Senior People Operations Manager

About AQEMIA Aqemia is a drug invention company dedicated to creating novel molecules to address unmet medical needs. Its proprietary QEMI platform combines more than 12 years of physics-based research with state-of-the-art generative AI, enabling the launch of preclinical programs without relying on experimental data and accelerating discovery from day one. Aqemia’s portfolio spans oncology, immunology, neurology, and cardiology, and includes both wholly owned programs and partnered programs with leading pharmaceutical companies, such as a multi-year, $150M strategic collaboration with Sanofi. The company’s most advanced preclinical programs are currently undergoing in vivo optimization. Mission We are looking for a Senior People Operations to lead and elevate AQEMIA’s People operations, compliance, and employee experience across France and the UK. This hybrid role combines operational excellence, HR systems management, legal compliance, and office leadership, ensuring smooth operations and a great employee experience in a fast-growing, international environment. Responsibilities HR Operations & Systems => Lead employee lifecycle processes – from contracts to onboarding and offboarding. - Manage and improve HR tools (HRIS, payroll, benefits, data). - Ensure legal compliance in France and the UK with external partners. - Collaborate with HRBP and TA teams for consistent People processes. Legal & Compliance (France & UK) => Support the VP People in building a solid, compliant HR framework across both markets. - Be the main point of contact for People-related legal matters. - Keep policies and contracts up to date with French and UK labour laws. - Work with external counsel on contracts, terminations, benefits, mobility, and risk. - Track regulatory changes to maintain compliance. Process Improvement & People Projects => Develop and optimize People Operations in line with AQEMIA’s growth. - Foster a positive, inclusive, and consistent employee experience across locations. - Continuously optimize and document HR & Ops processes. - Implement and support new People initiatives. - Develop and track People dashboards and KPIs to enhance business visibility. Office & Events (approx. 20% of the role) => Oversee day-to-day office operations and team events. - Run Paris operations and coordinate UK workspace needs. - Organize company events: all-hands, offsites, onboarding, celebrations. - Manage suppliers, logistics, and health & safety standards. Profile - 6–8+ years’ experience in People Operations and HR Administration within high-growth environments. - Strong knowledge of French employment law and good grasp of UK labour regulations. - Proven track record in cross-border People Ops (France & UK). - Excellent organization and project management skills with strong attention to detail. - Comfortable managing HR, legal, and operational topics. - Fluent in English and French, both used daily. - Hands-on, proactive, and collaborative, with a passion for building lasting processes. Our recruitment process - Screening call with HRBP - 45mn - Business case with VP People & HRBP - 1h - Cultural fit interview with Emmanuelle Martiano, Co-founder and COO - 45mn - Final interview with Maximilien Levesque, Co-founder and CEO - 1h