Regional Senior HR Manager

Argyll Scott; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail organization is looking for a Senior Manager, Human Resources to oversee HR operations in Malaysia and Thailand. This role involves leading a regional HR team, ensuring compliance with local labour laws, and supporting mass recruitment efforts. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of HR experience, particularly in the retail or F&B sectors, and possess strong stakeholder management skills. This position offers a chance to drive HR transformation and grow into a broader regional leadership role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of HR experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven expertise in HR operations for Singapore and Malaysia.
• Experience in HR transformation and operational improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR function for Malaysia and Thailand in alignment with business priorities.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee relations.
• Drive HR transformation initiatives to strengthen service delivery.

Skills

HR leadership experience

Stakeholder management

Compliance knowledge

Talent management

Job description

Job Title: Senior Manager, Human Resources

Overview

On behalf of our retail client, we are seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Manager, Human Resources to lead HR operations across Singapore and Malaysia, with additional oversight of their Thailand operation. This role will be based in Kuala Lumpur and will manage a regional HR team of 4–5, including two Assistant HR Managers supporting Singapore and Malaysia and their respective HR Executives.

The ideal candidate brings strong HR leadership experience within the mass retail or F&B industry, and is capable of partnering closely with Country Managers and the Senior Director of Operations to support large-scale workforce needs, performance management cycles, and compliance frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the HR function for, Malaysia, and Thailand, ensuring strong alignment with the client’s business priorities and operational needs.
• Serve as a trusted partner to Country Managers and the Senior Director of Operations, providing strategic advisory on workforce planning, organisational development, talent management, and performance management.
• Drive HR transformation initiatives to strengthen HR capability, service delivery, and process efficiency across the region.

Operational HR Excellence & Compliance

• Oversee full-spectrum HR operations for Singapore and Malaysia, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, compensation, training, and employee relations.
• Ensure full compliance with labour laws in both Singapore and Malaysia, with deep knowledge of local regulations, quota processes, and statutory requirements.
• Maintain strong governance and ensure consistency and integrity of HR policies across markets.

Mass Hiring & Talent Acquisition

• Support and manage mass recruitment efforts for frontline retail operations and back-office functions.
• Handle hands‑on hiring for mid‑level operational and corporate roles through job portals, direct sourcing, and other channels.
• Partner with business leaders to plan manpower effectively and build a reliable talent pipeline.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Assistant HR Managers and HR Executives across Singapore and Malaysia.
• Cultivate a high‑performing, accountable, and service‑oriented HR team.
• Embed a culture of continuous improvement and strong ownership within the HR function.

Requirements

• Minimum 15 years of HR experience, including at least 5 years in a team leadership or multi‑market HR role.
• Prior experience in the mass retail or F&B sector is highly preferred.
• Proven expertise in HR operations for Singapore and Malaysia, including strong command of local labour laws, foreign worker processes, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience in managing mass hiring and conducting hands‑on recruitment for mid‑level roles.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and partner effectively with senior leadership.
• Demonstrated resilience, ownership, and a self‑driven approach, particularly in challenging and fast‑paced environments.
• Experience in HR transformation and operational improvement initiatives.
• Strong career trajectory with readiness to grow into a broader regional leadership role within 1–2 years.

This role offers an exceptional platform for a seasoned HR professional to lead multi‑market HR operations, drive transformation, and grow into a broader regional leadership role within a reputable retail organisation.