Senior HR Executive (SEA)

Role Summary:

 This role acts as a partner to the business, supporting the HR Director, APAC, in driving talent management initiatives across our key markets: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. The role is responsible for enhancing the employee experience and ensuring HR compliance and governance across the region.

This position holds accountability for in-country compliance and the accuracy of all HR operations, achieved through the effective governance of an offshore administrative team. The ideal candidate can also provide rigorous oversight, manage risk, and act as a key advisor to HR leadership.

Reporting lines and key stakeholders: 

This role reports to the HR Head, APAC.

Responsibilities:

HR Governance & Compliance

• Act as the subject matter expert and directly manage all Singapore-specific compliance activities, including Ministry of Manpower (MOM) surveys, Employment Pass/S-Pass applications, and renewals.
• Periodically and proactively review and recommend changes to HR policies and practices based on evolving market needs and changes in government legislation across all markets mentioned above.
• Govern the work of the offshore HR resource by reviewing and providing final approval on critical items such as employment contracts, system updates (HRIS), handbooks, and statutory report submissions.
• Serve as the final point of escalation for complex employee relations matters and operational issues.

Payroll & Operational Accountability

• Own the end-to-end payroll delivery for the markets mentioned, managing the relationship with the offshore provider to guarantee accuracy, timeliness, and compliance across all markets. You are the final point of accountability for payroll.
• Govern the HRIS (Human Resources Information System), ensuring data integrity, system upkeep, and the accuracy of management reports.
• Personally handle sensitive and final financial transactions, including final pay calculations for leavers and the processing of bonuses or increments.
• Partner with all internal stakeholders (like Finance, IT, Ops) to ensure completion of all activities in a timely manner and accurate manner. 

Talent Partnership

• Support the execution of key HR initiatives, including performance management cycles, employee surveys, and employee connects.
• Analyse trends from exit interviews, employee feedback, and HR data to provide insights and recommend actions that enhance the employee experience.
• Lead the local HR onboarding and off-boarding experience, ensuring a professional and personal touchpoint for all employees.

What You’ll Have:

• A minimum of three years of progressive experience in a hands-on HR role.
• Experience working across multiple APAC markets is highly desirable.
• Extensive knowledge of the payroll function including preparation, balancing, internal control, and payroll taxes.
• Experience managing relationships with vendors or offshore/shared service centers is a strong advantage.
• A robust understanding of employment legislation and HR best practices, particularly in Singapore and other key Southeast Asian markets.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to use data to make informed decisions.
• Knowledge of using AI in HR will be an advantage. 
• A mindset geared towards governance and process improvement, with impeccable attention to detail.
• Utmost discretion and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.