Head of Human Resources (Kuala Lumpur)

Job Summary:

We are seeking a hands-on, experienced, and resilient Head of Human Resources to lead and manage the HR function for our clients who is a leader in F&B industry. This role is crucial in supporting a workforce of approximately 500 employees, primarily composed of blue-collar workers across multiple outlets and operational sites.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial relations, employee discipline, recruitment, staff engagement, and operational HR, with a deep understanding of Malaysian employment laws. You must be proactive, firm, and ready to tackle tough people challenges head-on while maintaining a fair and solutions-driven approach.

Key Responsibilities:

• Human Resource Strategy & Planning
  • Develop and implement HR strategies that align with the company’s operational goals.
  • Lead workforce planning and manpower forecasting in collaboration with operations.
• Employee Relations & Disciplinary Management
  • Manage and resolve complex employee relations issues and disciplinary matters.
  • Ensure consistency in handling grievances, misconduct, and conflict resolution.
  • Represent the company in IR matters and liaise with relevant government bodies (e.g., JTK, IR Department).
• Compliance & Employment Law
  • Ensure HR policies and practices are in full compliance with Malaysian Employment Act and labor regulations.
  • Keep updated with changes in employment law and advise management on legal implications.
• Recruitment & Talent Acquisition
  • Oversee end-to-end recruitment, especially for operational/blue-collar roles, ensuring timely hiring.
  • Build relationships with recruitment agencies, vocational schools, and job centers to source candidates.
• Staff Engagement & Retention
  • Drive employee engagement initiatives to improve morale, productivity, and retention.
  • Implement welfare programs, recognition systems, and communication platforms for feedback and suggestions.
• Performance & HR Operations
  • Oversee performance management and KPI reviews for operational staff.
  • Ensure accurate and timely payroll, leave, and attendance tracking in collaboration with payroll/HRIS team.
  • Lead and support HR audits and ensure documentation and compliance are up to date.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 8–10 years of HR experience, with at least 5 years in a senior HR role handling blue-collar workforce.
• Proven experience in managing disciplinary cases, IR matters, and operational HR issues.
• Strong working knowledge of Malaysian Employment Law and Industrial Relations Act.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and willing to be on the ground with operations.
• Bilingual or multilingual proficiency (Bahasa Malaysia is essential).

Preferred Traits:

• Hands-on and people-oriented.
• Confident in dealing with difficult situations and making tough calls.
• Strong sense of integrity, fairness, and discretion.
• Proactive problem-solver with high emotional intelligence.