Head, Compensation

RHB Banking Group; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

RHB Banking Group in Malaysia seeks a senior leader to oversee compensation, benefits, and performance across the Group. You will design and manage bonus pools, implement Workday-based reward systems, and align policies with business goals to attract and retain talent.

You will lead the Compensation, Benefits, and Performance teams, ensuring governance and regulatory compliance while driving a high-performance culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of compensation and benefits experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, advocacy and political skills.
• Strategic knowledge of reward frameworks and performance management.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to develop and execute HR strategies that enhance organizational performance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee strategic reward and planning across the Group to drive performance.
• Lead bonus pool design, funding mechanisms, and incentive frameworks.
• Implement and enhance Workday compensation systems with automation.
• Manage market-competitive salary structures and benefits globally.
• Provide leadership to Compensation, Benefits, and Performance teams.
• Ensure governance, compliance, and regulatory reporting for rewards.

Skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Change management

Regulatory/compliance knowledge

Tools

Workday

Job description

Primary Objective

• To act as the second-in-command to the Head, Total Rewards and Performance in overseeing the strategic and operational execution of compensation, benefits, and performance management across the Group. The role is responsible for developing and implementing HR strategies that foster a high-performing organization through competitive reward frameworks, effective performance management, and continuous policy enhancement

Job Description

Strategic Reward & Planning

• Develop and implement Compensation & Benefits strategies to build a high-performing organization through effective performance management and competitive reward programs.
• Oversee the design, review, and enhancement of equitable compensation and benefits frameworks integrated with transparent performance systems.
• Ensure Group HR policies are continually updated to maintain competitiveness, compliance, and alignment with business goals.

Bonus Pool Management & Incentive Design

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of the Group’s annual bonus pool funding mechanism and allocation framework across all bank entities.
• Develop and maintain a robust, equitable and merit-based payout matrix that drive business profitability, operational excellence, and long-term shareholder value.
• Ensure all bonus and incentive structures are fully aligned with the Bank’s strategic objectives to support sound decision making.
• Conduct periodic benchmarking of bonus and incentive practices both locally and internationally to ensure the Bank’s reward offerings remain competitive, market relevant, and effective in attracting and retaining top talent.

Compensation System (Workday) Implementation & Enhancement

• Lead the compensation system projects from discovery and business requirement gathering through SIT, UAT, and final go-live for bank-established systems (Workday).
• Explore and drive the onboarding of offline compensation processes into a fully integrated Workday platform, enhancing automation, accuracy, and user experience.
• Enhance data analytic capabilities within compensation systems by leveraging built-in AI and ML functions to enable predictive, real-time reporting, and data-driven reward decision-making.
• Identify and implement system enhancements that improve efficiency, scalability, and strategic alignment of compensation tools and processes.

Compensation & Benefits Management

• Supervise the development and administration of market-competitive salary structures, incentive plans, and benefits programs, both locally and internationally.
• Monitor benefits strategy, including medical benefits, flexible benefits, and staff welfare initiatives.
• Drive compensation benchmarking and market analysis to ensure reward offerings support talent attraction and retention.

Team Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Provide leadership and direction to the Compensation, Benefits, and Performance teams.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented culture within the GRP function.
• Drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency in reward delivery and service execution.

Governance & Compliance Oversight

• Ensure robust governance and compliance of all reward programs, including equity-based incentives (Shares Grant Scheme /Deferred Cash Incentive).
• Oversee regulatory reporting, audit readiness, and adherence to Bursa Malaysia, LHDN, and internal policy requirements.
• Coordinate with Group Finance, Company Secretariat, Tax, and HR Systems to ensure seamless reward operations.

Performance Management & Workforce Development

• Oversee the performance management cycle, including KPI development, tools, and system enhancements.
• Promote a performance-driven culture by linking rewards, development, and career progression to individual and team outcomes.
• Support talent retention and development through structured recognition and incentive programs.

Stakeholder Engagement & Business Partnership

• Serve as a strategic advisor to HR Business Partners and business leaders on reward and performance matters.
• Support senior management and Board committees with insights and recommendations for reward strategy and governance.
• Lead communication and change management efforts related to reward and performance initiatives.

Job Requirement

• Minimum 10 years of experience in related compensation and benefits role within industry and company.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, advocacy and political skills.
• Strong strategic knowledge of reward frameworks, performance management, Balanced Scorecard.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to develop and execute HR strategies that enhance organizational performance.