People Operations Associate

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

As a People Operations Associate, you will join a dynamic and international team, working cross-functionally with Talent Acquisition, Legal, and Finance. You will be responsible for coordinating monthly payroll preparation, providing essential HR administrative support to TEC’s Explorers, and managing people processes to ensure legal compliance and a seamless employee experience.

Your focus area will be the Italian branch of The Exploration Company, supporting local operations while contributing to regional alignment and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and prepare monthly Italian payroll in collaboration with an external payroll service provider

• Ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable labor laws, taxation, and social security requirements

• Ensure adherence to regulatory and operational requirements specific to the metalworker sector

• Serve as the first point of contact for Italian TEC Explorers on all HR administrative matters

• Manage and drive local People Operations projects, including process improvements and automation initiatives

• Partner with the visa and mobility teams on work permit, relocation, and immigration processes

• Maintain, optimize, and continuously improve the to ensure data accuracy, system efficiency, and reliable reporting

• Own, review, and update HR policies and procedures, ensuring consistency across regions and compliance with Italian labor law and GDPR regulations

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in an HR or People Operations role (Administrator or Generalist) within the Italian employment framework

• Proven experience in coordinating monthly payroll and managing Italian HR administrative documentation end-to-end

• Solid knowledge of Italian labor law, taxation, and social security systems related to payroll operations

• Good knowledge of the Italian National Collective Labor Agreement for Metalworkers (CCNL Metalmeccanico)

• Experience with Personio or other HRIS tools is a plus

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize effectively

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work independently and proactively

• Fluency in Italian and English, knowledge of French and/or German is a plus

Why you should join us!

What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:  

• We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind 

• We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them  

• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?  

We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly. 
 
The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.