HR Operations & Payroll

HR plays a strategic role in helping leaders to shape the organisation and achieve its ambition, to drive business performance, and to make our firm a great place to work. 

Our firm is a people business. It’s vital that we are a destination of choice by attracting, developing, engaging and retaining the most talented people in our sector.

We partner with our firm’s leaders, managers and colleagues to advise, guide and deliver our people plan. This means our day-to-day HR operations built around our HR calendar must happen smoothly and efficiently.

Increasingly we will use automation and technology to simplify people processes, reduce administration and generate richer data and insights to decision-making. Our aim is to be a business-savvy function that is easy to do business with.

Please click on the useful links to learn more about our HR strategy and plan, and the teams that support everyone at the firm locally, regionally and internationally.

It's a great opportunity to join our HR team in Milan. We are looking for an HR Operations & Payroll who who will support employees and provide key services throughout their lifecycle within the company, from onboarding through to the offboarding process, in compliance with internal policies and procedures and in line with local laws and regulations.

Main duties and responsibilities

Payroll & Administration

• Manage end-to-end monthly payroll cycle (data collection, coordination with provider, payslip review, closing)
• Monitor and manage attendance and timesheets via Zucchetti, ensuring data accuracy and resolving discrepancies
• Liaise with payroll providers, Finance, and external consultants to ensure compliance and timely processing
• Oversee employee benefits and pension funds, ensuring correct contributions and payments
• Prepare HR reports and payroll-related analysis (e.g., overtime, absences, trends) for Managers
• Ensure compliance with Italian labor law requirements and administrative deadlines (contracts, tax, reporting)
• Support employees on payroll, benefits, and HR administrative matters, including onboarding guidance
• Manage leave, absences, and returns from long-term leave, in coordination with Managers
• Maintain HR documentation, systems, and employee records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality
• Contribute to HR policies, internal communications, and continuous process improvements

New Joiners

• Support in defining compensation packages and preparing offer letters in line with payroll and onboarding timelines
• Act as the main point of contact for candidates' post-offer and coordinate onboarding activities
• Manage employee lifecycle processes in SuccessFactors (onboarding, changes, offboarding) in coordination with HR, Recruitment, and IT
• Oversee onboarding communication, HR induction, and integration of new joiners
• Track probation periods, contract renewals, and key deadlines, liaising with Managers and labor consultants
• Ensure compliance with local regulations and collective agreements, including mandatory employee documentation

Insurance & Benefits

• Manage health insurance and accident policies (renewals, premiums, claims statistics, employee records)
• Support employees with insurance-related queries and claims, coordinating with brokers
• Manage partner health insurance, Long-Term Care (LTC), and life insurance policies
• Review policy endorsements and ensure data accuracy
• Manage professional accident insurance and claims process
• Liaise with international teams regarding Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Vendors

• Track vendor contract deadlines and renewals
• Manage annual tax assistance services (CAF 730)
• Coordinate with external providers (e.g., Jobfarm) for job postings and training programs
• Organize annual vaccination campaigns and medical appointments
• Arrange medical visits for new hires
• Verify vendor invoices against contract terms
• Manage PEC (certified email) renewals and monitoring

About you

• Proven experience in payroll and HR administration, with end-to-end payroll process management
• Strong working knowledge of Zucchetti time & attendance system
• Experience liaising with external payroll providers and labor consultants
• Solid understanding of Italian labor law and payroll compliance requirements
• Proficiency in HR systems (e.g., SuccessFactors) and Microsoft Excel
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple deadlines while supporting employees effectively

About Us

We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.

At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all.   If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.

Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.