People Operations & Payroll Specialist

Why we need this role

Based London

The People Operations & Payroll Specialist will play a key role in delivering high-quality HR services across Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and Romania.

This role is primarily focused on People Operations (approx. 75%), with responsibility for supporting and coordinating payroll activities (approx. 25%) in partnership with a global payroll provider.

What you will do

Colt Data Centre Services (DCS) has over 20 years’ experience in designing, building and operating energy-efficient, reliable data centres – hosting significant financial, media, corporate and cloud wholesale providers across the world.

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We endeavour to take a customer-led approach across our operations, striving to serve our customers with a seamless experience no matter what facility or region they are in.

Finding the right solutions for our customers starts with finding the right people for Colt DCS. We believe in creating a healthy, learning environment for our employees to flourish.

The Role

You will act as a first point of contact for employees and managers, ensuring seamless service delivery, accurate employee data management, and compliance with local employment laws and company policies. In addition, the role holder will support payroll processes, ensuring timely and accurate data input, validation, and coordination with payroll vendors.

Key Responsibilities:

People Operations (75%)

- Serve as the first point of contact for people-related queries across assigned countries

- Provide guidance on policies, procedures, systems, and benefits

- Manage employee records and ensure data accuracy in HR systems

- Prepare employment documentation such as contracts and letters

- Support onboarding and offboarding processes

- Administer benefits and liaise with providers

- Maintain compliance with GDPR and local employment laws

- Conduct data audits and ensure data integrity

Payroll (25%)

- Act as BAU payroll contact for Spain (17 employees) and Italy (4 employees) supporting with other European countries as required

- Prepare and provide accurate payroll data to external vendors in a timely manner

- Support monthly EMEA payroll processing including validations, reconciliations and reporting

- Handle payroll-related employee queries with a high degree of confidentiality and accuracy

- Assist with internal and external audits, statutory reporting, and year-end payroll activities

What we're looking for

Skills & Experience:

- 2–4+ years’ experience in People Operations or HR Administration

- Exposure to EMEA payroll processes and administration

- Experience with HRIS and payroll systems (Workday preferred)

- Strong attention to detail with excellent organisational and time-management skills

- Knowledge of employment law and HR compliance

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; additional languages beneficial

Certifications (Desirable):

- CIPD or equivalent qualification in HR or Payroll

Working Conditions: Colt DCS is a flexible-first company, operating in a hybrid working model

What we offer:

Colt DCS is a growing business that is investing in its people.

We offer skill development, learning pathways and accreditation to help our people perform at their best, regardless of role and location.

In addition to offering competitive salaries and incentive plans, a range of benefits and local rewards packages are offered to staff.

Colt DCS recognises and is committed to the importance of a work-life balance.