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. The Role 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. Our 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. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys optimising workflows, mapping processes, and driving operational improvements . You will have the opportunity to identify gaps, propose solutions, and help shape scalable People & Culture processes across the region. 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: You have 2+ years of HR operations experience in an EMEA or international corporate environment , supporting multiple countries or complex regional setups. You are fluent in English; proficiency in additional European or regional languages is a plus. You have experience with HR systems such as Workday HCM , ServiceNow, or similar HR tools. You have a strong understanding of HR operations and an interest in core HR topics such as employment law, benefits, or payroll. You are detail ‑ oriented , organised , and committed to delivering high ‑ quality , employee ‑ centric support . You are a proactive problem solver who thrives in a collaborative, fast ‑ paced , and evolving environment. You enjoy mapping, improving, and standardising processes to drive operational efficiency and a better employee experience. ​ Ready to Shape the Future? At Morningstar, every hire we make strengthens our mission to empower investor success. Join us as a permanent People Operations Specialist and help shape an exceptional employee experience for our colleagues across the UK and Jersey. Base Salary Compensation Range (pro rated) GBP 39,600.00 - 52,800 Bonus Target: 7.5% Annual Base Salary Compensation Range 0.00-0.00 Bonus Target: We expect the compensation and target bonus for this role to fall within the stated range. The specific compensation offered will depend on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and other job-related factors. Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.