The subject is undoubtedly complicated, and there will be several posts. We'll start with the basics.
Planning. With an average recruitment rate of 1 person in 2-8 weeks, you need to know in advance what people are needed. It is best to organize a briefing with top managers once a week and get feedback - who needs it now and who - a little later.
HR full time. Even if there's not enough budget, it's worth it. Soon you'll need CDP (Personnel Records Management). And also HR-activities: events (for clients/HR-targets), internal corporate entities. While there is no HR, all this is done by the director, and that - when there is time, isn't it?