Executive Director of Human Capital Operations

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Executive Director of Human Capital Operations to lead all HR operational functions across a large, dynamic workforce. The role ensures payroll accuracy, employee relations, HR administration, and employee services are delivered with operational excellence and compliance.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee Payroll, Employee Relations, Personnel Administration, and Employee Services.
• Ensure timely, accurate payroll processing and compliance with labor regulations.
• Develop scalable HR operational frameworks for large employee populations.
• Establish and monitor SLAs, operational KPIs, and governance standards.
• Manage employee lifecycle processes: onboarding, contracts, transfers, promotions, leave, and off‑boarding.
• Drive employee‑relations initiatives and resolve workplace matters.
• Partner with HR Centers of Excellence and business leaders for alignment.
• Lead process optimisation, automation, and continuous‑improvement projects.
• Maintain data integrity, reporting accuracy, and workforce compliance across HR systems.
• Manage and develop high‑performing HR Operations teams.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Law or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 12+ years progressive HR experience, including 5+ years in senior HR Operations leadership.
• Proven experience managing HR Operations for organisations with 3,000+ employees.
• Extensive background in payroll, employee relations, and personnel administration.
• Strong knowledge of labour laws, HR governance, and compliance.
• Experience in large‑scale workforces, preferably education or public sector.
• Demonstrated success in establishing operational controls and service delivery models.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management and problem‑solving abilities.

Required skills

• Payroll management
• HR operations leadership
• Process optimisation and automation
• Data integrity and reporting
• Compliance and governance