HR Director

dnata Airport Services; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global aviation services provider seeks an HR Director in Singapore to oversee comprehensive HR initiatives, including recruitment, engagement, and policy implementation. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree and over eight years of experience in a senior HR role. Additional strengths include a strong data-driven mindset and regional HR expertise to adapt strategies to local employment laws. This position provides an opportunity to shape a high-performance culture within a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in a senior HR leadership role.
• Ability to interpret and apply Singapore employment laws.
• Proven experience with HR systems and implementation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee HR activities like recruitment, retention, and engagement.
• Drive initiatives fostering team collaboration and engagement.
• Manage HR budget and optimize compensation and benefits.

Skills

Leadership capabilities

Data-driven approach

Expertise in business transformation

Strong understanding of employment legislation

Strong regional HR experience

Union negotiations

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or Humanities

Job description

dnata Singapore is one of the longest standing and most comprehensive operations in the dnata portfolio. Providing a full suite of services from cargo handling and ground handling to travel services, dnata Singapore ships, connects, feeds and entertains travellers connecting to and through Changi Airport.

As an HR Director and key member of the leadership team, you will drive and oversee the full spectrum of HR activities, including recruitment and talent acquisition, employee engagement and development, performance management, learning, retention, payroll, succession planning, retirement, and HR policy implementation. You will ensure that HR strategies and services effectively support the organisation’s strategic objectives, business growth, and the development of a strong, high-performance culture.

In addition, you will champion initiatives that foster team engagement and collaboration, creating an inclusive and supportive environment where employees feel valued and empowered. By embedding dnata’s core values to all HR practices, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a culture that drives trust, accountability, and innovation across the organisation.

In this role, you will:

• Drive the implementation of people strategies and HR systems aligned with organisational objectives and growth, using data-driven insights to influence executive decision-making.
• Partner with leadership team to design and execute integrated talent strategies covering sourcing, recruitment, onboarding, development, and succession planning.
• Develop, update, and ensure consistent application of HR policies and procedures in compliance with local laws, corporate governance requirements, and the Employee Handbook.
• Manage the HR budget, optimise resource utilisation, and oversee competitive compensation, benefits, and incentive programmes aligned with market trends and organisational priorities.
• Lead continuous improvement of HR systems and processes to enhance employee experience, drive operational efficiency, and embed best practices relevant to business needs.
• Anticipate and address business challenges by delivering proactive HR solutions that balance short-term priorities with long-term strategic goals.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, regulatory requirements, corporate governance, and internal controls.
• Make people-related decisions based on sound risk management, authority limits, and appropriate executive consultation.
• Foster strong stakeholder relationships internally with business leaders, employees, and corporate teams, and externally with unions, regulatory bodies, and industry partners.
• Manage union relationships and Collective Bargaining Agreements, promoting open communication and collaboration.
• Collaborate across dnata entities to share best practices, build networks, and identify opportunities for alignment and synergy.
• Champion dnata’s Vision, Mission, and Values, embedding them into all HR initiatives to create a consistent and engaging employee experience.
• Set clear performance objectives, drive accountability, and support leaders in managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Prioritise workplace safety, role-modelling safe behaviours and ensuring alignment with dnata’s safety standards.
• Demonstrate professionalism and integrity in all interactions, acting as a trusted advisor and role model across the organisation.

To be considered for the role, you must meet the below requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject (HR, Business, Humanities) and 8+ years’ experience in a senior HR leadership role, preferably in a multi-national organisation.
• Strong regional HR experience with solid understanding of employment legislation, HR processes, and best practice.
• Ability to interpret and apply Singapore employment laws to HR strategies and solutions.
• Proven experience with HR systems, including implementation, integration, and adoption.
• Expertise in business transformation, programme management, and change management.
• Experience managing industrial relations in a unionised environment, including annual pay negotiations and communications.
• Data-driven approach with the ability to deliver insights to support decision-making.
• Strong leadership capabilities with financial acumen to plan and manage budgets.

You’ll have an edge if you have:

• Professional accreditation (CIPD or equivalent)