Director Global HR Operations

About the role

• Job Posting Title
• Director Global HR Operations
• Legal Entity
• American Axle & Manufacturing Inc

Job Description Summary

The Director, Global HR Operations is responsible for leading the design, standardization, implementation, and continuous improvement of core HR operational policies and processes across the organization. This role drives consistency, efficiency, and employee experience through the development of global HR standards, governance, and best practices.

Working closely with business unit HR leaders, HR Centers of Excellence, and business stakeholders, the Director, Global HR Operations ensures the successful deployment and adoption of key HR programs and processes including onboarding, employee lifecycle processes, recognition programs, and other global HR initiatives. The role serves as a key leader in advancing the HR operating model and supporting the organization's people strategy.

About the role

• Develop, implement, and maintain global HR operational standards, processes, policies, and governance frameworks across the organization.
• Drive consistency and standardization of employee lifecycle processes while ensuring alignment with business objectives and regional needs.
• Lead global HR operational expectations for onboarding, offboarding, employee transitions, recognition programs, service awards, outplacement programs, and other employee experience initiatives.
• HR Business partner support for Corporate, centralized groups.
• Maintain enterprise-wide HR operations process documentation and standard operating procedures enabling automation and HRIS usage.
• Partner with business unit HR leaders and business stakeholders to identify opportunities for process harmonization, operational efficiencies, and enhanced employee experience, aligned with Centers of Excellence.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to simplify, automate, and optimize HR processes and services globally in collaboration with Centers of Excellence.
• Monitor HR key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to measure program effectiveness.
• Partner with HRIS, HR Transformation and HR Shared Services teams to enhance system utilization, workflow automation, and data quality.
• Identify best practices and emerging trends in HR operations and recommend improvements to enhance service delivery and effectiveness.
• Manage relationships with external vendors supporting HR operational programs and services, including immigration services, onboarding platforms, recognition providers, and outplacement partners.
• Support mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and organizational changes activities through the integration and standardization of HR processes.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and coaching to HR teams involved in the execution of global HR operational programs.
• Prepare and present operational updates, metrics, business cases, and recommendations to HR and business leadership.
• Manage projects, budgets, timelines, and resources associated with HR operational initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive HR experience with significant experience in HR Operations, HR Shared Services, HR Transformation, or HR Program Management.
• Demonstrated experience leading global HR processes and programs across multiple regions.
• Strong project management and process improvement experience.
• Experience developing and implementing global standards, governance models, and operating procedures.
• Experience managing cross-functional and geographically dispersed stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills.
• Experience working within a matrixed global organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience supporting HR transformations, mergers, acquisitions, or organizational integrations.
• Experience with HR Shared Services and service delivery models.
• Lean, Six Sigma, Project Management, or other continuous improvement certification.
• Experience with Workday or other enterprise HR technology platforms.
• Experience managing global vendor relationships and contracts.