People Operations Team Lead (m/f/d) - Zagreb

📍 Location: Company’s office in Zagreb

🎯 Who we are?

Optimapharm is a mid-sized, global Contract Research Organisation (CRO) turning science into hope through agile, patient-focused clinical development. We specialise in Phase I–IV clinical studies, delivering Full-Service and Functional Service Provision (FSP) solutions that help sponsors move faster and execute with confidence.

With operations in 40+ countries and 2x the patient reach of the average mid-sized CRO, we enable accelerated regulatory pathways, faster study start-up, and access to diverse patient populations worldwide. At Optimapharm, you’ll contribute to meaningful clinical research while growing your career in a dynamic, people‑focused, global environment.

We’re looking for an experienced, proactive People Operations Team Lead who will report directly to the VP of People Operations and lead a team while overseeing payroll preparation, HR administration, and employee support across 26 countries (EU, US, and India).

This is a hands-on leadership role combining international payroll expertise, process optimization, and a strong business mindset. You will play a key role in scaling People Operations while ensuring compliance, efficiency, and excellent employee experience.

🎁 What do we offer?

• Working in a successful company that’s growing and developing every day
• Being part of a clinical research team that transforms science into hope for patients
• International environment
• Performance bonus
• Additional health insurance
• Flexible work hours
• Work from home (including allowance)
• Meal allowance
• Multisport card
• Employee engagement programs
• Well-being initiatives
• Training and development program

🔎 Who are we looking for?

💼 Qualifications and Experience 

• 4–6+ years in People Operations/HR Operations/Payroll roles
• Proven experience with multi-country payroll preparation
• Experience with Employer of Record (EOR) providers is a plus
• Solid knowledge of international labor law (EU required, US preferred)
• Previous people management experience
• Experience building and improving operational processes
• Strong reporting and analytical experience
• Strong business mindset (understands cost, scalability, and impact)
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Proactive with strong ownership mentality
• Comfortable operating in complex, international environments
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Structured and analytical thinker
• Able to balance hands-on operations with strategic thinking
• Fluent in English
• Nice to have: exposure to/understanding of the CRO/Life Sciences industry environment 

📑 Your responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the People Operations team (payroll prep, HR admin, employee support)
• Own payroll preparation across multiple countries (EU, US, India) in collaboration with external providers
• Manage EOR employment models
• Ensure compliance with local labor laws across multiple jurisdictions
• Design, implement, and continuously optimize People Ops processes (documentation, automation, standardization)
• Drive operational excellence and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements
• Prepare regular and ad-hoc reports (headcount, payroll summaries, labor costs, compliance status, etc.)
• Partner closely with Finance, Legal, and Talent Acquisition teams
• Support leadership with operational insights and recommendations
• Contribute to People Ops strategy with clear business impact
• Participate in HR internal projects

By joining our fast-growing and prosperous team, you will have an excellent opportunity for further personal growth and career development. 

If you would be interested in joining the Optimapharm team, please send your CV and note that only shortlisted candidates who meet the requirements will be contacted for the further selection process.

Compensation is competitive and final offers will reflect each candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications.

Disclaimer: Unsolicited CVs sent to Optimapharm (Talent Acquisition Team, Hiring Managers or any other OPT employee) by recruitment agencies will not be considered for this role. Optimapharm follows a direct sourcing strategy and collaborates exclusively with selected recruitment partners when external support is required.