Bilingual Director of Human Resources

Burnett Specialists; The Woodlands (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Fluency in English and Spanish is essential. The role balances strategic leadership with hands-on execution in a lean, entrepreneurial environment, contributing to broader international HR initiatives and administrative operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, Management, or related field.
• Significant progressive HR leadership experience with strategic and operational responsibilities.
• Experience in lubricants, energy, industrial, manufacturing, or related environments preferred.
• Experience supporting multiple locations across North & Central America is highly desirable.
• Fluent in English and Spanish; HR certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute regional HR strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead talent acquisition, performance management, and leadership development.
• Oversee employee relations, compliance, and HR policies across NA regions.
• Manage compensation, benefits, budgeting, and HR operations with a commercial focus.

Skills

Strategic HR leadership

Executive presence

Cross-cultural communication

English & Spanish fluency

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

SHRM-SCP / SPHR certification

Job description

Our client, a growing international company with established operations across the Americas, is seeking an experienced Director of Human Resources & Administration to lead its regional HR strategy and administrative operations. Based in Houston, Texas, this senior-level position will serve as the sole HR and Administration leader for North and Central America. The successful candidate will partner closely with executive leadership, regional management, and global HR stakeholders to drive organizational effectiveness, talent development, employee engagement, and operational excellence. This is a high-visibility opportunity for a commercially minded HR leader who thrives in a lean, entrepreneurial environment and is comfortable balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution. The role offers significant autonomy to shape regional HR and administrative practices, support business expansion, and contribute to broader international HR initiatives. Fluency in both English and Spanish is essential to support employees, management, and business operations across diverse markets and cultures.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic HR Leadership Develop and execute regional HR strategies aligned with business objectives and growth plans. Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO, regional leadership team, and department heads on workforce planning, organizational design, succession planning, and talent management. Establish consistent HR policies and procedures across North and Central America while ensuring compliance with local employment requirements. Advise leadership on employee engagement, retention, performance, compensation, organizational effectiveness, and change management. Support business expansion, organizational restructuring, and integration initiatives as required. Contribute to global HR projects and collaborate with international HR leadership.
• Talent Acquisition and Development Lead recruitment and selection for management, professional, technical, commercial, and operational roles. Develop effective talent acquisition strategies to attract and retain high-performing employees in a competitive industrial environment. Implement and oversee performance management, leadership development, employee training, and succession planning initiatives. Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, professional development, and employee engagement.
• Employee Relations and Regulatory Compliance Oversee employee relations, workplace investigations, disciplinary matters, grievances, and conflict resolution. Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations across the United States and relevant North and Central American markets. Maintain HR policies, employee handbooks, employment documentation, personnel records, and reporting processes. Provide practical, risk-aware guidance to management on sensitive employee matters and workplace issues.
• Compensation, Benefits and Performance Management Oversee compensation structures, salary reviews, incentive programs, and performance evaluation processes. Manage employee benefits, healthcare programs, retirement plans, leave policies, and related employee offerings. Lead workforce planning, headcount management, HR budgeting, and personnel cost reporting. Review compensation and benefits practices to support competitiveness, internal equity, and cost effectiveness.
• Regional and Bilingual HR Support Communicate HR policies, procedures, organizational updates, and employee initiatives fluently in English and Spanish. Support cross-border recruitment, onboarding, employee transfers, and regional assignments in coordination with appropriate internal and external specialists. Adapt HR communications and training materials to local language, cultural, and regulatory requirements. Partner with the Marine HR Director to provide effective HR support to the marine business and its employees.
• Administration and Business Operations Oversee regional office administration, facilities coordination, office services, vendor relationships, and administrative budgets. Develop and improve administrative procedures, internal controls, records management, and documentation practices. Coordinate business travel, office resources, company records, and related administrative services. Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve service delivery, and enhance operational efficiency. Exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making while collaborating with global stakeholders on regional priorities.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Management, or a related field.
• Significant progressive HR leadership experience, including responsibility for strategic and operational HR functions.
• Experience in the lubricants, energy, industrial, manufacturing, or a related business environment is strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting multiple locations or countries across North and Central America is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience advising executive leadership and managing complex employee relations matters.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. employment practices and the ability to navigate employment requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Experience overseeing office administration, budgets, vendor relationships, and internal policies.
• Professional HR certification, such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or an equivalent qualification, is an advantage.
• Fluent in written and spoken English and Spanish.

Key Competencies

• Strategic business partnership: Ability to connect HR initiatives to commercial objectives and business performance.
• Hands-on leadership: Willingness to operate independently and manage both strategic priorities and day-to-day responsibilities.
• Executive presence: Confidence in influencing senior leaders and providing practical, commercially sound advice.
• Cross-cultural effectiveness: Ability to work across countries, cultures, and organizational levels.
• Integrity and discretion: Strong judgment when handling sensitive employee information and confidential business matters.
• Organizational effectiveness: Excellent analytical, planning, problem-solving, and process improvement skills.
• Adaptability: Ability to succeed in a lean, fast-moving organization where priorities evolve with business needs.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal, presentation, and stakeholder management skills in both English and Spanish.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Regional leadership: Take ownership of HR and Administration across North and Central America.
• Executive visibility: Work directly with regional executive leadership and global HR stakeholders.
• International exposure: Support a diverse workforce and navigate HR matters across multiple jurisdictions.
• Meaningful autonomy: Shape regional HR strategy, policies, and administrative operations in a growing business.
• Broad business impact: Support both the lubricants and marine businesses while contributing to global HR initiatives.

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