HR Operations Director - Design Build and Operate

The HR Operations Director – Design, Build & Operate (D&B) will lead HR operations for Submer’s D&B business unit, supporting a fast-scaling, project-driven organization operating across multiple geographies. This role is responsible for building and running a highly effective, scalable HR operations model that enables workforce deployment, project execution, and operational discipline across the business. The role will ensure that employee lifecycle processes, payroll, compliance, and workforce data are delivered with accuracy, consistency, and speed. Acting as the key HR operations partner to D&B leadership, this role will bring structure, visibility, and control to a complex, global workforce environment, including navigating varied regulatory and labor relations landscapes.

Key Responsibilities

• HR Operations Leadership (Global Project Environment)
  • Own and lead end-to-end HR operations for the D&B business unit across the UK and international project locations.
  • Ensure consistent, efficient delivery of all employee lifecycle processes (onboarding, mobility, changes, offboarding).
  • Act as the primary HR operations lead for D&B, ensuring alignment with global HR frameworks.
• Workforce Management & Deployment
  • Oversee workforce tracking, allocation, and deployment across projects and geographies.
  • Ensure accurate visibility of headcount, roles, and project assignments.
  • Support workforce planning processes by providing operational insight and data accuracy.
  • Coordinate contract management, including project-based assignments and international mobility.
• Payroll, Compliance & Risk Management
  • Own payroll coordination in the UK collaborating at the group level, and oversee inputs for international payroll across project teams.
  • Ensure compliance with UK employment law and manage cross-border employment requirements.
  • Partner with Legal on employment contracts, mobility frameworks, and risk mitigation.
  • Maintain strong governance, controls, and audit-ready documentation across all HR operations.
• HR Compliance & Labour Relations (UK & International)
  • Act as the point of accountability for HR compliance within the UK, ensuring adherence to employment legislation, regulatory requirements, and internal policies.
  • Support and manage labour relations matters where applicable, including employee relations cases, consultations.
  • Provide guidance to the business on labour law considerations and risks across different countries, partnering closely with Legal and external advisors where required.
  • Ensure consistent and compliant approaches to restructuring, mobility, and workforce changes across jurisdictions.
• HR Systems, Data & Workforce Analytics
  • Own HRIS data integrity ensuring alignment with business units, projects, and cost structures.
  • Deliver accurate and timely reporting across key metrics: headcount, workforce allocation, cost, attrition.
  • Partner closely with Finance to align workforce data with payroll, budgeting, and project cost tracking.
• Process Design, Standardization & Scaling
  • Design and implement scalable HR operational processes suited to a Design & Build environment.
  • Standardize onboarding, mobility, and workforce deployment processes globally.
  • Identify inefficiencies and drive continuous improvement across HR operations.
  • Support the rollout and adoption of global HR systems, tools, and operating models.
• Cross-functional Leadership
  • Partner with D&B leadership to support workforce execution and project delivery needs.
  • Work closely with Finance on payroll accuracy, cost allocation, and workforce reporting.
  • Collaborate with Legal on compliance, contracts, and international employment structures.
  • Support Talent Acquisition with onboarding and integration of new hires into project teams.

Experience & Skills

• 8–12+ years of experience in HR Operations / People Operations.
• Strong expertise in UK employment law, payroll, and HR compliance.
• Experience managing employee relations and labour relations processes.
• Experience in project-based, engineering, construction, or infrastructure environments.
• Strong HRIS and systems experience (HiBob or similar) with a data-driven mindset.
• High attention to detail and strong operational discipline.
• Ability to manage complexity across geographies, projects, and stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, particularly with operational and technical teams.

Preferred Background

• Experience in data center, construction, engineering, or infrastructure sectors.
• Exposure to global payroll providers and EOR models.
• Experience supporting workforce mobility and international project deployments.
• Familiarity with aligning HR data to finance/ERP systems and project cost structures.

What we offer

• Attractive compensation package reflecting your expertise and experience.
• Private Health Insurance and pension contribution.
• You’ll be joining a high-growth start-up environment where you can make a tangible impact from day one, helping shape the business as it scales and seeing firsthand the results of your contributions.

Our Inclusive Responsibility

The Submer Group is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.