HR Specialist

About AZ

At AZ, we are committed to improving lives through science, innovation, and collaboration. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we strive to create an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.

We believe that diverse perspectives drive better outcomes, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture built on respect, integrity, continuous learning, and personal growth. As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while developing your career in a dynamic and internationally connected environment.

HR Specialist

Location: Mont-Saint-GuibertReporting to: HR Director / Team Head

The Opportunity

We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive HR Specialist to join our Human Resources team. This is an exciting opportunity for an HR professional who enjoys working across the full employee lifecycle and partnering with employees and managers to deliver an exceptional people experience.

As an HR Specialist, you will provide comprehensive support across recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, learning and development, employee engagement, and HR operations. You will play a key role in ensuring HR processes are delivered efficiently, compliantly, and with a strong focus on employee experience.

Working closely with local leadership, employees, global HR colleagues, and external partners, you will contribute to building a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture.

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations & Employee Support

• Act as the first point of contact for employees and managers regarding day-to-day HR matters.

• Provide guidance on HR policies, procedures, and people-related processes.

• Support employee relations matters, ensuring appropriate documentation and follow-up.

• Maintain accurate employee records and HR documentation in line with company policies and legal requirements.

• Collaborate with local and global HR teams to improve HR processes and service delivery.

Talent Acquisition & Recruitment

• Support end-to-end recruitment activities from candidate attraction through onboarding.

• Partner with hiring managers to understand hiring needs and support workforce planning.

• Coordinate interviews and candidate communications.

• Prepare employment offers and associated employment documentation.

Onboarding & Employee Integration

• Lead and coordinate onboarding activities for new employees.

• Prepare onboarding plans, welcome packages, and induction schedules.

• Coordinate onboarding requirements with managers and support functions including IT, Facilities, and Security.

• Organise orientation sessions and ensure completion of mandatory training and compliance requirements.

• Monitor onboarding progress and support successful employee integration.

Performance Management & Talent Development

• Support the administration of performance management processes.

• Monitor review timelines and ensure completion of required documentation.

• Assist managers and employees with performance management tools and best practices.

• Support talent reviews, succession planning, and employee development initiatives.

• Assist with the creation and monitoring of Individual Development Plans (IDPs).

Learning & Development

• Coordinate annual training plans and employee development activities.

• Organise internal and external training programmes and associated logistics.

• Track training participation and compliance requirements.

• Support employees and managers in identifying learning and development opportunities.

Employee Engagement & Culture

• Support initiatives that promote a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.

• Coordinate employee engagement programmes, company events, town halls, workshops, and team-building activities.

• Manage event planning, logistics, schedules, and budgets.

• Gather employee feedback and assess programme effectiveness.

• Support wellbeing, collaboration, and retention initiatives.

HR Administration & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with HR policies, procedures, and applicable employment legislation.

• Support audits, reporting requirements, and HR documentation management.

• Prepare HR reports, presentations, and people metrics.

• Contribute to HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Vendor & Office Coordination

• Manage relationships with external HR and office service providers.

• Coordinate vendor activities and monitor service quality.

• Support office administration activities where required.

Manager Support

• Provide first-line HR support and guidance to people managers.

• Assist managers with onboarding, employee development, performance management, and policy compliance.

• Support organisational change initiatives and people-related processes.

• Escalate complex employee matters as appropriate.

Essential Requirements

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of HR experience in a generalist or specialist HR role.

• Experience supporting recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, and HR administration.

• Experience within an international or matrix organisation is advantageous.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Excellent organisational and coordination abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

• High level of professionalism, attention to detail, and discretion.

• Proactive, customer-focused, and solution-oriented approach.

• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and HR information systems.

• Knowledge of employment legislation and HR best practices is desirable.

Languages

• Fluent French.

• Professional English.

• Dutch is considered an asset.

Why Join AZ?

At AZ, you will be part of a collaborative and purpose-driven environment where your contribution truly matters. We offer the opportunity to work across a broad range of HR activities, partner with diverse stakeholders, and contribute to creating a positive employee experience while continuing to grow your own career.

AZ is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background, identity, or experience.

Date Posted

10-Jul-2026

Closing Date

19-Jul-2026

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.