Regional Director Employee Relations Asia

Private Advertiser; Penang; On-site; MYR 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multinational company is looking for a Regional Director of Employee Relations in Penang, Malaysia. This key position requires expertise in employee relations and labor law, with a focus on collaboration across Asia. The role involves developing ER strategies, leading investigations, and managing compliance. Candidates should have over 8 years of experience in relevant roles, strong leadership skills, and effective negotiation abilities. Proficiency in English and the capability to travel across Asia is essential, offering a competitive and dynamic working environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of employee relations experience, preferably in manufacturing or technology sectors.
• Strong understanding of labor law in Asia and global labor standards.
• Experience leading teams and managing diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop ER strategies and policies across Asia.
• Lead investigations and respond to employee grievances.
• Monitor labor trends and ensure compliance with laws.

Skills

Employee Relations

Labor Law Knowledge

Team Leadership

Negotiation Skills

Effective Communication

Tools

EthicsPoint

ServiceNow

Job description

Overview

As the Regional Director, Employee Relations – Asia, you will lead employee relations matters, labor compliance and labor relations in Malaysia and other Asia locations as assigned, and well as support HR business partners and people managers with coaching and processes.

You will play a critical role in ensuring that business leaders make sound decisions and take the most appropriate actions. You will help build a culture of respect, integrity and psychological safety in the company.

For this position, the current country assignment is Malaysia, India, and Singapore; this may change according to business needs. In addition, the Director will be expected to collaborate closely with another Regional Director counterpart in Asia who oversees other Asian countries, ensuring alignment, consistency and collaboration across the broader region.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee Employee Relations (ER) strategies, programs, and policies for Asia - specifically Malaysia, India and Singapore - ensuring consistent understanding and application across the region and influencing local leaders in their design and execution.
• Lead a team of ER Country Leaders and ER Advisors & Investigators in conducting workplace investigations per global procedures, responding to employee issues and grievances in alignment with company values, ensuring expedient resolution, escalation, and thorough documentation and communication.
• Provide ER expertise and market insights on the labor environment, benchmarking industry best practices, monitoring labor trends, standards, and regulations, and establishing early warning systems for labor risks and non-compliance.
• Advise People Organization partners, employees, managers, and business leaders on people management challenges, policies, procedures, and employment laws, and collaborate with global People Partners and Centers of Excellence to resolve team member issues and enhance organizational programs.
• Partner with the Legal department to manage team member issues, oversee statutory labor compliance programs, participate in labor disputes, arbitration, and other proceedings, consulting with stakeholders where necessary.
• Where applicable, formulate, drive, and support the union engagement strategy, representing or assisting in negotiations, fostering positive labor relations, and acting as liaison between management and unions, while mitigating company risks related to labor union activities.
• Plan, execute, and monitor team member separations, severance, and restructuring activities, ensuring fair treatment, compliance with global and local processes, and a dignified experience for affected employees.
• Utilize data analytics to identify trends and risk areas in employee relations, support EEO, inclusion programs, ensure compliance with the company and RBA Codes of Conduct, HR and government reporting, and perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• 8+ years of work experience relevant to Employee Relations, preferably in the manufacturing or technology sector, in leadership positions in the Asia region.
• Strong understanding, appreciation and application of labor law and practices in the Asia region, as well as global labor standards and issues.
• Proven ability to lead teams, build trust, and collaborate effectively across diverse stakeholders.
• Critical thinking, keen sense of urgency, independent decision making, high standards of compliance and passion about doing the right thing for the company and its people.
• Able to interact effectively with multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced, demanding environment, and appropriately manage conflict.
• Effective communication skills, with a good command of written and spoken English.
• Able to travel for work to any company location in Asia on short notice, should the need arise.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in labor relations and a proven ability to conduct effective negotiations with union representatives and develop positive relations.
• Experience in project management and driving programs both collaboratively and independently.
• Proficient in EthicsPoint, ServiceNow or other case management tools.
• Experience in multinational companies.

Unlock job insights

• What's your expected monthly basic salary?
• Which of the following types of qualifications do you have?
• How many years' experience do you have as an Employee Relations Director?
• How many years' experience do you have in industrial relations & employment law?
• How many years' experience do you have in employee relations?