Human Resource Director

Wunderman Thompson; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A creative agency is seeking a Human Resource Director in Kuala Lumpur. You will act as an HR business partner, driving strategic initiatives and providing consulting to local leadership. The ideal candidate has 10-12 years of experience in HR Business Partnering, strong business acumen, and knowledge of local labour laws. This role includes management of HR processes and development of talent pipelines.

Qualifications

• 10-12 years of HR Business Partnering experience, with strong business acumen.
• 3-6 years of management experience.
• Sound knowledge of local labour laws in Malaysia.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with management to support business operations.
• Manage HR programmes including talent acquisition and employee onboarding.
• Update job descriptions and screen candidates for roles.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Team oriented

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Psychology, HR or equivalent

Job description

About VML

VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human‑first, award‑winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate‑Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca‑Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

Human Resource Director – Malaysia (KL)

Overall Summary of the role

The incumbent will be an HR business partner, plays a pivotal role in driving strategic and tactical HR initiatives in alignment with key business priorities of the client groups and vertical market. The individual is responsible for providing HR consulting and coaching to the local business leadership teams, drives the implementation of business specific HR programs and operations, identifies and provides HR solutions to people issues and demonstrates credibility by building trusted relationship with business leaders and HR teams.

Job Responsibilities

• Work closely with management, finance and key account leads to provide human resources expertise and insight to support business operations and maintain a successful and profitable operation.
• Management of HR programmes and processes, including Talent acquisition, Employee onboarding, Performance appraisal process and yearly talent assessment/talent review, Training and Development, Employee / Labour Relation, Retention programmes, Compensation Planning, Benefit programs.
• Design, develop and implement policies and procedures that encourage a collaborative, successful environment.
• Develop a pipeline of talent to support the needs of the account teams using all available low‑cost and creative recruitment options.
• Ensure all talent attached to key global clients is properly on‑boarded and receives the required client specific training and education mandated by our client contracts.
• Coordination of training and development programmes with the Global Learning and Education team with APAC HQ.
• Liaison with local Legal Counsel on employment contract matters and work with APAC on all matters related to expatriate executive moves.
• Update job descriptions create job posts, shortlist, and screen candidates for freelance, temporary, contract roles, and internships.
• Responsible for coordination and organization of recruitment drive, career/job fairs, trainee/internship programs for attracting new joiners.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business, Psychology, HR or equivalent discipline.
• 10‑12 years of HR Business Partnering experience; strong business acumen plus 3‑6 years management experience.
• Demonstrate excellent communication, interpersonal, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills, and ability to handle sensitive situations/documentation.
• Ability to build trusted partnerships and influence outcomes at varying levels of the business.
• Sound knowledge of local labour laws in Malaysia.
• Team oriented with One HR Team mindset.
• Experience working in multi‑national organization and with agency background will have added advantage.
• Ability to effectively delegate and empower team members for success.

Inclusion, Equity & Belonging

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all‑inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career‑forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization—creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers—who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction.

Equal Opportunity Employer

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.