Senior Director, Human Resources Operations

Join Komatsu and Be Part of Something Big!

Job Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Director, Human Resources Operations to join our team in Milwaukee, WI (South Harbor District) or Chicago Headquarters (near O'Hare). The Senior Director, Human Resources Operations, provides strategic and operational leadership for the delivery of HR services across the organization. This role oversees HR operations, systems, compliance, and transformation initiatives to ensure efficiency, consistency, and alignment with company objectives. The incumbent will lead process optimization, HRIS management, and service delivery, enhancing the employee experience and ensuring adherence to employment regulations and organizational policies.

Key Job Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive HR Operations strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Lead transformation initiatives focused on process optimization, standardization, and automation to improve HR service delivery and scalability.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to HR and business leaders on organizational design, workforce planning, and operational excellence.
• Drive the continuous improvement of HR processes through data analytics, technology enablement, and global best practices.

HR Systems & Process Optimization

• Oversee the administration and optimization of HRIS, and related HR technology platforms, ensuring data accuracy, user accessibility, and system integration.
• Partner with IT and vendor partners to define the HR technology roadmap, implement upgrades, and enhance digital employee experiences.
• Use analytics to identify trends, streamline workflows, and support data-driven decision-making.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and international labor laws and regulations.
• Maintain up-to-date HR policies, handbooks, and procedures in collaboration with Legal and other corporate stakeholders including HRBPs.
• Lead audits, compliance reviews, and risk mitigation efforts related to HR operations and documentation.

Service Delivery & Employee Experience

• Direct the operations of HR shared services, ensuring timely, accurate, and high-quality service delivery across employee lifecycle processes (onboarding, offboarding, benefits administration, HRIS support, and compliance reporting).
• Champion a service-oriented culture that prioritizes employee experience, transparency, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with global HR and business teams to ensure consistent application of policies and practices.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop a geographically dispersed HR Operations team, fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Partner closely with Talent Development, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, and HR Business Partners to align operational priorities with strategic workforce initiatives.
• Build strong relationships across departments to ensure HR initiatives support overall business performance and culture goals.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including 5+ years in a leadership capacity overseeing HR operations or shared services.
• Comprehensive knowledge of employment law, HR compliance, and global HR operations management.
• Strong understanding of HRIS systems, HR analytics, and process improvement methodologies.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable execution.
• Highly collaborative, innovative, and agile in navigating organizational complexity.
• Committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.

Preferred Skills

• SPHR/SHRM-SCP certification.
• Experience leading digital transformation and automation in HR environments.
• Proficiency with data-driven decision-making and HR reporting tools.
• Global HR experience in complex, multi-entity, matrixed organizations.
• Strong change management and organizational design expertise.

Additional Information

Hiring Range

At Komatsu, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. This role pays $165,000-206,000. The actual offer will consider a wide range of factors, including experience and location.

Company Benefits

Komatsu provides an extensive and robust employee benefits package that is designed to enhance the well-being of our employees and family members. We embrace a positive and empowering employee experience with a culture that prides itself on a diverse and inclusive environment.

• Health benefits: Medical, dental, vision, HSA, wellness programs, etc.
• 401k and/or employee savings programs
• Employee time off (vacation and designated holidays)
• Employee and family assistance programs
• Disability benefits
• Life insurance
• Employee learning and development programs

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment

At Komatsu, we come from diverse backgrounds, with unique perspectives, experiences and contributions. We believe that our people are part of our shared purpose. Connected by our core values of ambition, perseverance, collaboration and authenticity, we are committed to continually advancing in our support of diversity and inclusion. United, we are on a journey towards a sustainable future that creates value together.

Company Information

Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu employs more than 64,000 people worldwide, operating in more than 140 countries. For more than a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Since the company's founding in 1921, Komatsu has been committed to supporting individuals and communities through job training, skills development and giving back. As a Komatsu employee, you will be encouraged to grow alongside our global company, contributing to a more sustainable future for all. If you are looking for a company that values your talent and potential, join Komatsu to be a part of something big and help advance modern society. Learn more at www.komatsu.com.

EEO Statement

Komatsu is an Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.