Director, HR Operations North America

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Director, HR Operations North America

 

As the Director of HR Operations, you’ll lead our North America HR Shared Services and Payroll teams, driving operational excellence, employee experience, and compliance. You’ll oversee service delivery, optimize processes, and ensure payroll accuracy across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico - all while fostering a high-performing, people-first culture.

 

WHAT YOU’LL DO: 

• Lead core HR service delivery (onboarding, offboarding, employee data & document management).
• Oversee North America payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
• Define and track KPIs and SLAs; translate data into actionable insights for leadership.
• Manage case management systems and knowledge bases to support employee inquiries.
• Drive process improvements through automation, standardization, and employee feedback.
• Partner with Finance, Legal, and external vendors to meet tax, audit, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage vendor relationships and performance (e.g., payroll providers, service centers).
• Collaborate with global HR leaders to align service models while ensuring local compliance.
• Evaluate and implement tools that enhance efficiency and employee experience.
• Provide reporting on service performance, trends, and compliance (e.g., EEO, AAP, timekeeping).
• Lead and develop a team of approximately 25 across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico (including Tier 1 & 2 HR and Payroll).
• Manage team performance, development, and key people processes (e.g., succession, salary planning).
• Own HR Ops budget and headcount planning in alignment with the annual operating plan.

 

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: 

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Finance, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including 5+ years in HR Ops or Payroll leadership.
• Experience leading regional or global HR service delivery and payroll operations.
• Strong knowledge of HRIS (SAP SuccessFactors preferred) and payroll systems (ADP preferred).
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage change, and drive continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with compliance, audits, and regulatory reporting across multiple geographies.
• Strategic mindset with strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

 

WHERE YOU’LL WORK: 

• This is a hybrid role based in Downers Grove, IL. The required office days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday each week.

 

PAY & BENEFITS:

• The salary range for this position is $158,500 - $206,000 and is eligible for incentive pay
• The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s relevant experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location
• Available employee benefits include health, vision, dental coverage, along with industry-leading retirement and time off programs; union benefits vary in accordance with the respective CBA

 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT: 

• To be surrounded by an inclusive team who is collaborative and committed to the achievement of the company
• To be rewarded for your contributions with a targeted annual company bonus (if applicable to your role) and annual salary reviews; union benefits vary in accordance with the respective CBA
• Competitive pay and benefits including Unlimited Time Off as business allows, and 8 paid holidays!

 

Univar Solutions is a leading, global distributor of chemicals and ingredients essential to the safety, health, and wellbeing of our daily lives from life-saving medicine