HR Manager

Job purpose

The HR Manager leads the full employee lifecycle, from hiring to exit, and keeps HR practices compliant with Malaysian employment law. The role partners with department heads to build a capable, engaged workforce that supports the Company's business goals.

Key responsibilities

Talent acquisition and onboarding

• Plan manpower needs with management and manage the annual headcount budget.

• Run end-to-end recruitment: job postings, sourcing, interviews, offers and reference checks.

• Design and deliver onboarding so new hires are productive within their first 90 days.

Compensation, benefits and payroll

• Process monthly payroll accuracy, including EPF, SOCSO, EIS, PCB (MTD) and HRD Corp levy submissions.

• Benchmark salaries and benefits against the market and recommend adjustments.

• Manage the annual salary review, bonus and increment exercise.

Performance and development

• Run the performance management cycle, including goal setting, mid-year and year-end reviews.

• Identify training needs and build the annual learning plan, maximising HRD Corp claims.

• Support succession planning and career paths for key roles.

Employee relations and engagement

• Act as the first point of contact for employee grievances, conduct and disciplinary matters.

• Conduct domestic inquiries and manage terminations fairly and lawfully.

• Run engagement surveys and turn results into action plans to improve retention.

Policy, compliance and HR operations

• Keep HR policies and the employee handbook current with the Employment Act 1955, Industrial Relations Act 1967 and PDPA 2010.

• Maintain accurate employee records and the HR information system (HRIS).

• Coordinate occupational safety and health duties with the OSH committee.

• Prepare monthly HR reports on headcount, turnover, leave and HR costs for management.

Team leadership

• Lead, coach and appraise the HR team.

• Manage the HR department budget and external vendors such as recruiters, insurers and payroll providers.

Requirements

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Psychology or a related field.

• At least 7 years of HR experience, including 3 years in a managerial or HR generalist lead role.

• Professional certification such as MIHRM, CHRP or SHRM-CP is an advantage.

Knowledge and skills

• Strong working knowledge of Malaysian labour law and statutory requirements (Employment Act 1955, EPF, SOCSO, EIS, HRD Corp).

• Hands-on experience with payroll and HRIS platforms.

• Sound judgement in handling sensitive and confidential matters.

• Language: Proficiency in Mandarin is preferred, in addition to English and Bahasa Malaysia

Personal attributes

• Approachable and trusted by employees at all levels.

• Organised, detail-minded and able to manage several priorities at once.

• Business-minded, linking HR decisions to cost and performance.