Director of HR Operations and Employee Relations

Job Description

• HR Operations & Service Delivery: Lead centralized HR administration across the employee lifecycle, including employment contracts, recruitment-related documentation, transfers, changes to employment terms, additional duties, leave, contract extensions, and termination. Ensure timely, accurate, and consistent delivery of HR services based on approved decisions and established procedures.
• Employee Relations & Compliance: Oversee the consistent application of Kazakhstan’s labor legislation and University policies. Provide guidance on complex employment matters and coordinate disciplinary procedures, employee grievances, labor disputes, and relevant misconduct or harassment cases in collaboration with Legal and other responsible university units.
• Compensation Administration & Internal Controls: Oversee the accurate administration and documentation of approved changes to compensation, allowances, bonuses, and other employee payments, ensuring compliance with established approval procedures and applicable budget controls.
• HR Data, Reporting & Analytics: Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality of workforce records, staffing data, and HR information systems, including HRIS/1C. Oversee statutory and management reporting, workforce analytics, and data quality controls. Maintain reliable personnel records and documentation, ensuring readiness for internal and external audits and regulatory reviews.
• Employment Records & Statutory Obligations: Oversee personnel files, document retention, military registration, and the monitoring of employment contracts, probation periods, and other key HR deadlines. Ensure proper registration and tracking of employee service obligations arising from university-funded education and professional development.
• International Employee Mobility: Oversee administrative and documentation processes for international employees, including visa and migration requirements, registrations, and related relocation arrangements. Coordinate documentation for eligible family members, insurance requirements, and approved relocation reimbursements in collaboration with relevant university departments.
• Process Improvement & Digitalization: Drive the standardization, automation, and continuous improvement of HR processes, service delivery standards, and operational procedures. Coordinate HR system enhancements and digital initiatives with IT and relevant stakeholders, translating business requirements into effective operational solutions.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with HR Business Partners, specialist HR teams, Legal, Finance, IT, and other university departments to ensure effective coordination, clear accountability, and consistent implementation of HR decisions. Maintain clear boundaries between HR operations, specialist HR functions, and HR Business Partner responsibilities.
• Leadership & Risk Management: Lead and develop the HR Operations team, establish performance measures and service standards, optimize resources, and ensure effective management of operational, employment-related, and data protection risks. Promote a service-oriented culture, accountability, confidentiality, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Law, Economics, Management, or a related field. Relevant professional qualifications in HR, employee relations, HR operations, or HR technology are an advantage.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in HR, HR operations, employee relations, or a related field, including at least 2 years in a leadership role managing a team, functional area, or major projects.
• Strong knowledge of Kazakhstan’s labor legislation and practical experience in employment administration, documentation, and employee relations.
• Experience managing end-to-end employee lifecycle processes, HR information systems (HRIS/1C), workforce data, and HR reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, standardize processes, improve service delivery, and implement digitalization or automation initiatives.
• Fluency in Kazakh, Russian, and English, with the ability to communicate effectively and prepare professional documentation in all three languages.

Experience in a large, international, academic, or research organization will be considered an advantage.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic and analytical thinking.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Attention to detail and deep knowledge of HR administration processes.
• Excellent communication and interaction with government authorities.
• Ability to drive change and automate HR functions effectively.

Additional Information

Recruitment and selection process

Recruitment and selection at Nazarbayev University include preliminary selection based on experience and qualifications, followed by assessments and formal interviews. Formal interviews are typically based on organizational values and behaviors and conducted in English.