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Head of Human Resources – Manufacturing (China and Thailand)

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An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Human Resources to oversee HR operations across manufacturing plants in China and Thailand. The successful candidate will play a key part in shaping the future of the organisation’s workforce, driving strategic initiatives, and fostering a supportive environment where employees can flourish.

With a focus on both operational excellence and people development, this position offers the chance to make a significant impact across multiple sites while working alongside knowledgeable leaders who value inclusivity, flexibility, and professional growth. If you are passionate about supporting others, adept at navigating complex labour environments, and eager to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, this could be your next career-defining move.

  • Lead HR strategy and execution across major manufacturing sites in China and Thailand, ensuring alignment with business goals and local regulations while promoting a culture of collaboration and support.
  • Drive comprehensive workforce planning initiatives that anticipate production needs, optimise staffing levels, and nurture talent pipelines for long-term organisational success.
  • Champion employee engagement, retention, and development programmes that foster a positive workplace atmosphere, encourage knowledge sharing, and support the professional growth of all team members.

What you'll do:

As Head of Human Resources – Manufacturing (China and Thailand), you will play an integral role in shaping the people agenda across multiple sites. Your day-to-day activities will involve partnering with plant leaders to ensure optimal workforce planning while maintaining harmonious labour relations. You will be responsible for developing robust HR strategies that not only meet immediate operational needs but also lay the groundwork for future growth. By championing employee engagement initiatives and leading organisational change efforts such as automation or restructuring projects, you will help create an environment where every individual feels valued. Your ability to mentor local HR teams will be crucial in building a culture rooted in collaboration, dependability, and mutual respect. Through regular monitoring of HR metrics and providing insightful feedback to senior management, you will drive ongoing improvements that benefit both employees and the wider business.

  • Develop and implement regional HR strategies that support current and future production requirements across manufacturing facilities in China and Thailand.
  • Collaborate closely with plant leadership teams to forecast labour needs, optimise workforce deployment, and ensure effective talent management throughout the region.
  • Oversee all aspects of labour relations including union negotiations, grievance resolution processes, and compliance with local employment laws in both countries.
  • Ensure consistent application of HR policies and practices tailored to local legal frameworks and cultural expectations within each country.
  • Drive employee engagement initiatives by designing programmes that enhance job satisfaction, promote well-being, and encourage open communication among staff.
  • Lead organisational change efforts such as restructuring projects, automation rollouts, and upskilling opportunities to maintain competitiveness in the market.
  • Mentor and manage local HR teams by fostering a high-performance culture built on trust, cooperation, and shared learning experiences.
  • Monitor key HR metrics regularly to provide actionable insights for senior leadership aimed at continuous process improvement.
  • Support the implementation of employee retention strategies that recognise contributions and create pathways for career advancement within the organisation.

What you bring:

To excel as Head of Human Resources – Manufacturing (China and Thailand), your background should reflect substantial experience managing large-scale HR functions within industrial or manufacturing contexts. Your proven ability to design effective workforce plans will be complemented by deep familiarity with unionised environments where sensitivity to local customs is essential. Strong interpersonal skills are vital; you must be able to communicate empathetically across cultures while guiding teams through periods of change or transformation. Your approach should emphasise collaboration over competition—valuing input from all levels of the organisation—and demonstrate a commitment to nurturing talent through ongoing training opportunities. A thorough understanding of regional employment legislation ensures compliance at every stage while your analytical mindset allows you to interpret data trends for continuous improvement. Above all else, your dedication to creating supportive workplaces where everyone can thrive sets you apart as an ideal candidate for this influential position.

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field; Master’s degree preferred for those seeking further academic grounding.
  • A minimum of 10 years’ progressive experience in human resources with at least 5 years spent within a manufacturing environment managing complex operations.
  • Demonstrated regional HR leadership experience within Asia—particularly China and Thailand—showcasing your ability to navigate diverse cultural landscapes effectively.
  • Proven expertise in workforce planning methodologies coupled with hands-on experience managing labour relations including union negotiations.
  • Comprehensive understanding of employment laws as well as best practice HR policies relevant to both China and Thailand.
  • Exceptional cross-cultural communication skills enabling you to build rapport with stakeholders from varied backgrounds while promoting inclusivity.
  • Experience leading organisational change initiatives such as restructuring or automation projects within industrial settings is highly desirable.
  • A track record of mentoring HR professionals at different stages of their careers by fostering knowledge sharing networks that support collective growth.
  • Willingness to travel regionally as required by business demands ensuring close connection with all sites under your remit.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as a leader in its sector thanks to its unwavering commitment to employee well-being, professional development opportunities, and inclusive workplace culture. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements designed to accommodate personal circumstances alongside generous pension contributions that secure their futures. The company invests heavily in training programmes so individuals can expand their skillsets while feeling supported every step of the way. With a strong emphasis on teamwork rather than hierarchy, staff are encouraged to share ideas openly—fostering innovation through collaboration rather than competition. The leadership team is known for being approachable and responsive; they prioritise transparent communication channels so everyone feels heard regardless of their role or location. By joining this forward-thinking employer, you become part of a community dedicated not just to operational excellence but also to making meaningful connections between colleagues across borders.

What's next:

If you are ready to take on a rewarding challenge where your expertise can truly make a difference across international manufacturing sites, we invite you to apply now!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided—your next career milestone awaits!

Do note that we will only be in touch if your application is shortlisted.

Agensi Pekerjaan Robert Walters Sdn Bhd
Business Registration Number : 729828-T
Licence Number : JTKSM 423C

Contract Type: FULL_TIME

Specialism: Human Resources

Focus: HR Generalist

Industry: Manufacturing and Production

Salary: Negotiable

Workplace Type: On-site

Experience Level: Senior Management

Location: Shah Alam

Job Reference: 7CA5VG-938EA866

Date posted: 24 June 2025

Consultant: Vinosha Jothiraja