Human Resources Director

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing / Electric Vehicles Position Overview

A client of ours, an international automotive manufacturing group expanding into the United States, is seeking a bilingual Human Resources Director to help establish its Houston operation. This position will serve as a key member of the initial U.S. leadership team and will build the local HR function from the ground up, supporting an initial workforce of approximately 150 employees. The ideal candidate will be fluent in English and Chinese and have strong experience in manufacturing, U.S. employment compliance, workforce development, and cross-cultural business operations.

• Build and manage the U.S. human resources function from the ground up.
• Develop HR policies, procedures, and processes covering recruitment, employee relations, performance management, training, and other core HR functions.
• Lead recruitment and workforce hiring efforts for approximately 150 employees during the initial phase of the U.S. operation.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. federal and Texas employment laws, including EEOC requirements, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, payroll requirements, taxation, and employee compliance matters.
• Manage HR related compliance and employment risk associated with establishing and operating a manufacturing business in the United States.
• Support the development of compensation structures and employee programs appropriate for the U.S. market.
• Handle employee relations matters and labor disputes.
• Serve as the primary HR liaison between U.S. employees and corporate leadership in China.
• Assist corporate leadership in understanding U.S. HR practices, employment requirements, and local workplace expectations.
• Build and manage the local HR team as the U.S. organization grows.

• Bachelor’s degree required, including BS, BA, BBA, or equivalent.
• Fluency in both English and Chinese, including professional verbal and written communication.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. employment practices, particularly Texas labor law, payroll, taxation, and employee compliance.
• Experience working with Chinese management practices and cross cultural business environments.
• Prior experience supporting a Chinese manufacturing or automotive related company establishing operations in North America is strongly preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience at the HR Director level within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience building an HR department or local HR operation from the ground up.
• Strong cross cultural communication and coordination skills.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.