About Submer Submer enables organizations scaling AI to overcome the limits of traditional datacenters across power, compute density and efficiency. We design and deliver scalable, high-density AI datacenter infrastructure built around industry-leading liquid cooling, supporting everything from early AI deployments to full‑scale production environments.
What Impact You'll Have The HR Operations Director – Design, Build & Operate (D&B) will lead HR operations for Submer’s D&B business unit, supporting a fast‑scaling, project‑driven organization operating across multiple geographies. This role is responsible for building and running a highly effective, scalable HR operations model that enables workforce deployment, project execution, and operational discipline across the business. The role will ensure that employee lifecycle processes, payroll, compliance, and workforce data are delivered with accuracy, consistency, and speed. Acting as the key HR operations partner to D&B leadership, this role will bring structure, visibility, and control to a complex, global workforce environment, including navigating varied regulatory and labor relations landscapes.
What You'll Do Key Responsibilities
Own and lead end‑to‑end HR operations for the D&B business unit across the UK and international project locations
Ensure consistent, efficient delivery of all employee lifecycle processes (onboarding, mobility, changes, offboarding)
Act as the primary HR operations lead for D&B, ensuring alignment with global HR frameworks
Workforce Management & Deployment
Oversee workforce tracking, allocation, and deployment across projects and geographies
Ensure accurate visibility of headcount, roles, and project assignments
Support workforce planning processes by providing operational insight and data accuracy
Coordinate contract management, including project‑based assignments and international mobility
Payroll, Compliance & Risk Management
Own payroll coordination in the UK collaborating at the group level, and oversee inputs for international payroll across project teams
Ensure compliance with UK employment law and manage cross‑border employment requirements
Partner with Legal on employment contracts, mobility frameworks, and risk mitigation
Maintain strong governance, controls, and audit‑ready documentation across all HR operations
HR Compliance & Labour Relations (UK & International)
Act as the point of accountability for HR compliance within the UK, ensuring adherence to employment legislation, regulatory requirements, and internal policies
Support and manage labour relations matters where applicable, including employee relations cases, consultations
Provide guidance to the business on labour law considerations and risks across different countries, partnering closely with Legal and external advisors where required
Ensure consistent and compliant approaches to restructuring, mobility, and workforce changes across jurisdictions
HR Systems, Data & Workforce Analytics
Own HRIS data integrity ensuring alignment with business units, projects, and cost structures
Deliver accurate and timely reporting across key metrics: headcount, workforce allocation, cost, attrition
Partner closely with Finance to align workforce data with payroll, budgeting, and project cost tracking
Process Design, Standardization & Scaling
Design and implement scalable HR operational processes suited to a Design & Build environment
Standardize onboarding, mobility, and workforce deployment processes globally
Identify inefficiencies and drive continuous improvement across HR operations
Support the rollout and adoption of global HR systems, tools, and operating models
Cross‑functional Leadership
Partner with D&B leadership to support workforce execution and project delivery needs
Work closely with Finance on payroll accuracy, cost allocation, and workforce reporting
Collaborate with Legal on compliance, contracts, and international employment structures
Support Talent Acquisition with onboarding and integration of new hires into project teams
What You'll Need Experience & Skills
8–12+ years of experience in HR Operations / People Operations
Strong expertise in UK employment law, payroll, and HR compliance
Experience managing employee relations and labour relations processes
Experience in project‑based, engineering, construction, or infrastructure environments
Strong HRIS and systems experience (HiBob or similar) with a data‑driven mindset
High attention to detail and strong operational discipline
Ability to manage complexity across geographies, projects, and stakeholders
Strong stakeholder management skills, particularly with operational and technical teams
Preferred Background
Experience in data center, construction, engineering, or infrastructure sectors
Exposure to global payroll providers and EOR models
Experience supporting workforce mobility and international project deployments
Familiarity with aligning HR data to finance/ERP systems and project cost structures
What We Offer
Attractive compensation package reflecting your expertise and experience.
Private Health Insurance and pension contribution.
You’ll be joining a high‑growth start‑up environment where you can make a tangible impact from day one, helping shape the business as it scales and seeing firsthand the results of your contributions.
Our job titles may span more than one job level. The actual base pay is dependent on a number of factors, such as transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands.
Our Inclusive Responsibility The Submer Group is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.
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