HR Generalist & Office Supervisor Spain

Wärtsilä is an innovative technology company known for being a forerunner in the Marine and Energy markets. Every day, we – Wärtsilians - put our hearts and minds into turning Wärtsilä's purpose of enabling sustainable societies through innovation in technology and services into reality.

We want to transition the world towards a decarbonised and sustainable future.  By pushing the boundaries of engineering and technology, we can make it work. Together, we can create new business opportunities and more sustainable future that we can all be proud of.  Want to join the ride?

Senior HR Generalist & Office Supervisor

Location: Valencia, Spain — On-site
Reports to: Lead HR Business Partner (Norway)
Works closely with: Global HR Team, Finance, 3rd-party Payroll Provider, 

Role Purpose

As part of establishing a standalone global HR organization, we are seeking a Senior HR Generalist & Office Supervisor with strong Spanish HR expertise and excellent operational capabilities. This role will oversee all HR operations for our Valencia office (approx. 30 employees), provide office management leadership, and coordinate monthly salary processes via an external payroll service provider.

The successful candidate will ensure full Spanish labor-law compliance, act as the primary HR partner for employees and leaders, and contribute to building a unified and strong company culture across all locations. The role includes both hands-on HR operations and contributions to the development of group-wide HR initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

1. HR Leadership & Local HR Setup

Establish and implement local HR policies, procedures, and guidelines aligned with Spanish labor law (Estatuto de los Trabajadores), collective agreements (if applicable), and group HR principles.

Act as the local HR authority for all people-related matters in Spain.

Ensure compliance with Spanish labor law, GDPR, and internal governance requirements.

Support leadership in building a strong, professional, and compliant HR and company culture.

2. Divestment / Carve-Out Support

Actively support and execute HR initiatives related to divestment and organizational transformation.

Manage employee transfers, contract updates, and legal compliance requirements linked to corporate restructuring.

Cooperate with legal advisors and group HR throughout the transition.

Ensure clear communication and employee trust during change processes.

3. Payroll, Salary Coordination & Benefits Management

Coordinate monthly payroll and salary inputs with an external Spanish payroll provider.

Ensure accuracy of salary calculations, allowances, overtime, and statutory contributions.

Maintain a strong relationship with the external payroll service provider.

Manage and optimize benefits programs, such as:

healthcare plans

transport or meal allowances

pension-related schemes or country-relevant benefits

Act as the primary point of contact for HR vendors, insurance partners, and advisors.

4. Office Management Responsibilities

Oversee daily office operations and act as the main point of contact for ~30 employees in Valencia.

Manage relationships with landlords, facility management, and local suppliers.

Ensure a safe, well-functioning, and positive office environment.

Coordinate office logistics including supplies, workplace ergonomics, access control, and equipment.

Organize local events, onboarding days, team-building, and support company culture activation.

5. Employee Lifecycle Management

Oversee the full employee lifecycle from hiring to exit.

Manage recruitment coordination, contracts, onboarding, and probation reviews.

Support performance management and employee development processes.

Handle employee relations professionally and with discretion, ensuring alignment with Spanish legislation.

Coach and support managers on people leadership topics.

6. HR Administration, Reporting & Compliance

Maintain accurate HR records and documentation.

Support local and group-level audits.

Produce HR metrics and insights for local management and global HR.

Ensure all reporting (payroll, compliance, sick leave, etc.) is completed on time and accurately.

Required Experience & Qualifications

Must-Have Requirements

Minimum 10 years of hands-on HR experience in Spain.

Strong expertise in Spanish labor law, employment legislation, and HR best practices.

Experience managing payroll coordination with an external provider.

Proven ability to establish and maintain local HR processes and frameworks.

Experience supporting organizational changes, restructuring, divestment, or carve-out processes.

Strong background in benefits management and employee lifecycle administration.

Fluent in Spanish and English (spoken and written).

Preferred Background

Experience within engineering, industrial, or technical companies.

Exposure to international, fast-growing, or matrix organizations.

Comfortable working in lean, non-bureaucratic environments.

Personal Profile

Independent, self-driven, and proactive.

Structured, detail-oriented, and highly reliable.

Strong communicator with high integrity.

Pragmatic and solution-oriented, even under pressure.

Acts as a trusted HR partner for employees and managers.

Collaborative mindset with the ability to influence and support change.

What We Offer

A key role in shaping the future HR setup in Spain.

Significant autonomy and ownership.

Direct involvement in a strategic transformation and organizational growth.

Competitive compensation aligned with experience and seniority.

A dynamic and international working environment.

Last application date: 22/02/2026 

At Wärtsilä we value, respect and embrace all our differences, and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities; everyone can be their true self and succeed based on their job-relevant merits and abilities. 

Please note that according to Wärtsilä policy, voluntary consent for a security check may be required from candidates being considered for this position, depending on the applicable country.

This is Wärtsilä 

Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. Our team of 18,300 professionals, in more than 230 locations in 77 countries, shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. Read more on www.wartsila.com.