Publicis Sapient is a technology transformation consulting firm. We support businesses in creating and maintaining a competitive advantage in an increasingly digital world. Our unique expertise, summarized by the acronym SPEED (Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, and Data & AI), combined with deep industry knowledge, enables us to design innovative, value-driven products and experiences for our clients. Our agile, data-led approach powered by the latest technologies helps companies embrace change by putting digital at the core of their business. With more than 20,000 employees across 50 offices worldwide, Publicis Sapient is the digital transformation arm of Publicis Groupe.
Team Description
The team is composed of around ten people and includes various functions that work closely together to ensure the smooth running of People & HR operations. Supporting the agency's 250 employees, we handle all key areas: administration and payroll, recruitment, onboarding, diversity and inclusion, training, staffing, and skills development.
As a senior HR Strategist, you will work closely with our HR Director and play a key role in partnering with business leaders to design and implement strategic HR policies and programs that support talent development, organizational transformation, and employee experience.
You will also collaborate with members of the People team to drive process efficiency and support our business through ongoing economic challenges.
Job Description
Your main responsibilities will include:
- Partnering with leadership teams to define HR strategies aligned with business priorities, based on a deep understanding of organizational needs.
- Advising leaders on people-related decisions while balancing performance, company culture, and growth strategy.
- Leading the execution of the HR calendar (performance reviews, compensation cycles, promotions, people reviews, etc.) in coordination with the Staffing Partner and the Director of People Strategy.
- Co-developing innovative initiatives with regional and global People teams to enhance employee experience and strengthen Publicis Sapient's culture.
- Leveraging people data and insights to support strategic decision-making and anticipate organizational needs.
- Managing complex individual employee situations, providing structured, confidential support and ensuring alignment with internal processes and legal frameworks.
- Overseeing individual case management including disciplinary procedures, mutual terminations, dismissals, and litigation cases in collaboration with legal counsel.
Qualifications
- A minimum of 8 years of significant experience as an HR Business Partner, HR Manager, or in any other strategic HR function.
- Strong expertise in HR and legal practices: talent management, performance evaluation, compensation strategy, disciplinary and litigation procedures, application of Syntec collective agreement standards, etc.
- Ability to build trust-based relationships and influence stakeholders, including executive leadership.
- Experience in a complex, international, and matrixed environment-ideally within a consulting or professional services firm.
- Comfortable operating in fast-changing environments, with an agile and project-oriented mindset.
- Analytical thinking to interpret trends, diagnose challenges, and propose actionable solutions.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
- High emotional intelligence and strong listening skills to balance human needs with business objectives.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skills.
- Strong business orientation and a drive to contribute to company performance through people-related levers.
- Fluency in both English and French (advanced level).
Why join us?
- A growing organization with a strong history, backed by a CAC 40 group whose strength gives everyone the momentum to grow
- A multicultural, international work environment
- Work Your World: a program allowing you to work remotely anywhere in France or abroad for up to 6 consecutive weeks after one year of service
- Access to numerous training opportunities: certifications, free e-learning platforms, coaching sessions, and communities of practice
- A hybrid work model (remote/in-office)
- An individualized career development plan, supported by a People Manager and Staffing People Partner (including geographical mobility, career changes, management or expert tracks)
- A transparent skills-based salary framework, regularly reviewed to align with market standards
- A wide range of employee benefits (employee savings plans, retirement plans, housing assistance, vacation bonuses, profit-sharing, 18-week maternity leave, special leave, paid sick leave after one year of service, child and caregiver leave, CSE perks, 10% discount at Publicis Drugstore, €6.50 cinema tickets at Publicis Cinemas for you and your guests, etc.)
- Regular team-building and connection opportunities (annual offsite, 4-day onboarding session, Summer and Winter Parties, Family Sapient Day )
Viva La Différence.
This philosophy, embraced by Publicis Groupe, reflects our longstanding commitment to diversity and the belief that our people are our greatest strength and most valuable asset. We welcome all forms of uniqueness-regardless of age, gender, skin color, social background, religion, or sexual orientation-only your energy and skills matter. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, and we are happy to provide personalized support throughout the recruitment process to any candidate with a disability who requests it. Publicis France is committed to equal opportunity and fair access for all.