HR Manager (Start-up Manufacturing)

Jobstreet Malaysia; Kulim; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A newly established smart manufacturing start-up in Kulim is seeking an HR Manager to lead the full HR set-up for Malaysia. This high-visibility role involves developing policies, managing recruiting, and ensuring compliance with Malaysian labour laws. Candidates must have a minimum of 8 years of HR experience in the manufacturing industry, strong knowledge of employment laws, and be fluent in both English and Mandarin. This is a unique opportunity to shape the company's culture from day one.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of end-to-end HR experience in Malaysia.
• Manufacturing industry background is mandatory.
• Proven experience setting up HR systems, policies, and SOPs from 0–1.
• Strong knowledge of Malaysian employment laws and government procedures.
• Independent, structured, and comfortable operating in a start-up environment.

Responsibilities

• Build and localise HR policies, frameworks, and SOPs in compliance with Malaysian labour laws.
• Lead end-to-end recruitment for manufacturing and technical roles.
• Oversee payroll, compensation & benefits, ensuring full statutory compliance.
• Manage employee relations and support cross-cultural integration.
• Handle government liaison and licensing.

Skills

HR policy development

End-to-end recruitment

Employee relations

Compliance with Malaysian laws

Cross-cultural integration

Fluent in English and Mandarin

Job description

Overview

A newly established smart manufacturing start-up in Kulim, backed by an international group with strong engineering and automation expertise. The company serves global customers across automotive, medical, and industrial sectors and is setting up its Malaysia operations from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to shape people, policies, and culture in a high-growth Industry 4.0 environment.

Role

As the HR Manager, you will lead the full HR set-up for Malaysia—building policies, systems, and teams from zero while partnering closely with local management and HQ in China.

Key Responsibilities

Build and localise HR policies, frameworks, and SOPs in full compliance with Malaysian labour laws.

Lead end-to-end recruitment for manufacturing and technical roles.

Oversee payroll, compensation & benefits, ensuring full statutory compliance (EPF, SOCSO, EIS, PCB).

Manage employee relations and support cross-cultural integration.

Handle government liaison and licensing (SSM, MIDA, DOE, Bomba, Immigration, etc.).

Support office setup and general administration during the start-up phase.

Requirements

Minimum 8 years of end-to-end HR experience in Malaysia.

Manufacturing industry background is mandatory.

Proven experience setting up HR systems, policies, and SOPs from 0–1.

Strong knowledge of Malaysian employment laws and government procedures.

Fluent in English and Mandarin.

Independent, structured, and comfortable operating in a start-up environment.

Be part of a new factory setup from day one.

High visibility role with real decision-making impact.

Opportunity to shape people practices, culture, and compliance foundations.