People Operations Specialist

Job description

KAYAK, part of Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG), is a leading travel search engine. With billions of queries across our platforms, we help people find their perfect flight, stay, rental car and vacation package. We're also transforming business travel with a new corporate travel solution, KAYAK for Business. As an employee of KAYAK, you will be part of a travel company that operates a portfolio of global metasearch brands including momondo, Cheapflights and HotelsCombined, among others. From start-up to industry leader, innovation is in our DNA and every employee has an opportunity to make their mark. Our focus is on building the best travel search engine to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. The People Operations team is the engine behind a consistent, high-quality employee experience at KAYAK, and this role sits right at the heart of it. As a People Operations Specialist, you'll support employees and managers across the full employment lifecycle, with a particular focus on EMEA, helping to keep our global People Operations running accurately, compliantly, and with care. You'll be part of a collaborative team working closely with colleagues in HR Business Partnering, Payroll, Talent Acquisition, and People Systems. This role requires you to commute to our London office at least 3 times per week. IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL: - Respond to employee and manager requests through our ticketing system, using team documentation, SOPs, and your own judgment to resolve cases — escalating more complex matters where appropriate - Process employee lifecycle events in Workday across multiple countries, including hires, onboarding, offboarding, role changes, background checks, and absences - Support global mobility and immigration needs by working with internal and external partners - Administer benefits, parental leave, and other statutory or company leave processes for employees; and support payroll readiness globally - Monitor employment legislation and regulatory developments using approved tools; identify potential impacts on People Operations processes and support the implementation of agreed changes - Maintain accurate, audit-ready employee records in Workday and other People systems; identify potential gaps and escalate them appropriately - Use AI and automation tools to improve the efficiency and quality of day-to-day work; and identify opportunities to streamline workflows - Support Workday configuration and reporting within the People Operations scope — including building and maintaining standard reports, testing configuration changes, and maintaining related documentation - Identify process gaps and contribute to improving consistency and employee experience; maintain and update SOPs and operational guidance - Contribute to global People Operations projects and initiatives, bringing operational and regional compliance knowledge - Work closely with HR Business Partners, Payroll, Talent Acquisition, People Systems, and other teams across the business. PLEASE APPLY IF YOU HAVE: - Experience in People or HR Operations: Around 2 years of experience in a People Operations, HR Operations, or similar HR role — ideally with some exposure to employees across more than one country or jurisdiction. - Familiarity with Workday: Experience with our HRIS or a comparable HR system is helpful; exposure to reporting, system testing, configuration, or process improvement is a plus — but not a barrier if you're keen to learn - Knowledge of EMEA employment practices: Working knowledge of employee lifecycle processes, particularly in the UK, Germany, or Lithuania; and genuine curiosity to learn about other jurisdictions. - Compliance awareness: An interest in employment compliance and the ability to identify when something needs escalating — you don't need to be an expert, but you should be comfortable asking questions and digging into details. - Clear communication: You can explain processes and policies clearly, in writing and verbally, to employees and managers at all levels - Organised and adaptable: You can manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities without losing accuracy or attention to detail - Collaborative: You work well as part of a distributed, global team and build trust with colleagues across functions and time zones BENEFITS AND PERKS - Work from (almost) anywhere for up to 20 days per year - Focus on mental health and well-being: - Company-paid therapy sessions through SpringHealth - Company-paid subscription to HeadSpace - Company-wide week off a year – the whole team fully recharges (and returns without a pile-up of work!) - No meeting Fridays - Paid parental leave - Paid volunteer time - Focus on your career growth: - Development Dollars - Leadership development - Access to thousands of on-demand e-learnings - Travel Discounts - Employee Resource Groups - 5 weeks paid vacation + a day off for your birthday - Private health & dental insurance - Income protection and life assurance - Employee Assistance Program – including 24/7 GP & free legal advice - Pension plan contributions - Discounted gym membership - Bike2Work - Season ticket loan - Social events & Thursday happy hours - Free lunch 2 days per week INCLUSION At KAYAK, we want everyone to have the space to grow, share ideas and do great work. That's why we're focused on hiring the best talent from all walks of life and experiences, supporting them well and making sure no one feels like they have to fit a mold to belong here. Need any adjustments for the interview, application or on the job? No problem – just give us a heads-up. We've got you. #LI-AS1