HR Manager /Potential GM - Legal background

John Clements Consultants, Inc.; Philippines; On-site; PHP 2,000,000 - 3,500,000; Full time

Job summary

John Clements Consultants, Inc. in Makati, Philippines seeks an experienced HR Manager with strong labor law, legal affairs, and corporate compliance background.

Licensed lawyers or senior HR professionals with substantial legal and labor relations experience are preferred. The role is a stepping stone toward broader business and operational leadership, with potential to grow into a General Manager position.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive HR experience, preferably with managerial or senior leadership exposure.
• Licensed Lawyer / Philippine Bar passers highly preferred, especially with labor/employment law exposure.
• Strong knowledge of Philippine Labor Code, employee and labor relations, and HR compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the overall HR function, including recruitment, employee relations, compensation and benefits, performance management, training, and organizational development.
• Provide strategic HR advice to management and align HR policies with business objectives.
• Oversee labor and legal affairs, review employment contracts, and coordinate with external counsel and government agencies.
• Collaborate with senior management to drive organizational performance and broader business/operational responsibilities.
• Develop successors for General Manager responsibilities and contribute to budgeting, strategic planning, and cross-functional initiatives.

Skills

HR Leadership

Labor Law

Employee Relations

Policy Development

Strategic Thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources/Business/Law

Job description

HR Manager / Potential General Manager

Location: Makati, Philippines
Employment Type: Full-Time
Level: Managerial / Senior Management
Reports To: Managing Director / President

Job Summary

We are looking for a highly capable and strategic HR Manager with a strong background in labor law, legal affairs, corporate compliance, or human resources. The ideal candidate may be a licensed lawyer or a senior HR professional with substantial legal and labor relations experience.

Beyond managing the company's HR function, this role is intended for a high-potential leader who can eventually take on broader business and operational responsibilities and grow into a General Manager role.

The successful candidate should possess strong business acumen, sound judgment, leadership capability, and the ability to work closely with senior management in driving organizational performance.

Key Responsibilities

Human Resources Leadership

• Lead and manage the overall HR function, including recruitment, employee relations, compensation and benefits, performance management, training, and organizational development.
• Develop and implement HR policies, systems, and programs aligned with the company's business objectives.
• Provide strategic HR advice and recommendations to management.
• Build a high-performing and engaged workforce through effective people strategies.
• Oversee workforce planning, succession planning, and talent development.

Labor & Legal Affairs

• Provide guidance on Philippine labor laws, employment regulations, and government compliance requirements.
• Handle employee relations, disciplinary cases, grievances, investigations, and labor-related concerns.
• Review and advise management on employment contracts, company policies, agreements, and other HR-related legal documents.
• Coordinate with external legal counsel, government agencies, and other stakeholders when necessary.
• Ensure the company's HR practices remain compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
• Manage labor disputes and support management in minimizing legal and employee-related risks.

Business & Management Responsibilities

• Work closely with the President/Managing Director in addressing organizational and business priorities.
• Participate in management meetings and contribute to business strategy and decision-making.
• Develop a strong understanding of the company's operations, financial performance, customers, and commercial objectives.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, employee productivity, and overall business performance.
• Support cross-functional initiatives involving Finance, Sales, Operations, Administration, and other departments.
• Take on broader management responsibilities as required.

General Manager Development

• Serve as a potential successor for broader General Management responsibilities.
• Gain exposure to overall business operations, budgeting, financial management, commercial strategy, and organizational planning.
• Demonstrate the ability to make sound business decisions beyond the HR function.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with employees, customers, business partners, and other stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Psychology, Business Administration, Management, Law, or a related field.
• Licensed Lawyer / Philippine Bar passer is highly preferred, particularly candidates with experience in labor and employment law.
• Alternatively, candidates with strong HR leadership and labor relations experience may be considered.
• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive HR experience, preferably with managerial or senior leadership exposure.
• Strong knowledge of Philippine Labor Code, employee relations, labor relations, and HR compliance.
• Experience handling complex employee relations, disciplinary cases, investigations, and labor concerns.
• Strong understanding of HR policies, organizational development, and people management.
• Demonstrated experience managing teams and working directly with senior management.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of how HR contributes to overall business performance.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Mature, highly professional, and capable of handling confidential and sensitive matters.
• Strong leadership presence and the ability to influence stakeholders at different levels.

Preferred Profile

We are particularly interested in candidates who are:

• Licensed Lawyers with strong HR/Corporate HR experience
• HR Managers with significant labor and legal affairs exposure
• HR Heads or Senior HR Business Partners ready to move into broader management
• Legal professionals with strong exposure to HR, labor relations, compliance, and business operations
• Strategic HR leaders who have the potential to become a General Manager
• Individuals who are commercially minded and comfortable working beyond traditional HR responsibilities

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is not purely an HR administrator. We are looking for a well-rounded business leader who understands people, law, risk, operations, and commercial objectives.

The company is looking for someone who can initially lead HR and legal-related matters but, over time, can assume increasing responsibility for overall business management, potentially progressing into a General Manager position.

Career Opportunity

This position offers a strong career path for an ambitious HR or Legal professional who wants to move beyond functional specialization and develop into a senior business leader / General Manager.