Head of HR Shared Services

We are currently hiring a Head of HR Shared Services to lead and transform HR operations within a new Global Business Services (GBS) organization based in Porto.

This is a senior leadership role for a strategic and operationally strong HR professional, responsible for delivering high-quality, compliant, and efficient HR services at scale, while driving continuous improvement, employee experience, and operational transformation.

The Role

This Head of HR Shared Services role is responsible for leading end-to-end HR service delivery across multiple geographies, ensuring operational excellence, governance, service standardization, and continuous enhancement of employee and manager experience.

The role will partner closely with HR Business Partners, Centers of Excellence (CoEs), Payroll, Digital HR, and business leaders to deliver scalable, efficient, and customer-focused HR services.

Key Responsibilities

Service Delivery & Operational Excellence

• Lead end-to-end HR Shared Services delivery across the employee lifecycle (Hire-to-Retire)
• Ensure achievement of SLAs, KPIs, employee experience, and service quality targets
• Oversee core HR operational services including employee administration, onboarding, offboarding, HR case management, payroll coordination, benefits administration, and employee data management
• Act as escalation point for operational and employee service matters, ensuring sustainable resolution
• Drive standardization, simplification, and service excellence across HR processes

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Establish and maintain governance frameworks across HR service operations
• Ensure compliance with labor legislation, internal policies, GDPR, and HR controls
• Partner with Legal, Payroll, Compliance, and HR stakeholders to manage operational risk
• Safeguard employee data accuracy, confidentiality, and process integrity

Transformation & Continuous Improvement

• Drive HR transformation initiatives through process harmonization, automation, and digitalization
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives leveraging Lean methodologies, self-service capabilities, workflow automation, and HR technologies
• Support service transitions, migrations, and expansion of HR services within the GBS model
• Collaborate with HRIS, IT, and Global Process Owners to improve systems and operating models
• Promote a data-driven culture focused on service performance and user experience

Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships with senior HR and business stakeholders globally
• Partner with HR Business Partners and Centers of Excellence to align service delivery with business needs
• Provide visibility on operational performance, risks, employee trends, and improvement opportunities
• Act as a trusted advisor on HR service strategy and employee experience

Performance & Cost Management

• Manage HR operations performance and service delivery budgets
• Monitor productivity, operational efficiency, and value creation
• Identify opportunities for optimization and scalability
• Support business cases for transformation initiatives and service evolution

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing HR Shared Services team
• Build organizational capability through coaching, succession planning, and talent development
• Drive engagement and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Lead teams through change and transformation in a global environment

Your Profile

• 7-10+ years of experience in HR Operations, HR Shared Services, Global Business Services, or HR leadership roles
• Strong expertise across employee lifecycle processes and HR service delivery models
• Proven leadership experience managing HR operations in international and matrix organizations
• Demonstrated success in HR transformation, process optimization, and service transitions
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation, HR governance, compliance, and data privacy principles
• Experience with HR technologies and HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday, SuccessFactors, ServiceNow)
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing capability
• Data-driven mindset with customer-centric orientation
• Experience leading change and continuous improvement initiatives
• Strong people leadership and coaching capability
• Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Management, Psychology, or related field
• Fluent in English

Offer

• Opportunity to shape and lead a growing HR Shared Services function
• International and multicultural environment
• Strategic exposure within a global organization
• Career development opportunities
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Hybrid working model

Send us your CV!