Director of International HR Operations

About the Role

As the leader of global HR operations, this role entails designing, governing, and continuously improving compliant, scalable, and people-centered HR operational frameworks that support employees, customers, and the business globally. The Director will be energized by complexity and scale, enjoying the challenge of building global operating models, leading senior regional leaders, and driving innovation through technology, automation, and AI to elevate global HR operations and customer outcomes.

The role reports into the VP of International Operations and will be part of a dynamic team that is passionate about building something meaningful and having fun while doing it. Justworks values a supportive, entrepreneurial environment, and the successful candidate will thrive in this culture, contributing to the company's mission of helping businesses get off the ground by enabling them to focus on running their business.

What You Will Do

• Set the global vision, strategy, and operating model for HR Operations across the full employee and customer lifecycle.
• Lead and develop a globally distributed team of regional HR Operations leaders and specialists, establishing clear ownership, performance standards, and career development pathways.
• Own global HR compliance strategy, ensuring adherence to local labor laws, data privacy, and regulatory requirements across all countries of operation, in close partnership with Legal and Compliance.
• Build and maintain a robust global network of external advisors and in-country experts across legal, HR, payroll, and benefits domains.
• Partner with Product, Engineering, and Compliance to shape HR-related product strategy, roadmap decisions, and operational readiness, with a focus on scalable and compliant international offerings.
• Collaborate with Customer Success, Sales, Revenue Enablement, and Marketing to develop HR content, tooling, and education that supports both internal teams and external customers.
• Serve as the senior escalation point for complex, high-risk employee relations, compliance issues, and operational challenges, providing strategic guidance and resolution.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in global HR operations, leveraging technology, analytics, and best practices to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and customer experience.
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and resource allocation plans to support global HR operations, ensuring alignment with business objectives and fiscal responsibility.

What We Are Looking For

• Proven experience in global HR operations, employment law, and compliance, with a deep understanding of international labor regulations and standards.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to lead and develop a globally distributed team of HR professionals.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence and partner with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
• Ability to think strategically and drive innovation, with a focus on scalable, compliant, and customer-centric solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and develop actionable insights.
• Experience with HR systems, tools, and technologies, including HRIS, payroll, and benefits administration platforms.
• Knowledge of data privacy and security regulations, with the ability to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.
• Strong business acumen, with the ability to understand and align HR operations with business objectives and fiscal responsibility.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a focus on agility, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

Nice to Have

• Experience with Adjust and Excel, with the ability to analyze and interpret complex data sets.
• Knowledge of AI and automation technologies, with the ability to leverage these solutions to enhance HR operations and customer experience.
• Experience working in a remote or distributed team environment, with the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively across distances.
• Certification in HR, employment law, or a related field, such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or GPHR.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package, with a focus on rewards and recognition for outstanding performance.
• Opportunity to work with a dynamic, entrepreneurial company that values innovation, creativity, and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborative, supportive work environment, with a focus on teamwork, communication, and mutual respect.
• Professional development opportunities, with access to training, education, and career advancement programs.
• Flexible, remote work arrangements, with the ability to work from anywhere and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools, with the ability to leverage these solutions to drive innovation and efficiency.
• Recognition and reward programs, with a focus on celebrating achievements and milestones.

• To stand out in this role, highlight your experience with global HR operations, employment law, and compliance, and demonstrate your ability to think strategically and drive innovation.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with HR systems, tools, and technologies, and explain how you have leveraged these solutions to enhance HR operations and customer experience.
• Show a deep understanding of international labor regulations and standards, and explain how you have ensured compliance and mitigated risks in previous roles.
• Emphasize your leadership and management skills, and demonstrate your ability to lead and develop a globally distributed team of HR professionals.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with data privacy and security regulations, and explain how you have ensured compliance and protected sensitive information.
• Highlight your ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and demonstrate your focus on agility, adaptability, and continuous improvement.
• Consider obtaining certification in HR, employment law, or a related field to enhance your credibility and demonstrate your expertise.