Associate Director, HR Mergers & Acquisitions

Kyndryl; United States; Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Kyndryl is seeking a senior HR Business Development specialist to lead and coordinate the HR workstream in complex transactions globally, including acquisitions, divestitures, and outsourcing. You will partner with Corporate Development, Legal, and Finance to shape deal strategy from an HR perspective, ensuring readiness and alignment across borders for successful integrations.

This role demands in-depth HR expertise, executive-level communication, and the ability to navigate multi-country

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in HR business development or HR M&A in global contexts.
• Ability to lead cross-functional, multi-country HR workstreams.
• Strong stakeholder management and executive communication.

Responsibilities

• Shape HR strategy for complex transactions (LOI, due diligence, integration).
• Coordinate HR deliverables across Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, Payroll, HR Services, Workday.
• Ensure compliance with local laws and integration readiness across regions.
• Update and evolve the HR M&A playbook with lessons learned.
• Partner with Corporate Development, Legal, and Finance to inform business cases and deal valuation.

Skills

Growth mindset

Program management

Executive presence

Business acumen

HR operating models

Global teamwork

Employee experience

Attention to detail

Workday

HR analytics

Project management tools

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in HR/Business

8+ years HR experience

Tools

Workday

HR analytics

PM tools

Job description

Who We Are

At Kyndryl, we run and reimagine the mission-critical technology systems that drive advantage for the world's leading businesses. We are at the heart of progress; with proven expertise and a continuous flow of AI-powered insight, enabling smarter decisions, faster innovation, and a lasting competitive edge. For our people-Kyndryls-that means doing purposeful work that powers human progress. Join us and experience a flexible, supportive environment where your well-being is prioritized and your potential can thrive.

The Role

This role is part of the HR Business Development (HRBD) function and is responsible for leading and coordinating the HR workstream in complex business transactions such as acquisitions, divestitures, and service outsourcing, in countries around the globe. The specialist acts as a strategic advisor to business leaders and ensures seamless execution of people-related solutions across global teams and HR functions.

Acting as a strategic HR advisor to multiple functional stakeholders ( Corporate Development, Commercial business team, Legal, Finance, ) this role helps to shape deal strategy from an HR perspective. Influencing decision-making by defining people impacts and solutions to mitigation barriers or challenges, the individual provides input to business cases, risk assessments, deal valuation, contractual needs, integration planning.

Who You Are

Key Responsibilities

Partner with Corporate Development, Legal, and Finance to shape deal strategy from an HR perspective.

• Provide input to business cases, risk assessments, and HR budget planning.

• Influence decision-making by articulating people impacts and mitigation strategies.

• Lead the orchestration of HR deliverables across multiple HR disciplines (Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, Payroll, ELR, HR Services, Workday) throughout the deal cycle (LOI, Due Diligence, Integration Planning, Contracting, and Integration) in collaboration with the HR Business Partner(s).

• Conduct Due Diligence and/or translate client requirements to confirm integration approach and impact for executable HR solutions aligned with Kyndryl's model.

• Ensure HR readiness for client transitions, including co-determination, onboarding, and compliance.

• Support leadership alignment and organisational change management to accelerate integration and productivity.

• Identify and manage people-related risks, ensure compliance with local laws, and support cultural and operational transitions (ie: Acquired Rights, benefit plan compliance, etc)

• Create solutions to address challenges and gaps to ensure a successful integration both in the short term and long term.

• Continued improvement - continuously evolve the operating model considering stakeholder feedback and deal outcomes. Ultimately updating and reimagining a formal HR M&A playbook.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Growth mindset and change agent

• Manage multiple complex high profile projects simultaneously on tight timelines

• Executive presence - excellent communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills. Including the ability to make the complex simple with clear options and recommendations

• Business acumen, understanding how the business operates and how HR considerations impact deal dynamics and ultimate business performance

• Strong understanding of HR operating models and global employment practices, with depth of experience working with multiple countries

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional and global teams.

• Employee experience focused

• Organized and detail oriented

• Experience with Workday, HR analytics, and project management tools.

• Proven experience as a seasoned subject matter expert in HRBD work including performing due diligence, prioritizing quantifiable items for valuation and contracting purposes, and proposing solutions to address gaps for an effective integration

• Experience with total rewards programs and/or HR generalist/ employee relations/works council exposure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field.

• 8+ years in HR roles with exposure to all HR core processes such as compensation, payroll or employee relations

• Experience leading HRBD/M&A at a global public company.

Being You

The "Kyn" in Kyndryl means kinship, which represents the strong bonds we have with each other, our customers and our communities. We focus on ensuring all Kyndryls feel included and we welcome people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Even if you don't meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We believe in growth, and we're excited to see what you can bring. At Kyndryl, employee feedback has told us that our number one driver of employee engagement is belonging. That sense of belonging - being a valued, respected, trusted member of the team - is fundamental to our culture and fueling great experiences for our customers. This dedication to welcoming everyone into our company means that Kyndryl gives you the ability to thrive and contribute to our culture of empathy and shared success. That's The Kyndryl Way.

What You Can Expect

Your career with us isn't just a job-it's an adventure with purpose. We offer a dynamic, hybrid-friendly culture that supports your well-being and empowers you to grow. Our Be Well programs are thoughtfully designed to support your financial, mental, physical, and social health-because we know that when you feel your best, you do your best.

From your very first day, you'll dive into impactful work that powers the systems our customers rely on every day. You won't just contribute-you'll make a difference, tackling meaningful projects that sharpen your skills and fuel your growth.

We're here to champion your journey. With powerful tools to chart your career path, personalized development goals aligned with your ambitions, and continuous feedback to keep you inspired and on track, you'll have everything you need to thrive and evolve. You'll develop in-demand skills to grow your career and achieve your ambitions with access to cutting-edge learning opportunities-from certifications with Microsoft, Google, and Amazon to coaching and hands-on experiences. And through it all, you'll be part of a culture that values empathy, restless learning, and a devotion to shared success.

We want you to thrive here-and we're committed to helping you do just that. Ready to make an impact? Join us and help shape what's next.