Our client, a leading institution in the higher education sector , is seeking an experienced HR Director to lead the human resources function and drive strategic people initiatives that support academic and operational excellence.
The HR Director serves as a strategic partner and advisor to institutional leadership, championing the people agenda to enable the achievement of organizational goals. This role leads the development and execution of holistic human resource strategies that foster a culture of excellence, engagement, and continuous improvement within a higher education environment.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on all people-related matters, ensuring alignment between HR priorities and institutional objectives.
- Champion a high-performance culture that balances employee engagement with organizational effectiveness.
- Lead organizational development initiatives to enhance institutional capability and agility in a rapidly evolving education landscape.
- Formulate and implement HR strategies, policies, and frameworks covering the full employee lifecycle — including talent acquisition, performance management, compensation, learning and development, succession planning, and employee relations.
- Ensure HR policies are compliant with local labor laws, higher education regulations, and best practices.
- Regularly review and update HR frameworks to support evolving institutional needs.
Operational Excellence
Oversee daily HR operations, ensuring the team delivers efficient, responsive, and high-quality HR services.Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for HR processes and team effectiveness.Manage the HR budget and ensure optimal utilization of resources.Talent & Capability Development
Identify current and future talent needs and design strategies to attract, develop, and retain top talent.Oversee leadership and staff development programs to build institutional capability and strengthen the talent pipeline.Drive initiatives that foster a culture of learning, inclusion, and professional growth across all levels.Change Management & Transformation
Act as a change agent to support institutional transformation initiatives, ensuring effective communication and smooth adoption of change.Partner with academic and administrative leaders to design and implement organizational structures that enhance collaboration and performance.Employee Engagement & Culture
Cultivate an engaging, inclusive, and values-driven workplace that reflects the institution’s mission and vision.Lead initiatives that enhance employee well‑being, engagement, and retention.Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand needs and continuously improve people practices.Governance & Compliance
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment legislation, HR trends, and best practices in the higher education sector.Ensure compliance with labor laws, institutional policies, and accreditation requirements related to staffing and human capital management.Qualifications & Experience
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Psychology, or related field (required).Master’s degree or MBA in HR / Organizational Development (preferred).Experience & Competencies
Minimum 15 years of progressive HR leadership experience , preferably in higher education or a complex, multi-stakeholder organization.Proven track record in strategic HR planning, organizational development, and change management .Strong understanding of employment laws, HR compliance , and labor relations.Excellent stakeholder management , communication, and influencing skills.Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.Demonstrated leadership in building and motivating high-performing teams .Commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and engaging work culture.#J-18808-Ljbffr