People Operations Specialist (Payroll & Compliance)

About the role

Derq is an MIT spinoff building AI-powered traffic safety and smart infrastructure. We're a team of passionate innovators, leveraging the latest in AI and technology to transform the future of mobility. Our platform enhances road safety and traffic management by turning real-time data into actionable insights for cities and road operators. Our patented technology collects and analyzes data from connected sensors like cameras, radar, and traffic signal controllers to help predict and prevent road incidents. We deploy edge and cloud solutions that make intersections and highways safer and smarter. Role Overview This role is responsible for owning the day-to-day People Operations function across the UAE, US, Canada, and global contractor population. The successful candidate will be responsible for payroll administration, employee lifecycle management, benefits administration, immigration support, compliance coordination, HR systems management, and process improvement. This is a hands-on operational role requiring strong attention to detail, ownership, follow-through, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced startup environment. Key Responsibilities Own day-to-day People Operations across our global team, with focus on the US, Canada Manage payroll inputs and changes (allowances, commissions, reimbursements, deductions) across entities, in partnership with Finance and external vendors. Manage benefits administration across our global workforce, including US and Canada benefits, 401(k), enrollments, changes, renewals, UI Tax and employee support. Maintain HR systems (HRIS) and accurate employee records, including headcount, leave balances, benefits data, and organizational information. Prepare and manage employment documentation, such as contracts, amendments, salary and verification letters. Support multi-country employee administration, compliance, global mobility, work location changes, relocations, and related documentation. Manage global contractor administration, including agreements, renewals, invoices, and payment coordination. Build and improve People Ops reporting and analytics, including headcount, turnover, leave, payroll, contractors, benefits, and workforce metrics. Serve as the primary point of contact for employee questions related to payroll, benefits, leave, HR systems, and employee administration. Support the Head of People with operational execution, reporting, audits, and People Ops initiatives. 4-7 years of hands‑on People Operations, Payroll, and Benefits experience in a global environment. Hands-on experience managing benefits administration across a global workforce, including US and Canada benefits and 401(k), with responsibility for enrollments, changes, renewals, and employee support. Experience supporting multi‑country employees and global contractors, including compliance and documentation. Strong working knowledge of HR systems (HRIS) and employee data management. Experience with People Ops reporting and analytics (headcount, leave, payroll, benefits, contractors). Proven ability to design and improve People Ops processes, documentation, and employee self‑service resources. Comfortable operating in a lean, fast‑growing environment with high ownership; experience with automation is a plus.

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