HR Director

Kanry Search; Iskandar Puteri; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Kanry Search seeks a seasoned HR leader to head the Human Resources and organisational development functions in Malaysia, Iskandar Puteri. You will shape strategy, develop leadership capability, and ensure compliance with local regulations while aligning with regional HR direction.

The role requires 10+ years in HR, regional or international exposure, and fluency in English. You will partner with Management to build talent, culture, and governance across a matrix organisation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience including senior leadership roles.
• Experience supporting regional or international operations in a matrix organisation.
• Strong knowledge of Malaysian employment and labour legislation.
• Experience collaborating with regional and global HR stakeholders.
• Fluent in English; additional Asian language proficiency is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall HR strategy and function in support of business objectives and long-term growth.
• Advise Management on workforce planning, organisational effectiveness, leadership and people-related matters.
• Develop HR initiatives that strengthen business performance and organisational capability.
• Oversee talent acquisition, succession planning, talent management, and employee engagement.
• Foster a positive, inclusive and performance-driven workplace culture and lead change management.

Skills

HR leadership

Strategic planning

Employee relations

Regulatory compliance

Cross-cultural awareness

Communication

Analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business

Tools

SAP HR

Workday

Job description

Lead the overall Human Resources and organisational development function to ensure the company attracts, develops, engages and retains the talent required to support business growth. Serve as a strategic partner to Management by strengthening organisational capability, leadership effectiveness, workforce performance and workplace culture, while ensuring compliance with local regulations and alignment with regional and corporate HR direction.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead the overall HR strategy and function in support of business objectives and long-term growth.

Advise Management on workforce planning, organisational effectiveness, leadership and people-related matters.

Develop HR initiatives that strengthen business performance and organisational capability.

2. Talent & Organisation Development

Oversee talent acquisition, succession planning, talent management, leadership development and employee engagement.

Build a sustainable talent pipeline and strengthen internal leadership capabilities.

Drive learning and development initiatives to improve employee performance and productivity.

3. Culture & Change Management

Foster a positive, inclusive and performance-driven workplace culture.

Lead HR-related change management, organisational transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Promote collaboration, accountability and employee engagement across the organisation.

4. HR Governance & Operations

Establish and maintain effective HR policies, systems, processes and internal controls.

Ensure compliance with employment legislation, corporate policies and ethical standards.

Oversee employee relations, industrial relations, compensation & benefits, payroll governance, recruitment, learning & development and other HR functions.

5. HR Team & Capability Building

Lead, develop and optimise the HR team to meet current and future organisational needs.

Review HR structure, resources and capabilities to ensure effective HR service delivery.

Develop and retain strong HR talent within the organisation.

6. Regional & Corporate Collaboration

Partner closely with Regional and Corporate HR teams to ensure alignment of HR practices, policies and strategic initiatives.

Balance global and regional requirements with local business and operational needs.

Support the implementation of regional and global HR programmes.

7. Other Responsibilities

Undertake additional HR initiatives, projects or responsibilities assigned by Management in support of business and organisational objectives.

REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology or a related discipline.

Minimum 10 years of progressive HR experience, including several years in a senior HR leadership capacity.

Experience supporting regional or international operations and working within a matrix organisation.

Strong knowledge of Malaysian employment and labour legislation.

Experience collaborating with regional and global HR stakeholders.

Strong cross-cultural awareness with experience working across diverse teams and environments.

Strategic thinker with strong execution, analytical and communication capabilities.

Fluent in English; additional Asian language proficiency will be an advantage.