Director, HR Shared Services

Coherent Corp.; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology leader is seeking an experienced Director of HR Service Center Operations based in Glasgow. The role involves overseeing HR service functions, ensuring operational excellence, and leading a high-performance team. Candidates should possess extensive experience in HR operations, strategic leadership, and strong analytical skills. This is a hybrid position that combines remote and onsite work, providing an exciting opportunity for growth in a leading company.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Career development opportunities

Hybrid working environment

Qualifications

• Significant experience in HR operations or shared services at a senior management level.
• Extensive experience leading global HR service delivery and payroll operations.
• Proven ability to lead through change and drive operational efficiencies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee global HR Service Center functions and ensure operational excellence.
• Optimize workflows and implement HR support service delivery models.
• Manage a team and promote a high-performance culture.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operational excellence

Project management

Change management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field

Tools

HRIS systems

ADP

ATS

Job description

About PeopleOps Jobs

PeopleOps Jobs is the best place to find next-generation HR and TA roles. Most of the jobs on our site are based in the US and are remote-friendly.

We also have a free advisor service to help you choose the best HRIS, ATS, Payroll, and other HR Software. All the best in your job hunt!

About the Job

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and strategic HR leader to serve as the Director, HR Service Center Operations. This role will oversee the global HR Service Center functions, including direct management across multiple regions such as Glasgow, UK and Ipoh/Penang, Malaysia. The Sr. Manager will be responsible for the end-to-end delivery of employee and candidate services, ensuring operational excellence, standardization of processes, and alignment with overall HR and business strategies.

This role will provide leadership, vision, and governance to regional service center operations across HR Operations & Compliance, Talent Acquisition Coordination, Talent Management, HRIS, Reporting, and Back-office support. The ideal candidate is an experienced leader in global shared services, capable of building scalable teams, enhancing employee experience, and driving innovation in HR service delivery.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Oversight

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for HR Shared Services Center operations.
• Design, implement, and monitor global HR support service delivery models to align with the HR Shared Service Delivery governance model, business needs and improve employee experience.
• Ensure cross-functional collaboration with HR Business Partners, Centers of Excellence (COEs), and regional HR leaders.

Operational Excellence & Process Improvement

• Develop and maintain consistent measurable service standards, KPIs, and SLAs across global service center location/s.
• Optimize workflows for efficiency and drive continuous improvement and automation of HR operations using technology and process innovation.
• Lead initiatives to reduce manual work, streamline workflows, and enhance system integration across HRIS, ADP, Time keeping systems and ATS platforms.

People & Performance Management

• Directly manage a team/s of HR Service Center and provide coaching, mentorship, and career development opportunities.
• Establish clear goals and monitor performance to ensure service excellence and compliance with global standards.
• Promote a high-performance, employee-first culture grounded in trust, collaboration, and accountability.

Governance, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to global labor laws, data privacy, and payroll support regulations in all regions.
• Implement governance frameworks for documentation, knowledge management, and quality control.
• Serve as the final escalation point for operational and service delivery issues.
• Collaborate with the HR COE Leadership to create change management strategies to support Business Adoption

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Talent Acquisition, HRIS, Payroll, and IT teams to deliver integrated solutions and smooth employee and candidate experiences.
• Partner with Finance and Legal for audit, compliance, and regulatory matters.
• Engage with senior stakeholders and executive leadership to report on performance, challenges, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with HR COE Leadership in designing communication plans, including training and knowledge sharing workshops.

Global Support & Time Zone Coordination

• Ensure 24/7 regional support coverage through team planning and flexible availability.
• Foster seamless handoffs and communications between regions operating in different time zones.
• Participate in key meetings and decision making for any project milestones.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Significant experience in HR operations or shared services in a multinational environment, at a senior management or director level.
• Extensive experience leading global HR service delivery, payroll operations, and talent acquisition support functions.
• Proven ability to lead through change, drive operational efficiencies, and scale services in high-growth environments.
• Strong understanding of HRIS systems (e.g., Oracle), ADP, ATS, and ticketing tools
• Experience managing remote, multicultural teams across multiple geographies.
• Hands-on experience with HR service desk/ticketing system implementation and management.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated success in leading global process improvement and transformation initiatives.
• Experience in change management, compliance, and audit readiness.
• Flexible and available to support operations across multiple time zones.

Working Conditions

• This position is hybrid / onsite
• Will require off-site meetings or travel
• Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary
• Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or conducting meetings.
• Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
• Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings or interact with colleagues.

Culture Commitment

• Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
• Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust
• Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
• Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
• Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
• Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

About Us

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.

LinkedIn

Location: United Kingdom (Hybrid)