Senior HR/Employee Lifecycle Ops Specialist

About the role

We are looking for a Senior HR/Employee Lifecycle Operations Specialist to lead the transition of our Costa Rica workforce from an Employer of Record to a locally owned entity. You will ensure payroll, benefits and compliance processes run smoothly, accurately and at scale.

Key responsibilities

• Manage pre‑hire compliance, right‑to‑work checks and contract preparation to guarantee correct employee set‑up from day 1.
• Process new‑joiner, leaver and employment change transactions, including contracts, amendments, salary certificates and formal notices.
• Prepare, validate and submit payroll inputs (salary, incentives, deductions, adjustments) and own monthly cut‑offs, approvals and reconciliations.
• Coordinate operational workflows with vendors and internal stakeholders to keep payroll, benefits and statutory compliance on schedule.
• Administer private‑healthcare enrolment, statutory benefit changes and leave management, ensuring alignment with policy and payroll outputs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee queries on payslips, taxes, benefits and employment terms.
• Monitor regulatory updates (CCSS, MTSS, DGT, INSS) and implement changes proactively.
• Support audits, statutory reporting and maintain clean, audit‑ready employee data in HRIS and payroll systems.

Required profile

• Proven experience in HR services or operations, preferably within a multinational environment.
• Strong knowledge of Costa Rican payroll, benefits and statutory compliance requirements.
• Ability to manage end‑to‑end employee lifecycle processes with high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills to address employee questions clearly and confidently.

Required skills