Executive Director - APAC Head of HR Technology, Data & Digital Transformation - SMBC

Sumitomo Group; Singapore; On-site; SGD 220,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Sumitomo Group in Singapore seeks an experienced leader to head APAC HR Technology, People Analytics, data governance and digital transformation. You will drive HR platforms, automation, and AI adoption across Asia Pacific to enable better workforce decisions and improved employee experiences.

The role partners with Global HR and regional teams to ensure alignment with global standards while meeting APAC priorities. Strong leadership and stakeholder management are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline.
• 15+ years of experience across HR technology, analytics, operations, or transformation.
• Proven track record leading large-scale HR transformation initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of HR systems, especially SAP SuccessFactors.
• Experience leveraging AI, automation, analytics and digital solutions.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the APAC HR Technology strategy aligned with business priorities.
• Lead delivery and improvement of HR platforms, including SAP SuccessFactors and digital HR tools.
• Drive automation, AI adoption, and process simplification for efficiency.
• Partner with HR, Technology, Shared Services, and regional teams for alignment.
• Provide APAC leadership for major transformation programmes.
• Develop APAC People Analytics strategy; deliver dashboards and executive reporting.

Skills

HR technology leadership

People analytics

HR systems knowledge

SAP SuccessFactors

AI & automation

Data governance

APAC regional experience

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR / Tech / IS / Business / Data Analytics

Tools

SAP SuccessFactors

Job description

About the Role

Reporting directly to the APAC CHRO, and matrix reporting to Global Head of HR Technology and Global Head of HR Data & Analytics. This role leads the HR technology, people analytics, data governance, and digital transformation agenda across Asia Pacific.

As a member of the APAC HR Leadership Team, the role is responsible for building modern HR capabilities that enable better workforce decisions, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and an enhanced employee experience. The role partners closely with Global HR, Technology, Shared Services, and regional HR teams to drive alignment with global standards while meeting APAC business priorities.

Key Responsibilities

HR Technology & Digital Enablement

• Define and execute the APAC HR Technology strategy aligned with business and global HR priorities.
• Lead the delivery and continuous improvement of HR platforms, including SAP SuccessFactors and digital HR solutions.
• Drive automation, AI adoption, and process simplification to improve efficiency and user experience.
• Partner with HR, Technology, and external vendors to deliver scalable and sustainable solutions.
• Provide APAC leadership for major transformation programmes.

People Analytics & Data Governance

• Develop and lead the APAC People Analytics strategy.
• Deliver workforce insights, dashboards, predictive analytics, and executive reporting to support business decision-making.
• Establish strong HR data governance, quality standards, and reporting frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy, security, and regulatory requirements across the region.
• Leverage data and AI to drive workforce planning and organizational effectiveness.

HR Transformation

• Lead regional HR transformation initiatives that improve productivity, employee experience, and service delivery.
• Support the evolution of HR operating models, shared services, and global capability centre initiatives.
• Promote a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making across HR.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead and develop the regional HR Technology and Analytics teams.
• Build strong partnerships with senior business leaders, HR leadership, Technology, Data, and external partners.
• Represent APAC in global HR Technology, Data, and Transformation forums and driving APAC alignment.
• Influence and align stakeholders across multiple countries, businesses, and functions.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Technology, Information Systems, Business, Data Analytics, or a related discipline.
• 15+ years of experience across HR Technology, People Analytics, HR Operations, Shared Services, or Transformation.
• Proven track record leading large-scale HR transformation and technology programmes.
• Strong knowledge of HR systems, preferably SAP SuccessFactors.
• Experience leveraging AI, automation, analytics, and digital solutions to improve business outcomes.
• Demonstrated success operating across multiple APAC markets and complex matrix organizations.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic, data-driven leader with a proven track record of driving HR transformation, technology adoption, driving large-scale change, operational excellence, and measurable outcomes across a matrix organization.
• Highly influential stakeholder manager with strong analytical, communication, and decision-making capabilities, able to build trusted partnerships, navigate competing priorities, and balance global standards with regional business and regulatory requirements.

What Success Looks Like

• Successful delivery of the APAC HR technology and transformation roadmap.
• Strong adoption of digital and AI-enabled HR solutions.
• Enhanced quality and impact of workforce analytics and reporting.
• Improved operational efficiency through automation and process simplification.
• Robust HR data governance and regulatory compliance.
• Greater use of workforce insights in business and talent decisions.
• Strong alignment between APAC and global HR priorities.