Director Compensation

The Talent Lever; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

The Talent Lever is seeking a Director of Total Rewards to own compensation strategy, benefits design, HR controlling & analytics, HR compliance, and HR technology/systems infrastructure in Singapore. You will co-design and implement the total rewards program across markets, partner with HR leadership, and drive data-driven decision making with Finance and Retail teams.

You will lead the annual salary review, oversee salary structures, renew insurance programs, and elevate governance and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business or related field.
• 10+ years in Compensation & Benefits across multi-market contexts.
• Hands-on experience with HRIS platforms and data analytics.

Responsibilities

• Own total rewards strategy aligned to business vision.
• Lead annual salary review and multi-market salary structures.
• Develop HR analytics dashboards for senior leadership.
• Ensure governance, compliance, and policy alignment.

Skills

10+ years in C&B

HRIS proficiency

Excel

PowerPoint

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business

Tools

HRIS platforms

Job description

A major global retailer with significant APAC presences is searching for a new Director of Total Rewards to own compensation strategy, benefits design, HR controlling & analytics, HR compliance, and HR technology/systems infrastructure.

YOU'LL OWN

• Co-design and lead the implementation of total rewards strategy aligned to business vision
• Partner with HRBP leadership to design, implement, and evolve SEAO's compensation & benefits offering
• Ensure market competitiveness and internal equity across all markets
• Lead annual salary review process, design compensation proposals for head office population, oversee retail salary structures
• Anticipate changes in local markets that affect comp & benefits packages
• Review, negotiate, and renew insurance programs (medical, life, work injury compensation) across markets
• Promote comp & benefits initiatives to ensure visibility, understanding, and engagement

HR Controlling & Analytics:

• Develop accurate workforce and cost forecasts with Finance and Retail teams
• Drive data-driven decision-making through HR analytics and dashboards for senior leadership
• Ensure automation and standardization of reporting

HR Governance & Compliance:

• Define and enhance HR policies and frameworks aligned to business objectives and local regulations
• Ensure full compliance with local labor laws across all 8 markets
• Lead HR audits and implement controls to strengthen governance
• Educate leaders and employees on HR policies; drive adoption and consistent implementation

HR Operations & Technology:

• Lead and develop the HR Operations team (headcount tracking, payroll, employee lifecycle, systems)
• Oversee HRIS to ensure smooth operations, accuracy, timely updates
• Lead transformation of HR Operations function — scalability, standardization, automation
• Establish and monitor HR delivery standards (SLAs) for quality support
• Drive modernization of HR processes to improve efficiency, reduce manual work, strengthen controls

YOU BRING

Experience & Technical Expertise:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field (or equivalent professional experience)
• 10+ years in Compensation & Benefits, ideally in retail, hospitality, or service industry
• Strong familiarity with HRIS platforms (hands-on experience preferred)
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office — Excel and PowerPoint
• Track record designing and managing total rewards programs in multi-market, matrix environments
• Experience managing benefits programs, insurance renewals, and salary structures across multiple jurisdictions
• Understanding of local labor law compliance across Southeast Asia or similar regions

Stakeholder Leadership & Collaboration:

• Proven stakeholder management in matrix organizations
• Strong influencing skills — ability to engage, advise, and align stakeholders at all levels
• Relationship-driven approach; build trust and credibility across diverse teams
• Comfort partnering with Finance, Retail, and Global HR on strategy and execution

Ways of Working:

• Self-motivated, able to work independently and manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environment
• Analytical, organized, translates data into clear recommendations and action plans
• Energized by operational change and continuous improvement
• Passionate about cultivating engaging, inclusive, high-performing work culture
• Strong communication skills — presents insights clearly to senior leadership

Standing Requirements:

• A growth mindset with new technology — you learn the tools before you're told to, and you're honest about what you don't know yet
• The ability to give feedback that lands and receive it without armour
• Stakeholder management across functions — you keep the right people close, informed, and on side
• Communication skills that hold up with senior leaders — clear, concise, and credible in the rooms where decisions get made

NOT REQUIRED BUT VALUED

• Experience in beauty, retail, or FMCG sectors
• Familiarity with LVMH or luxury goods environments
• Background managing compensation and benefits across Southeast Asia specifically
• Experience with payroll modernization or HRIS implementation/migration
• Exposure to data analytics tools (Tableau, Power BI, SAP, etc.)
• Knowledge of regional retail operations and store staffing models

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

You're the strategic HR leader owning compensation strategy and people cost management for a high-growth regional business. You'll partner directly with the HRVP and executive leadership on people strategy, ensuring the business attracts and retains talent at competitive cost. This is a visible, strategic role with significant impact on business profitability and culture.

DATA PRIVACY & CONSENT

The Talent Lever collects, uses, and discloses the personal data you submit with your application in accordance with Singapore's Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA). Your data will be used to assess your suitability for this role and for related recruitment purposes, will be shared with our client only with your prior knowledge, and will be retained for up to 24 months unless you request earlier deletion. You may withdraw consent, or request access to or correction of your personal data at any time.

By applying, you also consent to receive communications from The Talent Lever about job opportunities and career development resources that may suit your profile. You can opt out at any time.