HRBP Enabling Functions - Philippines

Merck Group; Taguig; On-site; PHP 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck Group in the Philippines seeks an experienced HR Business Partner to advise leaders on people and organization priorities, translating business needs into practical HR strategies. You will lead employee and labor relations in the Philippines, apply local labor law, collaborate with Legal and regional teams, and strengthen leadership capability while supporting a positive employee experience.

This role requires a strong track record in HR partnering, deep knowledge of Philippine labor law,

Qualifications

• Ten years of experience in HR business partnering or advisory roles.
• Strong knowledge of Philippine labor and employment law.
• Ability to translate legal/technical analysis into business advice.
• Fluent business English and clear written communication.

Responsibilities

• Advise leaders on workforce priorities and organizational effectiveness.
• Lead employee and labor relations matters in the Philippines.
• Collaborate with Legal and regional partners on policy and risk.
• Use data and trends to inform decisions and action.

Skills

HRBP experience

Employee relations

Labor relations

Employment law

Advisory role

Education

Philippine law degree

Job description

Job Description

Work Your Magic with us! Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you’ve got big plans – so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.

Your Role

As an HR Business Partner, you will advise leaders on people and organization priorities and translate business needs into practical HR strategies. You will lead employee and labor relations matters in the Philippines, applying local labor law, company policies, sound judgment, and fair process. You will work closely with business leaders, HR colleagues, legal, and regional or global partners to manage people risks, improve organizational effectiveness, strengthen leadership capability, and support positive employee experience.

Your Responsibilities

Strategic HR Business Partnering

• Build trusted relationships with business leaders and provide clear, practical advice on workforce priorities, organization effectiveness, leadership, talent, engagement, and culture.
• Translate business priorities into people plans, identify organizational and workforce risks, and recommend actions that balance business needs, employee impact, company policy, and legal requirements.
• Lead or support organizational changes, workforce planning, talent reviews, succession discussions, performance management, and other people initiatives for assigned client groups.
• Challenge and coach leaders constructively, using sound judgment and evidence to improve decisions and strengthen manager accountability.
• Connect leaders with HR centers of expertise and service teams, clarify ownership, and help resolve issues that require cross-functional coordination.
• Use of AI, HR data, employee insights, and external trends to identify patterns, test assumptions, and recommend actions to leaders.

Employee and Labor Relations

• Serve as a subject matter resource on local labor law and employee relations, and translate legal and regulatory requirements into practical HR guidance.
• Lead the HR management of employee relations matters, including fact-finding, investigations, due process, disciplinary action, grievances, performance concerns, workplace conflict, and sensitive employee cases.
• Advise leaders on case strategy, documentation, consistency, proportionality, and risk while safeguarding confidentiality, procedural fairness, and employee dignity.
• Assess labor and employee relations implications of workforce actions, organizational changes, working arrangements, and policy decisions, and recommend appropriate controls or mitigation measures.
• Partner with Legal on matters requiring formal legal interpretation, external representation, litigation strategy, or engagement with government and labor authorities.
• Monitor developments in Philippine labor and employment regulation, evaluate their impact, and lead or recommend necessary changes to policies, practices, manager guidance, and employee communication.
• Maintain reliable case governance and documentation, analyze recurring themes, and recommend preventive actions such as policy clarification, manager education, or process improvement.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and HRBP responsible for transformation and restructuring exercises in the covered location

HR Programs Culture and Governance

• Lead the local implementation of relevant global and country HR processes, ensuring that programs are adapted to business needs and applied consistently.
• Support leadership and organizational capability initiatives, employee engagement actions, inclusion priorities, and change management activities.
• Review HR policies, guidelines, and manager communications for legal compliance, practical application, and alignment with company standards.
• Contribute to country HR priorities and projects, and represent the HR perspective in cross-functional discussions when assigned.
• Promote company values and an inclusive work environment through credible advice, consistent decisions, and respectful handling of employee concerns.

Who You Are

• At least ten (10) years of combined experience in HR business partnering, employee relations, labor relations, employment law, or a closely related advisory role. Experience may come from an in-house HR or Legal function, a law firm, or a combination of these environments.
• Strong working knowledge of Philippine labor and employment law, due process, disciplinary and performance cases, workplace investigations, policy governance, and labor-risk assessment.
• Demonstrated ability to convert legal or technical analysis into clear, balanced, and workable advice for business leaders and managers.
• HR business partnering experience is an advantage. Candidates with primarily legal experience must demonstrate business judgment, curiosity about the broader people agenda, and the ability to develop across talent, organization, engagement, and culture topics.
• Confidence in advising and influencing senior stakeholders, including the ability to challenge constructively and communicate difficult messages with clarity and discretion.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to use case trends, workforce data, and business context to support decisions and preventive action.
• High standards of integrity, confidentiality, organization, and follow-through when managing sensitive and time-critical matters.
• A Philippine law degree holder and active membership in good standing with the Philippine Bar will be an advantage. Candidates with another relevant degree may be considered if they have substantial, hands-on expertise in Philippine labor law and employee relations.
• Fluent business English and strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare concise case documentation, recommendations, policies, and presentations.

What we offer

We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!