HR Generalist (French Speaking)

Who We Are:

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

JOB MISSION

The HR Generalist/ Chargé• e des Ressources Humaines will provide effective, operational HR support with special focus on France, and across multiple South Europe countries in all aspects of HR, supporting both corporate and retail environments.

This is a hands-on, service-driven role, acting as a first point of contact for managers and associates, while working closely with the Territory HR Manager and wider HR team to ensure consistent, fair and compliant HR practices across multiple countries.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Act as a first line of advisory support for managers and associates on HR policy, procedures and day-to-day queries, escalating issues where appropriate
• Coach and support managers on employee relations matters such as absence, disciplinary, grievances, maternity/paternity/parental and flexible working requests
• Support the consistent application of employment law and HR policies across countries in scope, ensuring fair and accurate practices
• Manage and support employee relations casework end-to-end in line with guidance from the Territory HR Manager
• Ensure successful and seamless induction and onboarding of new starters and offboarding processes for leavers in collaboration with the HR Operations team
• Support manager training sessions on HR policies and procedures, ensuring all required documentation is prepared and working closely with the Territory HR Manager
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date data in HR systems (e.g. Workday), ensuring data integrity across the territory
• Monitor and manage shared HR inboxes, ensuring timely and high-quality responses
• Support the administration of HR processes such as probation reviews and ensure compliance activities are completed (e.g., Right to Work checks, documentation, contractual changes)
• Maintain accurate HR documentation, create and/or update policies and associate-facing materials (e.g. Associate Hub/NB link)
• Support routine reporting and data analysis on metrics such as absence, ER cases
• Contribute to and support HR projects and initiatives across the territory
• Support the delivery of employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives aligned with regional priorities

• Provide support for changes in processes
• Monitor sickness and absence trends, ensure accurate recording, completion of documentation and providing guidance in line with local laws
• Support office management with cover when required.
• Oversee new starter packs, ensuring availability and timely replenishment

KEY REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Proven experience in an HR Advisory/Generalist role within a fast-paced, service-driven environment
• Fluent in English and French (written and spoken); additional European language(s) are an advantage
• Experience working in a multi-country and/or retail or matrix environment is highly desirable
• Solid understanding of French employee relations and HR processes, with the ability to apply policies in a practical way
• Working French knowledge of employment law, with willingness to develop broader knowledge
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Proactive, hands-on and solutions-oriented mindset
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism
• Systems proficiency; Workday/HRIS experience is advantageous; MS Office is essential.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment. We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.

If you have not already done so, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.