Regional Leader, APAC Labor and Employment COE
On-siteSingapore, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Job Summary
Lead the APAC Labor & Employee Relations governance, strategy, and operating model to ensure alignment with Global LER priorities while driving consistency across operating companies in Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand. Establish regional service delivery models including decision rights, escalation frameworks, playbooks, and standard work to enable compliant management of employee and labor relations matters. Develop operational excellence through SLAs, KPIS, and analytics to solve problems, identify trends, and mitigate risk. Partner with L&E Legal, regional HR, and business leaders on complex, high-risk matters, serving as the subject matter expert for organizational change initiatives including restructurings and workforce actions. Monitor labor and employment law developments across the region to translate requirements into practical solutions, policies, and training. Build LER capability throughout the organization and lead high-performing regional talent. This role reports to the Vice President & Chief Counsel, Labor & Employment, and requires on-site presence with 20–30% travel within APAC.
Required Qualifications
- University degree in Business, Human Resources, or another related field
- 7+ years of labor and employee relations experience for broad remit of APAC countries with substantial responsibility in leading a variety of complex LER issues to conclusion including HR investigations; individual and group/collective employment separations; performance management and performance-improvement plans; disciplinary action; etc.
- At least 4+ total years of people leadership / management experience, including a minimum of 2 years managing remote-based employees within the last 4 years
- At least 4 years' experience in managing, handling and executing employee relations investigations, particularly in a remote capacity, and preparation of appropriate documentation
- Experience with project and change management
- Experience developing, improving, executing and scaling LER core processes and programs, including workflows, best practices, and matter/resource governance with demonstrable ability to translate legal requirements into pragmatic solutions and processes
- Solid working knowledge of relevant labor and employment laws
- High ethical standards
- Sound judgment
- Resilience under pressure
- A balanced approach combining empathy with objectivity
- Ability to travel 20 – 30% (primarily within APAC region)
- Location in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- On-site work requirement
Desired Qualifications
- Fluency in English and other relevant languages
- Legal background in employment law or are a qualified lawyer
- Experience in multinational companies, particularly within life sciences, manufacturing, or regulated industries
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