Head of Human Resources

A leading food manufacturer in Penang is seeking a Head of Human Resources to champion both people and culture initiatives as well as work health and safety strategies.

This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to shape organisational culture, drive employee engagement, and ensure compliance with workplace safety standards. You will be empowered to develop and implement HR strategies that align with business goals, foster a positive and inclusive environment, and support operational excellence. The organisation values teamwork, honesty, integrity, and quality, providing a supportive atmosphere where your expertise will make a meaningful impact. If you are passionate about nurturing talent, promoting wellbeing, and building trust across all levels of the workforce, this is your chance to join an organisation committed to continuous improvement and collective achievement.

What you'll do:

As Head of Human Resources in Penang’s thriving food manufacturing sector, you will be entrusted with overseeing both HR operations and work health & safety initiatives. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve strategic planning for talent acquisition and retention while cultivating an environment where employees feel valued and supported. You will guide managers through performance review cycles—helping them set achievable goals—and facilitate ongoing training opportunities that encourage professional development. By managing internal communications effectively, you’ll build transparency across teams while handling sensitive matters such as grievances or disciplinary actions with empathy. In addition to your HR duties, you’ll take charge of workplace safety: developing robust WHS policies; conducting audits; coordinating emergency drills; liaising with regulatory bodies; maintaining accurate records; investigating incidents; supporting injured staff through their recovery journey. Success in this role means creating a safe workplace where everyone feels connected—ensuring compliance at every step—and driving continuous improvement in both people management practices and safety protocols.

• Develop and execute human resources strategies that align with organisational objectives while promoting employee engagement and retention across all departments.
• Oversee recruitment processes including job descriptions, onboarding programmes, performance management systems, and employee development initiatives to ensure a seamless experience for new hires and existing staff.
• Lead employee relations efforts by providing guidance on HR policies, procedures, modern awards, and best practices to managers and employees alike.
• Champion core values throughout the organisation by fostering a positive, inclusive workplace culture that encourages collaboration and trust.
• Support managers during performance reviews by assisting with goal setting, training plans, follow-up meetings, and outcome discussions to nurture professional growth.
• Facilitate internal communication channels to ensure transparency within the workforce while maintaining open lines for feedback and information sharing.
• Handle grievances, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution processes in a fair and consistent manner that prioritises positive outcomes for all parties involved.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws, awards, organisational policies, WHS legislation, and industry standards through regular audits and updates.
• Develop and maintain WHS policies, procedures, risk management systems; conduct workplace audits; lead incident investigations; coordinate emergency preparedness; liaise with external subcontractors/regulatory bodies; maintain accurate safety records; drive continuous improvement in WHS management systems.
• Act as Return-to-Work Coordinator by assisting injured employees through their return process while liaising with stakeholders to ensure suitable duties are adhered to.

What you bring:

To excel as Head of Human Resources in this dynamic food manufacturing environment you will bring extensive experience managing dual HR/safety roles ideally gained over ten years within FMCG or industrial settings. Your proven track record includes designing people-centric strategies that enhance engagement retention whilst ensuring compliance with employment laws awards policies. You possess advanced communication negotiation abilities—enabling you to build trust resolve conflicts influence decision-makers—and demonstrate high attention detail when handling sensitive matters or complex regulatory requirements. Your practical understanding of WHS systems allows you not only to conduct thorough audits but also drive proactive improvements through data analysis trend identification corrective action implementation. As an empathetic leader you guide mentor teams collaboratively balancing operational demands strategic initiatives whilst maintaining transparency openness throughout all interactions. Your commitment professionalism ensures confidentiality is respected at every stage whilst your passion for nurturing talent promoting wellbeing sets you apart as an advocate for positive change.

• Comprehensive knowledge of human resources best practices including recruitment strategies, employee relations frameworks, performance management systems, and organisational culture development.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive confidential information professionally while demonstrating discretion in all interactions.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills enabling you to influence stakeholders at every level within the organisation.
• Experience resolving conflicts constructively with a focus on achieving positive outcomes for individuals as well as the wider team.
• In-depth understanding of work health & safety regulations including risk management principles and compliance requirements relevant to manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience conducting risk assessments, audits, safety inspections alongside practical knowledge of incident investigation methodologies.
• Strong analytical reporting skills allowing you to identify trends in HR/WHS data and implement effective improvements accordingly.
• Ability to coordinate emergency preparedness activities such as drills or WHS training programmes ensuring readiness across the workforce.
• High level of organisational skills enabling you to manage multiple tasks/priorities efficiently within a busy operational context.
• Leadership qualities that inspire teams across HR/WHS functions while fostering collaboration knowledge-sharing mutual support.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out for its unwavering commitment to quality customer satisfaction teamwork honesty integrity—all core values deeply embedded into daily operations. Employees are encouraged to take pride in their work embrace innovation adapt continuously improve processes collectively achieve goals together. The company fosters an inclusive supportive environment where knowledge-sharing mutual respect underpin every relationship from frontline staff through senior leadership. With generous training opportunities available employees can grow professionally whilst contributing meaningfully towards shared objectives. The focus on workplace safety is paramount ensuring everyone feels secure protected empowered regardless of their role or background. By joining this team you become part of a network dedicated not only to operational excellence but also personal wellbeing—where your contributions are recognised celebrated—and where flexibility collaboration underpin long-term success.

What's next:

If you are ready to make a lasting impact on people culture safety apply now for this rewarding opportunity!

Apply today or email me at jack.moh@robertwalters.com.my to discuss this new opportunity.

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