Head of Talent Acquisition

UCSI Schools Group; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Talent Acquisition to lead recruitment strategies and foster a strong organizational culture. This pivotal role requires a visionary leader with extensive experience in talent acquisition, particularly in expatriate recruitment. You will be responsible for driving recruitment initiatives, ensuring compliance with local labor laws, and enhancing employee engagement through effective onboarding and mentorship programs. Join a forward-thinking institution dedicated to providing a holistic education and shaping the future of its students through innovative practices and a commitment to excellence.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in HR, with a strong focus on talent acquisition.
• Proven leadership skills and strategic thinking capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic recruitment plans aligned with workforce needs.
• Oversee the full recruitment lifecycle and ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

Talent Acquisition

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Problem-Solving

Expatriate Support

Attention to Detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management

Tools

HRIS

Recruitment Software

Job description

Email your CV to [e-mail] directly.

Overview

The Head of Talent Acquisition is a pivotal leadership role responsible for driving recruitment strategies, ensuring workforce stability, and promoting UCSI Schools’ organisational culture. This position demands a blend of strategic vision and operational excellence to attract, hire, and retain top talent while ensuring compliance with policies and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning:

1. Develop and implement strategic recruitment plans, ensuring alignment with UCSI Schools’ workforce needs and financial planning.
2. Ensure positions are filled promptly to maintain seamless operations.
3. Oversee the full recruitment lifecycle, from job postings and resume screening to interviews and onboarding.
4. Collaborate with department heads on manpower planning, budget considerations, and job description development.
5. Utilise multiple recruitment channels (social media, job boards, networking events) to attract top talent.
6. Lead and mentor the recruitment team, fostering a productive and engaging work environment.
7. Maintain and update recruitment trackers and generate reports on hiring activities.
8. Develop and implement effective candidate assessment tools and structured interview processes.
9. Oversee the Teachers Trainee Programme (TTP) and the future Management Trainee Programme.

Onboarding & Documentation

1. Design and execute a comprehensive onboarding programme for new hires to ensure smooth integration.
2. Manage onboarding processes, including setting up staff email accounts, assisting with bank accounts, and handling HR documentation.
3. Provide tailored support for expatriate staff, including pre-departure briefings, airport pick-ups, housing arrangements, and local assistance.
4. Establish and oversee mentorship programmes to enhance employee engagement and retention.
5. Maintain up-to-date personnel records, including employment details, permits, and performance appraisals.
6. Ensure employee information is accurately recorded across all relevant systems (IIS, Employment Master, website).

MOE/Employment Pass/Teaching Permits

1. Oversee the process of securing employment passes, dependent passes, and teaching permits for expatriates.
2. Liaise with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to ensure timely submission and approval of required permits.
3. Ensure compliance with all government regulations and legal requirements related to employment.

Compliance & Policy Governance

1. Ensure adherence to local labour laws and regulatory requirements.
2. Support the development, implementation, and review of HR policies to align with best practices and legal mandates.
3. Conduct periodic audits of HR processes to maintain compliance and drive improvements.

Learning & Development

1. Identify training needs and develop programmes to bridge skill gaps.
2. Design and implement training workshops, e-learning modules, and other professional development initiatives.
3. Promote a culture of continuous learning and upskilling within the organisation.
4. Manage the Learning & Development budget and evaluate the effectiveness of training programmes.

Coordination & Collaboration

1. Participate in the HR Steering Committee, working closely with the VP, HR & Admin to align priorities and drive key HR initiatives.
2. Lead cross-divisional project teams for major HR initiatives such as performance reviews and employee development programmes.

Qualifications & Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management (HRM) or a related field.
2. Minimum 15 years of work experience, with at least 5 years in a senior HR/Operations role.
3. Strong expertise in talent acquisition, particularly in expatriate recruitment and onboarding.
4. In-depth knowledge of HR compliance and local labour laws, especially regarding expatriate employment.
5. Proven ability to manage HR compliance and policy implementation.

Key Competencies

1. Leadership & Management: Ability to lead and inspire HR and administrative teams.
2. Strategic Thinking & Decision-Making: Align HR strategies with the organisation's long-term goals.
3. Problem-Solving & Conflict Resolution: Expertise in handling employee relations and workplace challenges.
4. Expatriate Support & Transition Expertise: Skilled in facilitating expatriate hires' smooth transition to the local work environment.
5. Attention to Detail & Accuracy: Strong documentation and HR process management skills.
6. Adaptability & Teamwork: Capable of working independently and collaboratively across various departments.

About UCSI International School Sdn Bhd

The UCSI Schools Group has 3 campuses in Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur Campus, Subang Jaya Campus and Springhill Campus. Two of its campuses focus on British school curriculum while the other one focuses on the IB. While maintaining a strong focus on core curriculum which includes British school curriculum with Cambridge IGCSE and International Primary Curriculum, we aim to complement the formal curriculum with a series of CCAs which students’ experiences form a cornerstone of their holistic education for the 21st century. The rapid advancement of technological innovations, global competition, and a push towards a knowledge-based economy require that our students learn to have a repertoire of soft and hard skills to enable them to succeed in a future economy that is still in the making. Through our unique CCA experiences, our students can exhibit soft skills like creativity, leadership abilities, teamwork, flexibility, communication skills, resilience and an enterprising spirit that will enable them to stay relevant for the future. UCSI International School focuses on eight critical characteristics in our learning content and experiences. The rapid advancement of technological innovation, global competition, and a push towards a knowledge-based economy require that our students have a repertoire of soft and hard skills. We therefore place a strong emphasis on Character Education, Global Citizen Skills, Problem-based Collaborative Learning, and co-curricular activities amongst others, forming a truly holistic education for the 21st century. Our emphasis in education isn’t only labelled in academic and creative excellence, but to equip students with 21st century skills such as character, communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, while inculcating virtues such as integrity, honesty, and empathy in our students. We believe that students that have a developed moral compass and practical wisdom in a challenging and fractured world will make a positive impact for life.