HR People Ops, APAC

Mistral provides full-stack AI solutions: from frontier models to developer tools, applications, and compute. We partner with enterprises tackling the hardest problems—across high-stakes industries like finance, manufacturing, defense, healthcare, and the public sector—co-creating customized AI systems that they can run on their terms. We are a dynamic, collaborative team passionate about AI and its potential to transform society. Our diverse workforce thrives in competitive environments and is committed to driving innovation. Our teams are distributed between Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East. We are creative, low-ego and team-spirited. As a founding HR Operations Manager for APAC, you will establish and scale our HR infrastructure across the region. This role exists to ensure our regional operations run smoothly, seamlessly blending day-to-day compliance, payroll execution, and expansion into new markets. Working closely with local and international stakeholders, you will own the end-to-end employee lifecycle. Your impact will be felt directly through the design of efficient HR systems, structured onboarding experiences, and accurate multi-country payroll management. You will act as a practical builder, optimizing everything from everyday employee inquiries to complex vendor management. By bridging legal compliance with a collaborative approach, you will support our regional growth while fostering a compliant and organized workplace. This role can be relocated in Singapore, Australia, Japan or Korea.

Responsibilities

Manage and execute monthly payroll for employees and Employer of Record (EoR) staff across the APAC region to guarantee timely, accurate compensation; Oversee the onboarding journey, ensuring all contractual elements, labor amendments, and internal HRIS records are systematically completed and updated; Resolve day-to-day employee inquiries and coordinate international work visas to support business travel and team mobility; Lead HR expansion initiatives when entering new countries, establishing local benefits administration and compliant operations from scratch; Optimize regional operations by auditing external vendors, benchmarking payroll providers, and automating manual workflows; Implement people-related procedures and best practices that mitigate company risk and align with local labor regulations

Requirements

8 to 15 years of progressive HR experience; Deep expertise in Singaporean labor law and employment regulations, with additional experience navigating multiple APAC markets such as South Korea, Australia, India, or Japan; Solid understanding of regional payroll mechanisms, local tax laws, and handling Employer of Record (EoR) frameworks; Practical proficiency with modern HR technology, including HRIS and payroll management software; A hands-on, builder mindset with a proven track record of turning fragmented tasks into efficient, streamlined workflows; Strong communication and problem-solving skills centered on a service-oriented approach to supporting team members; Singapore citizenship or Permanent Residency (PR) status, required due to visa constraints for this specific position

Nice to have

High-growth or startup environment experience

Benefits

Healthcare coverage; Parental leave; Retirement plans; Relocation support; Wellness programs; Meal and transportation allowances; Other location-specific perks