Regional Human Resources Expert (APAC)

KDDI ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading telecommunications firm in Singapore seeks an experienced HR Director to lead HR operations across the APAC region. The role involves strategic partnership with business leaders, overseeing performance management and driving HR initiatives. Additionally, the successful candidate will require extensive experience in HR across multiple countries and a strong understanding of APAC labor laws. This position focuses on fostering a culture of innovation and engagement throughout the organization.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in leading HR teams across multiple countries.
• Strong understanding of APAC HR policies and multinational environments.
• Knowledge of regional labor laws and compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate HR operations across the APAC region.
• Drive regional initiatives and ensure effective local adaptation.
• Oversee performance management processes for consistency.

Skills

Leadership

Bilingual proficiency in English and Japanese

Organizational and talent development

Intercultural communication

Empathy and active listening

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or International Business (with HR focus)

Tools

HRIS platforms

Job description

Overview

Location: Singapore (APAC coverage)
Reports to: APAC Corporate Management Director and Chief Financial Officer
Focus: Sustainable growth and HR excellence across APAC subsidiaries, including Singapore

This role is to lead and coordinate HR operations across the APAC region. The role guides and supports HR leaders in each subsidiary, sets regional HR strategies, ensures compliance, and drives continuous improvement. The successful candidate will serve as a strategic partner to regional and local business leaders, fostering a culture of innovation, engagement, and high performance.

Responsibilities

• Regional HR Leadership & Subsidiary Oversight: Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to HR heads in APAC subsidiaries, ensuring alignment with regional and global HR strategies.
• Facilitate regular communication and sharing of best practices among subsidiary HR teams.
• Oversee the rollout of regional HR initiatives, ensuring effective local adaptation.
• Support HR heads in managing complex employee relations and navigating local labor laws.
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• Stakeholder Engagement & Alignment: Serve as the main HR contact for regional executive leadership and local HR heads.
• Align HR programs and communications across subsidiaries for consistency and transparency.
• Guide local HR heads in engaging with external stakeholders (e.g., regulators, industry bodies, benefits providers, educational institutions, business community) to ensure effective benchmarking and representation.

HR Technology & Analytics

• Lead digital transformation efforts through effective use of HRIS and analytics tools.
• Use regional HR data to inform strategy, workforce planning, and leadership decisions.

Compliance, Risk & Governance

• Ensure subsidiaries uphold high standards of confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity.
• Lead regional HR audits, risk assessments, and policy updates.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and ethical standards across all countries.

Performance Management

• Oversee regional performance management processes to ensure consistency and fairness.
• Provide insights on performance trends and talent identification.

Total Rewards

• Design and communicate regional compensation and benefits strategies that are competitive and compliant.
• Manage innovative rewards, incentive, and recognition programs.

Employee Experience, Culture & Engagement

• Promote a unified, values-driven workplace culture while respecting local customs.
• Lead regional efforts to improve employee engagement, satisfaction, and well-being.

Talent Management & Workforce Planning

• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across the region.
• Oversee talent acquisition, onboarding, and internal mobility in collaboration with local HR teams.
• Lead workforce planning to ensure optimal talent deployment.

Change Management Leadership

• Lead regional change initiatives, ensuring understanding and support across countries.
• Build change leadership capabilities among local HR heads and managers.

Organizational Development & Capability Building

• Drive regional talent development, succession planning, and learning programs.
• Implement strategies to improve organizational effectiveness and leadership capability.

Strategic Business Partnership

• Align HR strategies with business goals to drive performance, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
• Act as a trusted advisor to regional and local leadership on people-related matters.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or International Business (with HR focus).
• Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP) is an advantage.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Japanese will be an added advantage for communicating with Managing Directors of overseas subsidiaries.

Required Experience & Skills

• Proven experience leading HR teams across multiple countries or subsidiaries.
• Expertise in organizational and talent development.
• High empathy, active listening, and collaboration skills.
• Effective communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with HRIS platforms.
• Strong intercultural communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Willing to travel for business upon request.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of regional labor laws and compliance standards will be an advantage.
• Strong understanding of APAC HR policies and multinational environments will be an advantage.
• Experience in driving cultural and organizational change across borders will be an advantage.