Organizational Development Director

About ZURU

ZURU is dedicated to revolutionizing various industries by pioneering radical innovation and automation. The company operates across multiple divisions: ZURU Toys redefines play experiences; ZURU Tech leads advancements in construction; and ZURU Edge develops next-generation FMCG brands designed to meet modern consumer needs.

Founded in 2003 by acclaimed entrepreneurs Nick and Mat Mowbray, ZURU has expanded rapidly, employing over 5000 people worldwide with operations in more than 30 countries. ZURU is renowned globally for award-winning toy brands like Bunch O Balloons, Mini Brands, XSHOT, Rainbocorns, and Smashers, as well as FMCG brands such as MONDAY Haircare, Rascals, NOOD, BONKERS, and Gumi Yum Surprise.

Role Purpose

ZURU has experienced rapid growth but currently lacks foundational organizational structures necessary for scalable success. There are no existing competency frameworks, career pathways, job architecture, or pay banding. Presently, organizational development (OD) functions are centralized solely in China.

This leadership role is tasked with establishing these frameworks for the first time and transitioning the OD function into a global model with strategic leadership based in Auckland and continued execution from the China-based team.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement ZURU's inaugural competency framework aligning capabilities with career pathways, job levels, architecture, and compensation bands.
• Recommend organizational structures including optimal spans of control and management layers to support ongoing growth.
• Collaborate with leaders across departments to design career progression pathways.
• Ensure that ZURU's core values and culture are deeply embedded within all frameworks.
• Lead the transformation of OD from a China-centric team to a global strategy and delivery model with leadership in Auckland.
• Evaluate global execution capabilities and devise appropriate resourcing strategies to support framework delivery.
• Partner with the Global Head of People & Culture and key stakeholders to align organizational structures with company growth and culture.
• Work closely with the Training Specialist to translate frameworks into practical tools for leaders.
• Integrate AI literacy into competency frameworks to define proficiency levels across roles and exploit AI for benchmarking, drafting, and data analysis.
• Drive execution of frameworks with a build-and-deliver approach, rapidly launching frameworks within the first year.
• Operate effectively at a fast pace within a lean environment, adapting solutions to fit ZURU’s culture without relying on generic templates.

Required Skills and Experience

• Proven track record of delivering organizational development frameworks that have been successfully implemented, beyond theoretical design.
• Expertise in designing competency models, job architecture, and pay banding from the ground up.
• Ability to work creatively and swiftly within a small team, tailored to ZURU’s dynamic culture.
• Strong stakeholder management and influence, including engaging senior leaders with large spans of control.
• Deep understanding of AI’s impact on both the content of competency frameworks and operational execution within OD.
• Experienced in managing cultural and operational transitions, particularly leading a China-based team through a shift in OD scope.
• Action-oriented with a demonstrated bias toward delivering tangible outcomes rather than theoretical discussions.

Life at ZURU

ZURU is a fast-growing, high-performance company spanning three core areas: Toys, FMCG consumer goods, and Tech construction innovations. The workplace environment encourages excellence, continuous learning, and fun, supporting employees to reach their potential through ownership of their career paths. ZURU offers unique growth opportunities unavailable elsewhere.

What We Offer

• A supportive culture that fosters personal and professional growth.
• Comprehensive health benefits.
• Global career advancement opportunities.
• A talented and driven team environment.
• Competitive pay packages.
• Perks including fresh fruit, quality coffee, and stocked Pals fridge.