate and practical responses within agreed service levels.
Take ownership of queries through to resolution, including coordinating with other People teams where specialist input is required, escalating where appropriate.
Identify recurring queries, gaps in guidance and service issues, and share observations that help improve documentation, training or processes.
Colleague lifecycle processes
Deliver accurate and timely administration across the colleague lifecycle, including onboarding, contractual changes, probation, payroll instructions, leave, international transfers and offboarding.
Prepare documentation, including salary and promotion letters, employment verification letters.
Support new joiner orientation and onboarding activity in partnership with the Leadership and Organisational Effectiveness team.
Data quality, compliance and controls
Maintain accurate and complete colleague records in Bob and other relevant systems.
Complete data quality checks, resolve discrepancies and maintain appropriate records to support payroll, benefits, contractual and compliance requirements
Handle colleague information in accordance with data protection, confidentiality and information security requirements.
Process ownership and continuous improvement
Follow documented processes and keep process documentation, templates and knowledge articles accurate and easy to follow and up to date, helping ensure a consistent experience for colleagues.
Be curious about how processes work end-to-end, asking questions and contributing ideas that help improve the way People Operations supports the business.
Support local and global People projects by testing new processes and system changes and providing practical feedback.
Contribute to knowledge-sharing sessions and help embed consistent ways of working across the team.
Responsibilities
Service delivery via PeopleDesk
Act as a first point of contact for first line queries, providing clear, accurate and practical responses within agreed service levels
Take ownership of queries through to resolution, including coordinating with other People teams where specialist input is required
Apply good judgment when triaging queries and escalate complex, sensitive or specialist matters to the appropriate team
Identify recurring queries, gaps in guidance and service issues, and recommend improvements to documentation, training or processes
Colleague lifecycle processes
Deliver accurate and timely administration across the colleague lifecycle, including onboarding, employment changes, probation, payroll, leave, international transfers and offboarding
Prepare documentation, including contracts, offer documentation, salary and promotion letters, employment verification letters
Support new joiner orientation and onboarding activity in partnership with the Leadership and Organisational Effectiveness team
Data quality, compliance and controls
Maintain accurate and complete colleague records in HiBob and other relevant systems
Complete scheduled data quality checks and promptly investigate and resolve discrepancies
Maintain appropriate records and evidence for right to work, contractual changes, payroll inputs, benefits and other compliance requirements
Handle colleague information in accordance with data protection, confidentiality and information security requirements
Process ownership and continuous improvement
Follow documented processes and keep process documentation, templates and knowledge articles accurate and up to date within your assigned areas
Be curious about how processes work end-to-end, asking questions and contributing ideas that help improve the way People Operations supports the business
Support local and global People projects by testing new processes and system changes and providing practical feedback.
Contribute to knowledge-sharing sessions and help embed consistent ways of working across the team
Who you are
A strong interest in working in a People Operations, HR shared services or People Administration role
Strong attention to detail and a clear understanding of the importance of data accuracy, documentation and controls
Able to manage a varied operational workload, prioritise effectively and meet fixed deadlines
Comfortable taking ownership of tasks and queries through to completion
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide clear and practical guidance
Able to distinguish between first-line operational matters and issues requiring specialist escalation
Confident working with HR systems, ticketing tools, reports and structured workflows
Able to identify process gaps and suggest realistic improvements
Curious about how things work and keen to contribute ideas that improve processes and the colleague experience
A customer service mindset, with a genuine desire to provide helpful, timely and practical support to colleagues
Interested in understanding how your role fits within the wider People team and organisation, and willing to challenge existing ways of working constructively
Comfortable working in a global, matrixed and changing environment
Collaborative and able to build effective working relationships across People teams and wider business functions
Nice to have
Experience working in a global organisation or shared services environment
Experience using HiBob, Hiver or another HRIS and service desk platform
Experience using Google Workspace, including Sheets, Docs and Drive
Comfortable using AI to increase efficiency
Understanding of HR data protection, governance, audit and compliance requirements
Experience supporting global mobility, immigration, payroll or benefits administration
Experience contributing to process mapping, automation or continuous improvement activity
#LI-Hybrid
Working Arrangements
The majority of our roles operate on a hybrid working pattern, with 3+ days office attendance required.
AI usage for your application
We are an innovative organisation that encourages the use of technology. We recognise that candidates may utilise AI tools to support with their job application process. However, it is essential that all information you provide truthfully and accurately reflects your own experience, skills, and qualifications.
What we offer
Our benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance. It includes a highly competitive pension or 401(k) plan, private health insurance, and 24/7 access to counselling and wellbeing resources through our Employee Assistance Program.
We also offer a range of lifestyle benefits, including our Work From Anywhere program, which allows you to work from any location where you have the legal right to do so for up to 25 days per year. In addition, we provide generous annual and parental leave, as well as dedicated days off for volunteering and even for moving home.
You will also be given free access to all The Economist content, including an online subscription, our range of apps, podcasts and more.