People Operations Generalist - EMEA (6-Month FTC)

About Morningstar

Morningstar is a leading global provider of independent investment insights, serving both individual and institutional investors across public and private markets. Our offerings include a wide range of data, research, and investment management services, with $300+ billion in assets under management.

Role Overview

The People Operations team (part of People&Culture) provides day-to-day support services to over 2,000 Morningstar employees across EMEA, covering onboarding/offboarding, benefits, payroll, immigration, and employee data management. This 6 month fixed term contract provides maternity leave cover and requires someone who can step in quickly, operate independently, and maintain a high standard of operational excellence. The team also supports global and regional People & Culture programs, including annual performance reviews, talent processes, and various cross functional projects. You will primarily support colleagues in South Africa, the UAE, and the Nordics, while also providing flexible support across other EMEA markets. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will ensure a seamless employee experience by executing efficient, compliant, and employee centric processes throughout the employee lifecycle.

What You'll Do

• Serve as a key point of contact for employee inquiries via the Service Portal, email, or chat, providing timely and accurate guidance.
• Manage end to end employee lifecycle processes, including onboarding, offboarding, job changes, and mobility cases.
• Prepare, review, and issue employment documentation (contracts, letters, addendums) in line with local legal, regulatory, and language requirements.
• Maintain accurate employee data in Workday and related systems, ensuring timely updates and strong data governance.
• Conduct regular data audits, reporting, and analysis to support business decisions and monitor trends.
• Stay informed on labour law and regulatory changes across supported markets, ensuring compliance in all employment matters.
• Maintain and continuously improve internal HR policies, procedures, and knowledge bases.
• Support monthly payroll operations, including validating employee data, preparing payroll inputs, coordinating with payroll providers, and resolving payroll queries.
• Partner with external vendors (benefits providers, brokers, immigration consultants) to ensure high quality service delivery.
• Support visa sponsorship and immigration processes, coordinating with external counsel and ensuring compliance with local requirements.
• Contribute to cross functional projects, process mapping, and process improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and employee experience.

Who You Are

• 2+ years of HR operations experience in an EMEA or international corporate environment, supporting multiple countries or complex regional setups.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in additional European or regional languages is a plus.
• Experience with HR systems such as Workday HCM, ServiceNow, or similar HR tools.
• Strong understanding of HR operations and an interest in core HR topics such as employment law, benefits, or payroll.
• Detail oriented, organised, and committed to delivering high quality, employee centric support.
• Proactive problem solver who thrives in a collaborative, fast paced, and evolving environment.
• Enjoys mapping, improving, and standardising processes to drive operational efficiency and a better employee experience.

Compensation and Benefits

Base Salary Compensation Range (pro rated) GBP39,600.00-52,800. Bonus Target: 7.5% of annual base salary. The specific compensation offered will depend on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and other job related factors. Morningstar's hybrid work environment provides the opportunity to collaborate in person each week; most locations operate a four day in office model. A range of benefits are available to enhance flexibility.

EEO & Diversity Statement

Morningstar is strongly committed to creating and preserving equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. We make all employment decisions-including recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and other personnel matters-without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship, gender identity and expression, parental status, or other legally protected characteristics or conduct. Morningstar is an E Verify program participant. EEO is the Law. Pay Transparency Notice. We commit to a fair, transparent, and inclusive workplace.