Group HR Director - Retail & Consumer

Michael Page; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment consultancy is seeking an experienced HR leader to shape the HR strategy for a major retail brand with over 300 stores across Malaysia. This role will impact talent acquisition, performance management, and employee relations, working closely with the CEO. Ideal candidates should have at least 15 years in HR leadership, with substantial experience in retail. This position offers the opportunity to drive transformation in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while ensuring compliance with local labor laws.

Benefits

Career advancement opportunities

High-visibility role with executive leadership

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years in senior HR leadership roles, with 5 years in multi-site retail operations.
• Strong exposure to retail or FMCG industries.
• Deep understanding of manpower planning for large store networks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute HR strategy aligning with business objectives.
• Design recruitment strategies for retail and corporate roles.
• Implement performance management frameworks.

Skills

Strategic HR leadership

Talent acquisition

Performance management

Employee relations

Compliance with Malaysian labor laws

Change management

HR digital transformation

Education

Degree in Human Resources or Business Administration

Tools

HRIS systems

Job description

Influence HR strategy and transformation across 300+ retail stores. Drive talent development and growth in a fast-paced retail environment.

Strategic HR Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive HR strategy that aligns with business objectives and supports aggressive retail expansion.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team on organizational design, workforce planning, and cultural transformation.
• Drive initiatives that strengthen employee engagement and embed a high-performance culture across all stores and corporate functions.

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Design innovative recruitment strategies to attract top talent for both retail and corporate roles.
• Forecast manpower needs for store operations and support functions, ensuring optimal staffing levels.
• Build robust succession plans for leadership positions to secure long-term organizational capability.

Performance & Development

• Implement performance management frameworks tailored for retail operations, ensuring accountability and productivity.
• Lead leadership development and frontline training programs to enhance skills and career progression.
• Foster a learning culture through continuous development initiatives and digital learning platforms.
• Create competitive compensation structures that attract and retain talent in a highly competitive retail market.
• Oversee annual salary reviews, incentive programs, and benefits administration to maintain market competitiveness.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and internal governance standards.

Compliance & Employee Relations

• Maintain HR policies that comply with Malaysian labor laws and retail industry best practices.
• Manage employee relations, grievances, and disciplinary processes with fairness and transparency.
• Promote a positive and inclusive work environment across diverse store locations.

Organizational Development

• Lead change management initiatives to support business transformation and scalability.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs to foster an inclusive workplace culture.
• Drive HR digital transformation projects to enhance efficiency, data‑driven decision‑making, and employee experience.

Qualifications

• A degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 15 years in senior HR leadership roles, including at least 5 years managing multi‑site retail operations or large‑scale workforce environments.
• Strong exposure to retail, FMCG, or other high‑volume, customer‑facing industries.
• Deep understanding of manpower planning for large store networks and frontline operations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Malaysian labor laws and compliance requirements.
• Track record in implementing performance management, leadership development, and training programs.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems, analytics, and leveraging insights for workforce optimization.

This opportunity is with a large organization in the retail industry, known for its robust presence and commitment to operational excellence. The company operates across diverse markets and focuses on delivering exceptional service and customer satisfaction.

Benefits & Opportunities

• Strategic Leadership Impact: Shape HR strategy for a leading retail brand with 300+ stores nationwide.
• High‑Visibility Role: Work closely with the CEO and executive leadership team to influence business growth.
• Career Advancement: Drive transformation, digital HR initiatives, and cultural change in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.