How Novative Supported Stellantis’ HR Growth in Morocco

When Stellantis (Previously known as PSA) decided to expand in North Africa, Morocco rose as the best choice. It combines close proximity to Europe, world-class logistics, and an existing automotive ecosystem, enabling European-quality car production. In 2019, Stellantis officially opened its manufacturing plant in Kénitra, a key step in growing its operations. The goal was to train a skilled local workforce and make sure employees were paid fairly and on time.

As Stellantis expanded its operations in Morocco, it faced several critical challenges:

1. Navigating a new regulatory framework: Managing labour laws, taxation, and social security requirements in Morocco added significant complexity to HR operations.

2. Rapid Headcount Growth: Stellantis has increased its headcount in Morocco from around 500 employees during its initial setup to 6,500 in 2026. To achieve this, it needed to implement scalable HR processes, ensure accurate payroll, and provide proper support for its growing team.

3. Expatriate Management: Managing expatriate employees was another key challenge for Stellantis in Morocco. It added an extra layer of complexity to payroll, with compensation structures in multiple currencies and deductions that had to comply with the regulations of different countries.

4. Ensuring Operational Continuity: 2025 was an exciting year for Stellantis in Morocco. As its presence in the country grew, the company launched many new projects alongside its existing operations. Strong HR processes were essential to avoid disruptions, maintain regulatory compliance during structural changes, and ensure the company could deliver on its strategic goals without interruption.

To achieve this, Stellantis partnered with Novative, which brought deep local expertise in payroll and HR. Together, they implemented a smart, compliant, and scalable payroll process that supported growth without disruption, reinforced employee trust, and allowed HR teams to operate confidently in a new regulatory environment.

This situation required both technology that ensured everything was conducted, processed, and recorded correctly, and a human element with local expertise. Novative worked closely with Stellantis to design an integrated approach combining payroll outsourcing, HR technology solutions, and process governance. The strategy focused on:

- Minimising operational and compliance risks
- Implementing clear, auditable payroll processes
- Ensuring transparency and consistency across HR practices
- Supporting HR decision-making through accurate and reliable data

Particular emphasis was placed on collaboration, trust, and adaptability, enabling HR teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than operational firefighting.

After finalising the approach with Stellantis, they agreed on implementing a three-part solution that included software provided in 3 languages (Arabic, English & French) to maximise HR and payroll efficiency in their operations in Morocco.

Implementation included:

1. Payroll software: A centralised system where all employee data, salary structures, allowances, deductions, and benefits could be managed accurately and securely. The system automated payroll calculations in line with Moroccan labour laws, taxation rules, and social security requirements.

2. Time and Attendance Software: The time and attendance software provided a reliable way to record attendance, absences, and overtime for a large and growing workforce. By integrating directly with the payroll software, the system ensured that all worked hours, overtime, and leave records were automatically reflected in payroll calculations.

3. Payroll outsourcing: Whilst payroll software automates calculations and stores employee data, it cannot handle the legal and administrative "boots on the ground" requirements. Tasks such as first-time employee registrations with authorities and navigating regulatory changes all require local expertise and hands-on management.

This structure enabled Stellantis to support rapid workforce scaling whilst maintaining stable and reliable HR operations.

The partnership between Stellantis and Novative enabled the company to scale rapidly in Morocco from 500 to 6,500 employees in Morocco whilst maintaining full compliance, payroll accuracy, and operational stability. By combining local HR expertise with integrated payroll and time-tracking technology, Stellantis avoided regulatory risks, ensured employees were paid correctly and on time, and built strong trust across its workforce. This reliable HR foundation allowed the company to expand its operations confidently without administrative disruptions, turning HR into a key enabler of its industrial growth in the country.

Key achievements included:
- Scaled workforce from 500 to 6,500 employees
- Maintained full compliance with Moroccan labour laws, taxation rules, and social security requirements
- Ensured payroll accuracy and on-time payments
- Built strong employee trust across the workforce
- Avoided regulatory risks through local expertise
- Enabled operational continuity during rapid expansion
- Supported multiple new projects and structural changes without disruption
- Provided software in 3 languages (Arabic, English & French) for maximum accessibility