Senior HR Manager

A leading organisation in the food manufacturing sector is seeking a Senior Human Resources Manager to join their Penang-based team.

This is an exceptional opportunity for you to play a pivotal role in shaping and optimising the human resources function within a thriving industry. Reporting directly to senior management, you will be entrusted with overseeing all aspects of HR, from recruitment and talent development to compensation, benefits, and compliance. The company values your expertise in Malaysian labour laws and your ability to foster a supportive, inclusive environment that enhances team cohesion and stability. If you are passionate about nurturing talent, driving positive change, and contributing to business growth through people-centric strategies, this position offers you the platform to make a meaningful impact while enjoying flexible working opportunities and ongoing professional development.

• Take ownership of the entire human resources spectrum for a well-established food manufacturing business, ensuring best practices across recruitment, employee relations, performance management, training, and more.
• Collaborate closely with senior leaders and department heads to build robust talent pipelines, optimise HR systems tailored to the unique needs of the food manufacturing industry, and support business expansion.

What you'll do:

As Senior Human Resources Manager – Food Manufacturing based in Penang, you will be at the heart of all people-related activities within the organisation. Your day-to-day responsibilities will see you collaborating with senior leadership to design forward-thinking HR strategies that drive engagement and productivity. You will ensure that every aspect of the employee lifecycle is managed efficiently—from attracting top talent through innovative sourcing methods to developing robust onboarding programmes that set new hires up for success. Your expertise in local employment regulations will be crucial as you safeguard compliance across all HR operations. By nurturing relationships across departments and championing best practices in performance management and employee development, you will help create an environment where everyone feels valued. Your commitment to cost-effective solutions will enable the business to remain competitive while supporting employees’ wellbeing through thoughtfully designed rewards systems. Ultimately, your role will be instrumental in building a dependable workforce equipped for long-term success.

• Oversee all facets of human resource management including recruitment, workforce allocation, compensation and benefits administration, employee relations, performance appraisal processes, as well as training and development initiatives.
• Establish and continuously refine comprehensive HR systems that align with the specific operational requirements of the food manufacturing sector.
• Ensure full compliance with Malaysian labour laws by managing employment contracts, attendance records, dispute resolution procedures, and other regulatory matters.
• Lead efforts to build a strong talent pipeline by focusing on the recruitment, retention, training, and motivation of both front-line production staff and management personnel.
• Work collaboratively with various departments to assess human resource needs, streamline recruitment processes for greater efficiency and quality of hire.
• Optimise compensation structures and benefits programmes while implementing incentive mechanisms that reflect industry standards and organisational goals.
• Monitor and control HR-related costs effectively without compromising on employee satisfaction or operational excellence.
• Provide guidance on complex employee relations issues while fostering a harmonious work environment built on trust and mutual respect.
• Deliver additional HR projects or assignments as directed by company management to support strategic objectives.

What you bring:

To excel as Senior Human Resources Manager – Food Manufacturing in Penang, your background should demonstrate substantial hands-on experience across all major HR disciplines within industrial settings. Your academic credentials underpin your practical expertise—ideally supported by further professional development relevant to human capital management. You bring not only technical proficiency but also outstanding communication skills in both English and Chinese which empower you to bridge cultural gaps within diverse teams. Your approach is grounded in empathy; you understand how thoughtful HR interventions can transform workplace morale. You are adept at navigating complex regulatory landscapes while maintaining meticulous records that stand up under scrutiny. Your natural inclination towards collaboration means you thrive when working alongside others towards shared goals. Above all else, your resilience enables you to maintain composure during challenging periods—ensuring continuity of service delivery even when demands intensify.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Human Resource Management, Business Administration or related discipline is required; advanced qualifications are advantageous.
• At least five years’ experience managing end-to-end human resources functions with three years specifically within the manufacturing sector; direct exposure to food manufacturing environments is highly desirable.
• Comprehensive knowledge of all core HR modules including recruitment strategies, compensation frameworks, performance evaluation systems, training programme design, and employee relations protocols.
• Demonstrated proficiency in interpreting Malaysian labour laws and employment policies; proven track record handling contracts, disputes resolution processes, and regulatory compliance matters.
• Fluency in both English and Chinese (written and spoken) is essential for effective cross-departmental communication and documentation handling.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills enabling you to communicate clearly with stakeholders at all levels while building trust-based relationships throughout the organisation.
• Strong organisational abilities allowing you to manage multiple priorities simultaneously under pressure without sacrificing attention to detail or quality outcomes.
• A collaborative mindset paired with high emotional intelligence ensures you can nurture team spirit while resolving challenges constructively.
• Proven ability to adapt quickly within fast-evolving environments typical of food manufacturing operations.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as a respected leader within Malaysia’s vibrant food manufacturing sector—a field renowned for its commitment to quality products that nourish communities locally and beyond. Employees benefit from being part of an inclusive culture where teamwork is celebrated at every level. The company invests heavily in ongoing training opportunities so that each member can grow professionally according to their aspirations. Flexible working arrangements are available wherever possible because work-life balance is genuinely valued here. With supportive leadership guiding every initiative—and a clear focus on ethical business practices—you’ll find yourself empowered not just to contribute but also to flourish personally within this welcoming environment.

What's next:

If you are ready to take your career in human resources management further within an industry-leading organisation dedicated to people-first values—this is your moment!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided; we look forward to connecting with talented professionals who share our passion for excellence.

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