Director Global HR Operations

AAM - American Axle & Manufacturing; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

AAM - American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. is seeking a Director of Global HR Operations in Detroit, MI to design and standardize core HR policies and processes across the organization.

You will partner with HR leaders, Centers of Excellence, and stakeholders to deploy onboarding, lifecycle processes, recognition programs, and other global initiatives to enhance employee experience. The role demands a strategic leader with 10+ years in HR operations and strong governance, PM, and executive

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive HR experience with emphasis on HR operations, shared services, or HR transformation.
• Experience leading global HR processes across multiple regions.
• Strong project management, governance models, and operating procedures.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional and geographically dispersed stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and executive communication skills.
• Experience working in a matrixed, international organization.
• Experience with HRIS and automation initiatives.
• Engagement with vendors and outsourcing partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain global HR operational standards, processes, policies, and governance frameworks across the organization.
• Drive consistency and standardization of employee lifecycle processes while aligning with business objectives and regional needs.
• Lead onboarding, offboarding, employee transitions, recognition programs, and other employee experience initiatives.
• Provide HR Business partner support for Corporate, centralized groups.
• Maintain enterprise-wide HR operations process documentation and SOPs enabling automation and HRIS usage.
• Partner with HR leaders to identify opportunities for process harmonization and efficiency gains.
• Drive continuous improvement to simplify and automate HR processes globally with Centers of Excellence.
• Monitor KPIs and metrics to measure program effectiveness.
• Enhance system utilization, workflow automation, and data quality with HRIS/HR Transformation teams.
• Identify best practices and trends in HR operations to improve service delivery.
• Manage relationships with external vendors (immigration, onboarding platforms, recognition providers, outplacement).
• Support mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and organizational changes through HR process standardization.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and coaching to HR teams on global programs.
• Prepare and present operational updates and business cases to HR and leadership.
• Manage projects, budgets, timelines, and resources for HR initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

HR Operations

Global Programs

Project Management

Stakeholder Management

Process Improvement

Change Management

Data Analytics

Executive Communication

Cross-functional Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business Administration

Master’s degree in HR/Business Administration

Tools

Workday

HRIS

Job description

Job Posting Title

Director Global HR Operations

Legal Entity

American Axle & Manufacturing Inc

Job Description Summary

The Director, Global HR Operations is responsible for leading the design, standardization, implementation, and continuous improvement of core HR operational policies and processes across the organization. This role drives consistency, efficiency, and employee experience through the development of global HR standards, governance, and best practices.
Working closely with business unit HR leaders, HR Centers of Excellence, and business stakeholders, the Director, Global HR Operations ensures the successful deployment and adoption of key HR programs and processes including onboarding, employee lifecycle processes, recognition programs, and other global HR initiatives. The role serves as a key leader in advancing the HR operating model and supporting the organization’s people strategy.

Job Description:

• Develop, implement, and maintain global HR operational standards, processes, policies, and governance frameworks across the organization.
• Drive consistency and standardization of employee lifecycle processes while ensuring alignment with business objectives and regional needs.
• Lead global HR operational expectations for onboarding, offboarding, employee transitions, recognition programs, service awards, outplacement programs, and other employee experience initiatives.
• HR Business partner support for Corporate, centralized groups.
• Maintain enterprise-wide HR operations process documentation and standard operating procedures enabling automation and HRIS usage.
• Partner with business unit HR leaders and business stakeholders to identify opportunities for process harmonization, operational efficiencies, and enhanced employee experience, aligned with Centers of Excellence.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to simplify, automate, and optimize HR processes and services globally in collaboration with Centers of Excellence.
• Monitor HR key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to measure program effectiveness.
• Partner with HRIS, HR Transformation and HR Shared Services teams to enhance system utilization, workflow automation, and data quality.
• Identify best practices and emerging trends in HR operations and recommend improvements to enhance service delivery and effectiveness.
• Manage relationships with external vendors supporting HR operational programs and services, including immigration services, onboarding platforms, recognition providers, and outplacement partners.
• Support mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and organizational changes activities through the integration and standardization of HR processes.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and coaching to HR teams involved in the execution of global HR operational programs.
• Prepare and present operational updates, metrics, business cases, and recommendations to HR and business leadership.
• Manage projects, budgets, timelines, and resources associated with HR operational initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive HR experience with significant experience in HR Operations, HR Shared Services, HR Transformation, or HR Program Management.
• Demonstrated experience leading global HR processes and programs across multiple regions.
• Strong project management and process improvement experience.
• Experience developing and implementing global standards, governance models, and operating procedures.
• Experience managing cross-functional and geographically dispersed stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills.
• Experience working within a matrixed global organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience supporting HR transformations, mergers, acquisitions, or organizational integrations.
• Experience with HR Shared Services and service delivery models.
• Lean, Six Sigma, Project Management, or other continuous improvement certification.
• Experience with Workday or other enterprise HR technology platforms.
• Experience managing global vendor relationships and contracts.

About Dauch:

Dauch Corporation is a premier Driveline and Metal Forming supplier serving the global automotive industry with a powertrain-agnostic product portfolio that supports electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles. The company is headquartered in Detroit, MI, with operations that span 24 countries and more than 175 locations. Formed through the acquisition of Dowlais Group plc and its subsidiaries - GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy, Dauch unites deep engineering roots with global manufacturing capabilities and an entrepreneurial spirit to move mobility forward. Visit www.dauch.com to learn more.

Dauch will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. Dauch will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. For the Disabled Job Seeker: We offer reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled individuals who are applicants for employment. To request assistance or accommodations, please e-mail [e-mail]. Dauch is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.