Join us in delivering a great first living experience to more than 21,000 students
Xior is the largest owner & operator of student accommodation in continental Europe. Our mission is to deliver a great first living experience to as many students as possible. We offer a second home to more than 21,000 students in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Spain, Portugal, Denmark and Sweden. A place where they can live, connect, study and relax.
We want to do more than just provide infrastructure for our students. We believe we play a fundamental role in students' journey to independence. In this, our people play a crucial role.
Would you like to contribute to this as an HR Business Partner for Spain & Portugal, based in Madrid?
As an HR Business Partner (Spain & Portugal), you will play a key role in supporting our student accommodation operations across the Iberian Peninsula. This is a varied and hands-on position with a strategic twist — you’ll act as a trusted partner for both local teams and the European HR leadership, providing full-spectrum HR support in line with our group-wide values and objectives.
From recruitment and payroll to performance and talent development, you’ll help create a great employee experience in a fast-paced, international context — ensuring we remain compliant, connected and culture-driven.
You will report to the Head of HR Europe, and work closely with the Regional Operations Manager and other colleagues across our European network.
Your responsibilities
- Act as the first point of contact for managers and employees in Spain and Portugal regarding all HR-related matters.
- Manage the end-to-end payroll process, in close cooperation with external providers, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely delivery.
- Oversee HR administration including contracts, onboarding, offboarding and employee data management.
- Lead and coordinate recruitment and onboarding efforts across both countries.
- Develop and support talent development and retention initiatives, including training, development planning and engagement actions.
- Advise and support managers in performance management and employee feedback processes.
- Handle employee relations cases, including conflict resolution and disciplinary matters, in line with local legislation.
- Collaborate with our European HR team on the rollout of international HR projects, adapting them to local needs and realities.
- Ensure that all HR processes and documentation comply with Spanish and Portuguese labour laws and group-wide HR standards.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to HR reporting and analysis for local and European stakeholders.
Profile:
- You bring 5 to 6 years of relevant experience as an HR Officer, Generalist or Business Partner, ideally with a footprint in both Spain and Portugal.
- You’re fluent in English (C1/C2), and speak Spanish fluently. Portuguese is a strong plus.
- You have a solid understanding of Spanish labour law and payroll practices. Familiarity with Portuguese regulations is a bonus.
- You’re comfortable with HRIS tools, payroll systems and Microsoft Office.
- You work independently, proactively and with attention to detail, but always in tune with your team and stakeholders.
- You’re emotionally intelligent, pragmatic and approachable – someone people trust naturally.
- You are open to travelling to our student residences across Spain and Portugal on a regular basis.
- You hold a degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field.
What we offer:
- A key role in a growing international company with a clear mission and meaningful impact.
- A supportive and collaborative team environment across eight European countries.
- A hybrid working model: the first six months are fully on-site in our Alcobendas office to ensure strong onboarding. After that, you’ll work in a 2+3 rhythm (2 days homeworking, 3 days on-site).
- Flexible working hours, with core availability between 10:00 and 16:00.
- Teleworking during Christmas and Easter holidays.
- A permanent contract with real potential for growth and development within Xior.
Ready to make a difference in students’ lives – and your own career?
Apply now and become part of a European HR team that builds more than just buildings: we build futures.
Apply here
