People Operations Specialist

KAYAK, part of Booking Holdings (NASDAQ:  BKNG), is the world’s leading travel search engine. With billions of queries across our platforms, we help people find their perfect flight, stay, rental car, cruise, or vacation package. We’re also transforming the in-travel experience with our app and new accommodation software. For more information, visit www.KAYAK.com.

As an employee of KAYAK, you will be part of a global network that includes OpenTable and KAYAK's portfolio of metasearch brands including Swoodoo, checkfelix, momondo, Cheapflights, Mundi and HotelsCombined. Many employees are dedicated to one brand, but we all have the benefit of using each other's strengths and insights. Together, we're able to help people experience the world through dining and travel.

The People Operations team at OpenTable | KAYAK is all about improving the employee experience while always considering efficiency and scalability.

As a People Operations Specialist, you will play an important role in supporting the global workforce and broader HR team. You will support both OpenTable and KAYAK brands across all regions with day-to-day business activities associated with people-related systems, processes, policies, and procedures.

This is a US based role, preferably on the West Coast and will require flexibility in working hours to help support Australia as required.

In this role, you will:

• Support the global workforce by providing prompt and effective responses to employee and business inquiries via Zendesk, applying independent judgment in line with company SLAs.

• Troubleshoot Workday (HRIS) issues related to employee lifecycle processes and self-service functionality via Zendesk.

• Identify gaps and areas for improvement in HR processes, establishing and optimizing workflows to better support business needs.

• Process employee lifecycle transactions in Workday, including hires, onboarding, offboarding, role changes, and internal transfers, ensuring a positive employee experience and adherence to best practices across all locations.

• Conduct orientation sessions for new hires and serve as a point of contact throughout onboarding, addressing questions and providing guidance.

• Support payroll, benefits processing, leave administration, and background/identity checks, ensuring standard processes and compliance.

• Advise HR Business Partners and cross-functional teams on HR policy and process best practices, driving efficiency and compliance.

• Interpret HR policies and provide solutions for complex situations requiring independent judgment.

• In the absence of established policies and processes, conduct research into relevant legislation and best practices to ensure compliance and to develop solutions.

• Conduct HR data audits to ensure data integrity, accuracy, and compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

• Assist our Talent Acquisition team with scheduling and coordinating phone and video interviews, offer /contract generation, and background and identity check management, across global locations, as required.

• Support end-to-end process for global mobility, business travel and immigration cases, ensuring efficient and timely completion while creating a positive employee experience.

• Serve as a point of contact for HR Business Partners, external counsel, and employees, ensuring proactive communication regarding case statuses and managing processes effectively to minimise the need for follow-up from stakeholders.

• Contribute to the continual development and enhancement of our people processes and workflows, aiming to drive HR process efficiency as well as employee experiences.

• Participate in team-identified projects/initiatives and any ad hoc projects.

Please apply if:

• HR Experience: 2+ years of experience working in an HR role focusing on HR Operations, HRIS management and HR process improvement, preferably in a multi-national or global company. Experience working with Workday HRIS is a plus.

• Immigration: Experience with end-to-end US Immigration cases.

• HR Knowledge: Solid working knowledge of employment life cycle practices, specifically in the USA, with a curiosity to learn more.

• General HR practices for other countries are a plus. Open to learning more about LATAM and APAC countries.

• Analytical Thinking: Uses analytical skills to understand and investigate employee issues and can apply the correct processes or procedures. Has effective problem-solving skills to address routine HR inquiries and seeks guidan