Director of Human Resources

About the role

The Director of Human Resources leads the University's HR function and aligns its people strategy with institutional priorities, regulatory requirements and best practice. Reporting to the Vice President for Administration, the Director translates the RISE Strategy 2026-2030 into HR initiatives covering talent acquisition, workforce planning, performance management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, compliance, HR analytics and policy governance. The role advises executive leadership and the Board on workforce strategy, succession planning and workplace culture.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, implement and review the HR strategy, lead workforce planning and organizational design, and advise leadership on workforce strategy and compliance
• Turn the RISE Strategy into HR initiatives, annual plans and KPIs, and report progress to executive leadership
• Lead recruitment of faculty, executives and administrative staff, partner with Academic Affairs on faculty appointments, and build onboarding and retention initiatives
• Design performance management frameworks, lead leadership evaluations, and run succession planning and talent development programs
• Oversee salary scales, compensation benchmarking and pay equity reviews, and set governance for salary adjustments and promotions
• Oversee employee relations, grievance management and disciplinary procedures, ensure compliance with Kuwait Labour Law and partner with Legal on sensitive matters
• Manage HR information systems, HR data, dashboards and KPIs, coordinate payroll and lead HR digital transformation
• Lead, coach and develop HR managers and team members, setting performance expectations and KPIs