Director, HR Operations

Director, HR Operations We're looking for a Director, HR Operations to join our team at our corporate headquarters in Brookfield, Connecticut. For more than 50 years, Photronics has been a global leader in photomask technology—powering the innovation behind smartphones, computers, TVs, and other devices people use every day. Our success is built on quality, collaboration, and the dedication of our people. Join us and be part of a company recognized worldwide for cutting-edge technology, exceptional service, and strong customer partnerships. Position Summary: The Director, HR Operations is a global, strategic, and hands-on leader responsible for advancing Photronics' HR operations, technology, workforce data, compliance, and process improvement strategy. This position leads the HR Operations function while remaining actively involved in critical HR processes, systems administration, reporting, and enterprise initiatives. Serving as a key subject matter expert for HR systems, data, and operational processes, the Director will partner closely with HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, Payroll, Finance, IT, and business leaders to develop scalable solutions, strengthen governance, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the employee experience. Location: Photronics' Corporate Headquarters – Brookfield, Connecticut. This is an on-site position, and we are not open to remote candidates at this time. What You'll Do As Director, HR Operations, you will: HR Operations Leadership Develop and execute a global HR Operations strategy aligned with organizational and HR priorities. Lead employee lifecycle administration, including onboarding, offboarding, employee data changes, and HR documentation. Remain actively involved in critical HR operational processes, particularly during periods of high volume, system implementation, or organizational change. Establish, document, and continuously improve HR policies, processes, procedures, and standard operating practices. Identify opportunities to standardize and scale HR processes across locations and regions while accounting for local requirements. Establish service standards, key performance indicators, and operational metrics to measure HR effectiveness. Partner with HR Business Partners and HR leadership to resolve complex operational issues and improve the employee and manager experience. Lead and develop HR Operations team members by establishing clear priorities, accountability, and development opportunities. HR Technology and Systems Lead Photronics' HR technology strategy, roadmap, system governance, and continuous improvement efforts. Serve as a hands-on subject matter expert and system administrator for the HRIS and other HR technology platforms. Configure, maintain, test, and optimize HR systems, workflows, security roles, and business processes. Lead HRIS implementations, upgrades, integrations, and system-enhancement initiatives. Troubleshoot complex system issues and partner with IT and external vendors to drive timely resolution. Translate business and HR operational requirements into effective, scalable system solutions. Oversee system testing, user acceptance testing, documentation, training, and change management. Establish and maintain global governance standards and controls for HR systems and workforce data. Partner with IT and vendors to support system security, scalability, integration performance, and data integrity. Workforce Data and Analytics Develop and execute the HR data and workforce analytics strategy. Create and maintain workforce reports, dashboards, and analytics that support business and HR decision-making. Analyze trends related to headcount, turnover, workforce movement, and other key HR metrics. Ensure workforce data is accurate, consistent, secure, and reliable across HR systems. Respond to complex and ad hoc workforce reporting and analysis requests. Process Improvement and Automation Lead continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives across HR. Evaluate existing workflows and identify opportunities to eliminate manual work, duplication, and administrative inefficiencies. Design and implement automated HR processes and workflows. Lead cross-functional process improvement initiatives involving HR, Payroll, Finance, IT, and other stakeholders. Apply scalable global practices while recognizing regional, regulatory, and business requirements. Measure the effectiveness of process improvements and adjust solutions as needed. Compliance and Governance Lead HR operational compliance, governance, audit, and reporting activities. Manage required U.S. employment filings and reporting, including EEO, VETS, AAP, OSHA, DOL, and other applicable requirements. Monitor regulatory developments and evaluate their impact on HR policies, processes, and systems. Lead internal and external HR audits and coordinate responses to audit findings. Maintain HR operational documentation, procedures, controls, and governance standards. Partner with Legal and HR leadership to address complex compliance matters. Maintain appropriate controls related to HR data privacy, security, access, recordkeeping, and retention. Perform additional responsibilities as assigned. Travel Ability to travel as needed, approximately 0–10%. Qualifications Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong knowledge of HR operations, employment compliance, and applicable employment laws. Deep understanding of HR technology, systems administration, data governance, and operational controls. Strong analytical, reporting, problem-solving, and organizational capabilities. Knowledge of data privacy, information security, access controls, and governance standards. Proven project management, change management, and vendor management skills. Ability to translate business requirements into practical and scalable HR processes and technology solutions. Strong communication and relationship-management skills, with the ability to collaborate across functions, regions, and organizational levels. Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution in a fast-paced, evolving global organization. Experience Eight or more years of progressive HR experience, with a strong focus on HR operations, HRIS, HR technology, or HR shared services. Demonstrated experience leading HR Operations within a complex, multi-site, or global organization. Extensive hands-on experience administering and optimizing HRIS and related HR technology platforms. Proven experience leading HRIS implementations, system optimization projects, integrations, or enterprise HR transformation initiatives. Demonstrated ability to lead strategically while remaining actively involved in execution within a lean or evolving HR organization. Experience developing HR processes, governance standards, documentation, and operational controls. Strong workforce reporting, analytics, and advanced Excel capabilities. Experience managing HR technology vendors and cross-functional partnerships. Prior people leadership experience. Experience collaborating with global and cross-functional HR teams. Education Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience. Why Join Photronics? At Photronics, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of global HR operations during an important period of systems modernization and organizational growth. This is a highly visible role with the ability to build scalable processes, improve the employee experience, and influence how HR technology and workforce data support the business globally. Photronics offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) plan with company match; an Employee Stock Purchase Plan; Paid Time Off; and additional programs designed to support the well-being and development of our employees. Equal Opportunity Statement Photronics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Agency Notice Photronics does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or staffing agencies. All agency engagement must be authorized in advance by Photronics' Talent Acquisition team. Photronics is not responsible for fees associated with unsolicited submissions.