HR Operations Director – EMEA

• HR Operations Director – EMEA
• Permanent
• Competitive salary + bonus
• Fantastic benefits
• Leeds 3 days a week with additional travel

Are you an experienced HR leader who is passionate about building HR operations from the ground up and driving real change?

Oakleaf Partnership are working with an elite global design business who are looking for an HR Operations Director to join their team. EMEA experience is essential – particularly Germany, France, Spain and the Nordics. You will be stepping into a newly created role, leading the development of a comprehensive HR operations function. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of HR operations with a focus on delivering customer-focused solutions that align with this innovative brand.

What is the role?

As the HR Operations Director for EMEA, you will report directly to the CPO and will lead the set up and scaling of HR operations across the EMEA region to ensure a seamless HR service delivery, process optimisation and strategic alignment with business goals. Responsibilities include:

• Build & Lead HR Operations: Lead a small team, initially including two HR Administrators, and build out the HR operations piece and ensuring flawless execution of contracts, payroll, and benefits administration.
• Policy & Process Development: Take ownership of policy creation, ensuring they are modern, clear, and strategically aligned, with a focus on areas like parental leave, menopause and sickness.
• Strategic Thinking: Look beyond the day-to-day and take a holistic view of our HR operations, identifying what is fit for purpose, stripping away unnecessary processes, and applying first-principle thinking.
• Advisor Model & Shared Services: Play a pivotal role in establishing an HR Advisor model across multiple regions (France, Germany, UK) and develop a shared services approach to take operational burdens off HR Business Partners.
• Data Integrity & HR Systems: Ensuring data integrity across all HR processes, streamline data request and lead on systems integration. Developing and implementing reporting tools to aid decision-making and process improvement.
• Collaborative Leadership: You will work closely with a newly hired Senior Director of Talent Management, contributing to the broader EMEA talent strategy.

Candidate profile/experience

You’re the type of leader who thrives in operational detail but can also zoom out to see the big picture. You’ll be a trusted partner to the senior leadership team, complementing the strategic vision of our Head of HR, while rolling up your sleeves to drive operational success.

• Proven Experience: You’ve built HR operations from scratch or transformed existing functions, demonstrating a clear ability to manage complex, large-scale change.
• Balanced Mindset: You excel at balancing strategic decision-making with flawless operational execution.
• Comfort in Ambiguity: You’re comfortable navigating uncertainty and figuring things out as you go. Resilient, adaptable, and confident in your ability to lead through change.
• Stakeholder Management: You have strong people management skills and can inspire your team. You’ll also bring gravitas to engage with senior stakeholders and the wider business.
• Tech-Savvy & Pragmatic: Familiarity with HR tech and an innovative mindset are key. You understand that processes should serve a purpose and always look for practical, real-world solutions.
• Project Management & Change: Experience in shared services, streamlining, and HR transformation is a must. Backgrounds in consultancy or dynamic environments like tech startups are highly desirable.

Ready to apply?

If you would like to be considered for this opportunity or have any questions, please apply to frankieglarvey@oakleafpartnership.com for more information.