Head of Industrial Relations

Monroe Consulting Group; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A Government-Linked Company in Kuala Lumpur seeks an experienced Head of Industrial Relations to guide industrial and employee relations strategies. This vital role involves negotiating with unions, ensuring legal compliance, and fostering positive stakeholder engagement. Candidates should possess extensive experience in industrial relations and demonstrate strong leadership capabilities to navigate a complex, unionized environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10-15 years of experience in industrial relations.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of labor laws and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement industrial relations strategies.
• Lead negotiations with trade unions and employee associations.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and labor regulations.

Skills

Union negotiations

Labor law compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Conflict resolution

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Master's degree

Job description

Overview

Monroe Consulting Group is partnering with a highly established Government-Linked Company (GLC) with a robust footprint in the consumer, logistics, and technology sectors. Our client is recognised for driving transformative initiatives, embracing innovation, and delivering long-term value to stakeholders.

We are seeking an experienced and driven Head of Industrial Relations to lead and oversee all industrial and employee relations strategies within the organization. This role is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with unions, employee representatives, and regulatory bodies to ensure harmonious workplace relations, compliance with labor laws, and the delivery of strategic people initiatives that support business goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Industrial & Employee Relations
  • Develop and implement effective industrial relations strategies, policies, and frameworks aligned with organizational objectives.
  • Lead negotiations with trade unions, employee associations, and worker councils on collective agreements, disputes, and workplace matters.
  • Serve as the primary advisor on industrial relations matters to senior leadership and line managers
  • Monitor employee sentiment and proactively address potential workplace conflicts to maintain a positive work environment.
• Compliance & Risk Management
  • Ensure organizational compliance with employment laws, labor regulations, and collective agreements.
  • Advise management on labor law changes, potential risks, and mitigation strategies.
  • Manage disputes, grievances, and disciplinary matters in a fair, consistent, and legally compliant manner.
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Build strong partnerships with unions, government agencies, and other external stakeholders to foster constructive engagement
  • Represent the company in labor tribunals, arbitrations, and regulatory forums.
  • Partner with HR Business Partners, Operations, and Legal to ensure alignment of IR strategies with business priorities.
• Strategy & Leadership
  • Provide strategic direction on industrial relations matters to support transformation, organizational change, and workforce productivity.
  • Lead, coach, and develop the Industrial Relations team.
  • Support organizational restructuring, workforce planning, and change management programs with an IR lens.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Law, Business Administration, or related field (Master's preferred).
• Minimum 10-15 years of experience in industrial/employee relations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience in union negotiations, collective bargaining, and dispute resolution.
• Strong knowledge of labor laws, industrial relations frameworks, and regulatory requirements.
• Track record of building and sustaining positive industrial relations in complex, unionized environments.