Senior People Partner & Operations

About the role

This role represents Smartsheet in Bulgaria, aligning local people practices with global objectives. You will translate company-wide programmes into local execution while safeguarding compliance. The position blends employee relations, operations, and regulatory expertise to support EMEA stakeholders. You act as the operational and cultural bridge between the Smartsheet corporate framework and the Bulgarian market. The role demands a high level of ownership over complex, sensitive, and confidential employment matters. You will ensure that day to day activities adhere to strict legal and procedural standards. Success in this position is defined by your ability to drive coherent execution and build trust with the business.

Key facts

What you'll do

Collaboration drives coherent people programmes across EMEA Product & Engineering, and talent reviews, compensation planning, and engagement initiatives are advanced through joint effort.

Local employment documents and compliance records are created and maintained, ensuring administrative accuracy and traceability for Bulgarian staff.

Employee relations activities are managed end to end, including performance improvement, grievances, and investigations, with direct support to managers, employees, and legal.

Bulgarian labour laws and regulatory updates are interpreted and applied as the local subject matter expert, guiding day to day decisions and risk mitigation.

People Operations for Bulgaria is owned fully, delivering seamless day to day execution and maintaining operational compliance across multiple international entities.

Data on HR trends and employee metrics is analysed to generate insights that inform business decisions and drive measurable improvements.

Health and safety processes are supported locally on behalf of the company, aligning practices with organisational standards.

Management teams across first line and beyond are coached on dynamics, change, and strategies, strengthening leadership capability and execution.

UK or German employment practice queries are handled within a compliance framework, balancing regional requirements with local implementation.

Trust-based partnerships are built with the business to enable the wider People team and support strategic operational goals.

Requirements

8+ years of progressive HR experience with hands-on operations in fast-paced, international environments.

Proven experience managing employee relations cases, performance management, and conflict resolution.

Robust knowledge of Bulgarian employment law is mandatory, with practical understanding of UK or German employment frameworks.

Experience managing or supporting People Operations in France or Germany is highly beneficial for broader regional coverage.

Professional fluency in French or German is required to engage specific European business units and stakeholders.

Exceptional analytical skills are used to interpret HR metrics and turn data into actionable recommendations.

Independence in managing shifting priorities, sound judgement, and resilience under pressure are demonstrated consistently.

Detail orientation, strong time management, and organisational skills ensure reliable delivery against commitments.

Discretion is applied when handling sensitive, confidential matters and sensitive employee information.

Experience with modern workspace and HR systems, such as Workday, Smartsheet, or Google for Work, supports efficient execution.

English fluency is required for cross functional collaboration and clear communication.

Eligibility to work in Bulgaria on an ongoing basis is required for this position.

Nice to have

Experience with modern workspace and HR systems, such as Workday, Smartsheet, or Google for Work.

Practical notes

This hybrid role includes occasional travel to Sofia for collaboration and alignment sessions. Manager, People Partnerships based in the UK. Typical interview steps People team interviews usually include a case scenario, a policy question, and behavioral rounds. Candidates may be asked to design an interview process or handle a sensitive employee situation. Confidentiality and judgment are tested throughout. Structured answers with empathy land best. Interviewers often test how you handle sensitive information and disagreement. Framing answers around policy, fairness, and company values works well.