Group HR Manager (Singapore & Malaysia)

The Curtain Boutique; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Curtain Boutique is seeking an experienced Group HR Manager to lead the HR function across Singapore and Malaysia. This senior role requires designing HR strategy, policies and systems, managing manpower planning and supporting regional expansion.

You will work with the CEO and senior management to align HR with business goals, implement standard processes, and ensure regulatory compliance in both markets. A strong track record in regional HR is essential.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in HR Management or related discipline.
• 8–10 years of in-depth HR management experience.
• Experience managing HR for organizations with 80–150 employees or more.
• Experience in construction, manufacturing, engineering or related industries is advantageous.
• Practical HR experience in both Singapore and Malaysia preferred.
• Knowledge of Singapore Employment Act, MOM regulations, CPF and foreign manpower policies.
• Knowledge of Malaysian Employment Act 1955, EPF, SOCSO, EIS and payroll requirements.
• Proven track record in developing organizational structures, HR policies, and performance systems.
• Experience managing diverse workforces and strong leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Group HR strategy and organization development across SG and MY.
• Set up HR policies, contracts, handbooks and processes for the Malaysia office.
• Oversee recruitment, payroll coordination and HR administration across both countries.
• Develop manpower plans and salary frameworks for group growth.
• Implement performance management and development programs.
• Ensure compliance with local employment laws in SG and MY and cross-border HR matters.
• Provide HR leadership reporting to CEO and senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder mgmt

HR strategy

People development

Communication

Education

HR Degree or Diploma

Tools

HRIS

Payroll software

Job description

Job Overview

We a growing business group operating across the construction, manufacturing and home improvement industries, with business operations in Singapore and Malaysia.

With a combined workforce of approximately 100 employees in Singapore and Malaysia, we are looking for an experienced Group HR Manager to lead, develop and oversee the group's overall Human Resource function across both countries.

This is a senior management position requiring someone who can develop the group's HR structure, establish standardized HR policies and systems, manage manpower planning, and support the company's regional expansion.

Key Responsibilities

1. Group HR Strategy & Organization Development

• Develop and implement the overall HR strategy and organizational structure across all companies within the Group in Singapore and Malaysia.

• Review existing organizational structures, job roles, reporting lines and manpower requirements.

• Establish a group-wide HR framework, policies and standard operating procedures.

• Lead organizational development, succession planning and talent management.

• Work closely with the CEO and senior management to align HR strategies with business objectives.

• Develop manpower strategies to support business expansion and operational efficiency.

• Establish HR structures and processes for the new Malaysian office.

2. Malaysia Office Setup & Regional HR Management

• Lead the HR setup and implementation for the group's new Malaysia office.

• Establish local HR policies, employment contracts, employee handbooks and HR procedures in compliance with Malaysian employment laws.

• Understand and manage Malaysia's Employment Act, statutory contributions and relevant employment regulations.

• Oversee Malaysian recruitment, onboarding, payroll coordination and employee administration.

• Advise management on Malaysian employment practices, labour requirements and local manpower planning.

• Coordinate cross-border HR matters and ensure consistency in group-wide HR standards while complying with each country's local regulations.

• Work with local service providers, payroll vendors and relevant government authorities where necessary.

3. Recruitment & Manpower Planning

• Lead end-to-end recruitment activities across Singapore and Malaysia.

• Develop effective recruitment strategies to attract and retain suitable talent.

• Work with department heads to identify manpower requirements and future hiring needs.

• Establish structured onboarding and employee orientation programmes.

• Develop manpower budgets and workforce planning strategies.

• Build a talent pipeline for management, executive, sales, operations, technical and production positions.

4. HR Policies, Systems & Processes

• Develop, implement and standardize HR policies, employee handbooks and SOPs across the group.

• Establish proper HR procedures covering recruitment, confirmation, performance appraisal, promotions, disciplinary matters and employee exits.

• Review and improve existing HR systems and administrative processes.

• Implement HR software and digitalization initiatives to improve operational efficiency.

• Ensure consistency in HR practices across different business entities and countries, while accounting for local legal requirements.

5. Compensation, Payroll & Benefits

• Oversee payroll administration, statutory contributions, leave administration, employee benefits and claims across Singapore and Malaysia.

• Develop structured salary frameworks, compensation policies and incentive schemes.

• Conduct salary benchmarking and compensation reviews in both markets.

• Establish annual performance appraisal and salary review systems.

• Ensure accurate manpower cost budgeting and reporting.

• Review and optimize employee benefit structures.

6. Performance Management & Employee Development

• Design and implement a group-wide KPI and performance management framework.

• Work with department heads to establish measurable performance indicators.

• Develop employee training and development programmes.

• Identify skill gaps and implement training plans.

• Establish career progression frameworks and succession planning.

• Build a performance-driven culture across the organization.

7. Employee Relations & Industrial Relations

• Handle employee grievances, disciplinary matters, investigations and conflict resolution.

• Provide professional HR advice to management and department heads.

• Manage employee engagement, retention and staff welfare initiatives.

• Handle complex employee relations matters professionally and confidentially.

• Understand the different employment practices and industrial relations environments in Singapore and Malaysia.

8. Employment Law & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Singapore Employment Act, CPF regulations, MOM requirements and relevant employment legislation.

• Ensure compliance with Malaysian employment legislation, including the Employment Act 1955, EPF, SOCSO, EIS and other applicable statutory requirements.

• Manage foreign worker administration and work pass matters where applicable in both countries.

• Keep updated on changes in employment legislation and regulatory requirements.

• Liaise with relevant government agencies, external consultants and service providers.

9. HR Leadership & Management Reporting

• Lead and manage the group's HR function across multiple companies and countries.

• Develop HR dashboards covering headcount, manpower costs, employee turnover, absenteeism, recruitment and performance.

• Provide regular HR reports and recommendations to the CEO and senior management.

• Identify workforce-related risks and recommend solutions.

• Build a professional and scalable HR department to support the group's future growth.

Job Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Human Resource Management, Business Administration or a related discipline.

• Minimum 8–10 years of in-depth and hands-on HR management experience.

• Proven experience in managing HR functions for organizations with approximately 80–150 employees or more.

• Strong HR experience in the construction, manufacturing, engineering, metal works or related industries will be highly advantageous.

• Practical HR experience in both Singapore and Malaysia is strongly preferred.

• Experience in setting up HR operations, policies and employment frameworks for a new office or business entity in Malaysia will be an added advantage.

• Strong knowledge of Singapore Employment Act, MOM regulations, CPF and foreign manpower policies.

• Good working knowledge of Malaysian Employment Act 1955, EPF, SOCSO, EIS, payroll and statutory employment requirements.

• Proven track record in developing organizational structures, HR policies, compensation frameworks and performance management systems.

• Experience managing a diverse workforce comprising management, executives, administrative staff, sales personnel, technicians, production workers and operational teams.

• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to work independently and provide sound HR advice to senior management.

• Mature, independent, resourceful and results-oriented.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for an experienced HR professional who can take ownership of the group's entire HR function and build a structured, professional and scalable HR organization.

The successful candidate should be able to:

• Build and manage a complete HR structure across Singapore and Malaysia.

• Establish HR policies, procedures and systems from the ground up.

• Understand the manpower challenges of construction and manufacturing businesses.

• Manage a workforce of approximately 100 employees and support future expansion.

• Establish HR operations for the new Malaysian office.

• Develop a consistent performance-driven culture across different business entities.

• Advise the CEO and senior management on organizational development, manpower planning and people management strategies.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR leader to take on a regional management role and play a key part in building the group's HR foundation and supporting its expansion into Malaysia.