Company Overview: Our client is a prominent multinational organization with operations in Johor Bahru (JB) and the wider region. They are committed to building a fair, compliant and high‑performance workplace culture, and seek an experienced HR leader to strengthen employee relations (ER) and industrial relations (IR) capability across their Malaysia operations.
Position: HR Senior Manager/Director, Employee Relations & Industrial Relations
Location: Johor Bahru (JB), Malaysia
Role summary: As HR Senior Manager/Director, ER & IR, you will lead end‑to‑end employee relations and industrial relations strategy and operations for the JB site and Malaysian workforce. You will be the subject‑matter expert on workplace policy, investigations, grievance handling, disciplinary processes, union engagement and statutory compliance. This is a hands‑on leadership role combining case management, policy development, coaching for line managers, and strategic partnership with business and regional HR stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
ER & IR leadership: Own employee relations and industrial relations matters for the JB operation; develop and execute ER/IR strategies that align with business objectives and local regulatory requirements.
Case management: Lead investigations, grievance resolution, disciplinary actions, performance management escalations, and formal hearings; prepare clear case documentation and recommendations.
Union & external stakeholder engagement: Manage relationships with unions, worker representatives and external advisors; lead collective bargaining, negotiation and consultation processes where applicable.
Policy & compliance: Develop, review and implement HR policies, employment contracts and local procedures to ensure compliance with Malaysian labor law and company standards. Monitor legislative changes and update practices accordingly.
Risk mitigation & governance: Proactively identify ER/IR risks, recommend mitigation strategies, and support incident response including employment litigation or tribunal proceedings in partnership with legal counsel.
Coaching & capability building: Provide pragmatic coaching and advisory support to senior leaders and line managers on employee relations matters, disciplinaries, investigations and performance improvement. Build ER capability within HR and management through training and toolkits.
Workforce relations programs: Design and implement engagement, morale and industrial stability programs to reduce conflict, improve retention and foster positive employee relations.
Data & reporting: Maintain accurate ER case records, analyze trends and provide periodic reports and insights to HR leadership and business stakeholders.
Project and change support: Support restructures, site changes, disciplinary / redundancy programs and other HR projects with sound ER/IR governance and fair processes.
Partnering: Work closely with regional HR, legal, operations and corporate functions to ensure consistent application of ER/IR standards across the business.
Key Requirements:
Tertiary qualification in HR, Law or related field; professional HR certification (e.g., CIPD, SHRM) or equivalent is preferred.
12-15+ years’ progressive HR experience with a strong focus on employee relations and industrial relations; experience in manufacturing, logistics, or large site operations is advantageous.
Demonstrated experience managing unionized workforces and collective bargaining processes in Malaysia.
Strong knowledge of Malaysian employment law, disciplinary/grievance processes, and statutory HR obligations.
Proven track record handling complex investigations, disciplinaries and employment tribunals or litigation support.
Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation and influencing skills with senior leaders and external parties.
High level of emotional intelligence, discretion and ability to manage confidential and sensitive matters.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia or other regional languages is advantageous.
Able to work on‑site in Johor Bahru with occasional travel to regional offices as required.
Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, matrix environment and able to balance operational casework with strategic initiatives.
What Will Make You Competitive:
Prior leadership experience overseeing ER/IR teams or programs in a regional or multi‑site environment.
Practical experience supporting large‑scale restructures, mass redundancies or complex tribunal/claims.
Legal background or experience working closely with employment lawyers (good to have).
Demonstrated success building proactive engagement and industrial stability programs that reduce disputes and improve morale.
How to Apply: Please apply online or contact Adrian Leong at JAC Recruitment Pte Ltd for confidential enquiries. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted due to application volume, thank you for your understanding.
Adrian Leong
JAC Recruitment Pte Ltd
EA Personnel: R26160017