Head of People - Asia Pacific

Role Summary

People Management

• Lead, coach and develop a team of 3 that span across business partnering, HR operations and recruitment.

Strategic HR & Business Partnering 

• Develop and implement a regional People Strategy that aligns with the Institute’s vision and strategic objectives, integrating input from regional leaders and global functional counterparts to drive organizational success.
• Provide strategic advice and business partner support to leaders and managers within APAC focusing on resourcing, talent management, strategic people planning, and employee relations.
• Coach on complex matters and provide a strategic HR perspective to support workforce planning and business development.
• Partner with leaders in the APAC region to provide guidance and support on people-related matters.
• Work closely with other People Partners across regions to ensure alignment and consistency in people strategies.
• Build and nurture an open and progressive, bold and pragmatic, optimistic oriented culture through ongoing engagement assessment and initiatives across the region.

People Operations & Compliance

• Ensure consistent process compliance and efficiency to effectively deliver people processes and objectives at both regional and global levels.
• Provide guidance to track and monitor the performance of people-related initiatives within the Organization.
• Support on day-to-day people management matters, as well as the strategic direction of the business within key stakeholders.
• Oversee payroll and support the People Analyst with payroll preparation and data analysis.
• Provide expert advice on relevant employment law, emerging trends, best practice and support on implementing new legislation
• Manage and negotiate employee disputes, underperformance, disciplinary matters, and grievances while ensuring fair and effective resolution.

Performance Management & Development

• Collaborate with colleagues within the Global People Team to deliver the Institute’s performance management, learning and reward processes and initiatives.
• Lead the annual year-end review process and related activities while overseeing and supporting all performance management processes.

Talent Acquisition & Hiring 

• Define and develop hiring strategies for new roles driven by the needs of the relevant team or division and funding requirements
• Support Hiring Managers through interview processes and on best practice advice.
• Be an active contributor to the development of colleagues within the Global People Team and show commitment to the innovation and enhancement of the support provided to the organisation by the Global People Team

Person Specification 

This is a critical role within a fast-paced team, responsible for delivering high-quality People Operations support while contributing to broader People strategy initiatives. The successful candidate should possess a strong commitment to operational excellence, employee experience, and business partnering, and be able to demonstrate most of the following:

• Extensive experience as a senior HR business partner, specializing in operational HR delivery within international, commercial, matrixed, and fast-paced environments across the APAC region
• Expertise in executing and optimizing People Operations processes, including employee lifecycle management, performance management, and compliance.
• A practical understanding of how to align people processes with business needs, with some exposure to strategic people initiatives.
• Strong influencing skills and the ability to build effective relationships at all levels, including with senior leaders and stakeholders.
• A hands-on approach with a willingness to engage in all aspects of People Operations, from daily HR processes to workforce planning support.
• Strong organisation and prioritisation skills and able to successfully manage and deliver multiple projects simultaneously
• A proven ability to analyse, interpret and communicate complex and fast-moving information to senior stakeholders
• Ability to navigate difficult conversations and manage challenging individuals with professionalism and tact.
• Excellent verbal communication, writing, researching and editing skills
• Flexible working style and ability to support in numerous jurisdictions, learn quickly, and navigate ambiguity
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• The applicant must have the right to work in Singapore