Global HR Operations Leader

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

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