Human Resources Manager

Job Summary

To lead and manage the full spectrum of Human Resources for the Education Division and to be based at Sepang, supporting the establishment, development and smooth operation of the international school. The role partners closely with the Executive Principal, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), People Managers and Group HR to ensure effective people strategies, strong HR governance, regulatory compliance and a positive employee experience.

Job Responsibilities:

1. HR Strategy & Stakeholder Management

• • Provide strategic HR advice and support to the Executive Principal, SLT and People Managers on people-related matters.
  • Partner with Group HR to align Education HR practices with the Group’s overall HR strategy, policies and governance.
  • Support school audits, inspections and accreditation processes from an HR perspective.

2. HR Governance, Compliance & Policy Development

• • Ensure HR practices comply with Group policies, employment legislation, immigration requirements and applicable education-related regulations.
  • Monitor changes in employment, immigration and education regulations and implement necessary HR policies and processes.
  • Review and localise Group HR SOPPs and develop Education-specific policies, including academic employment, employee benefits, recruitment and safeguarding requirements.
  • Work with SLT to incorporate HR-related requirements into school policies, procedures and employee handbooks.

3. Workforce Planning & Recruitment

• • Lead workforce planning aligned with student enrolment growth and the school’s academic and operational requirements.
  • Oversee recruitment activities with support from the internal recruitment team.
  • Work with the CEO, Executive Principal, Heads of School and People Managers to identify manpower requirements and manage HR budgets.

4. Compensation, Benefits & Payroll

• • Develop and maintain competitive compensation structures, salary scales, benefits and allowances for academic employees based on relevant market benchmarks.
  • Apply Group compensation policies and practices for non-academic employees.
  • Ensure compensation practices support internal equity, market competitiveness and budget requirements.
  • Oversee payroll administration for Sunsuria Education to ensure accurate, timely and compliant payroll processing.

5. Performance Management & Employee Lifecycle

• • Lead the annual performance management cycle, including consolidation, moderation and management discussions.
  • Advise and guide People Managers on performance improvement processes (PIP), including documentation, evidence and review meetings.
  • Oversee key employee lifecycle processes including onboarding, probation, performance management, employee development and separation.
  • Collaborate with SLT to review and enhance the teaching performance management framework, ensuring appropriate HR governance and best practices.

6. Academic Contract Management

• • Lead the annual academic contract renewal exercise, including salary review and renewal discussions.
  • Coordinate issuance of renewal/intent letters, documentation, management approvals and communication with academic employees.

7. Expatriate Management

• • Oversee expatriate employment, immigration, relocation and onboarding processes to ensure compliance and a smooth employee experience.
  • Monitor expatriate legal status and work closely with relevant internal and external parties on immigration matters.
  • Deliver expatriate onboarding and HR induction covering HR policies, tax, EPF, financial/will planning awareness and practical guidance on living and working in Malaysia.

8. HR Operations & Administration

• • Oversee day-to-day HR operations and service delivery for the Education Division.
  • Ensure timely and effective execution of HR processes, documentation and employee services.
  • Manage HR-related procurement, payments and vendor coordination, including quotations, QERs, POs, GRNs and payment follow-up.
  • Provide hands-on support during peak periods to maintain operational continuity and service standards.

9. Employee & Industrial Relations

• • Manage employee grievances and disciplinary matters in accordance with Group policies and applicable legislation.
  • Lead investigations and provide advice to People Managers on employee relations matters.
  • Manage industrial relations cases and ensure fair, consistent and legally compliant resolution.

10. Employee Engagement & Wellbeing

• • Implement Group HR employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives for Sunsuria Education.
  • Lead school-based engagement activities and celebrations to strengthen employee connection, culture and sense of belonging, including school welcome activities, festive celebrations and end-of-school-year initiatives.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Management or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years in a managerial or HRBP role. Experience in education or an international school environment is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of Malaysian employment legislation, HR practices, statutory requirements and expatriate/immigration matters.
• Proven experience in HR policy development, compensation & benefits, performance management, employee relations and workforce planning.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior management, school leadership and People Managers.
• Hands-on, organised and adaptable, with the ability to manage both strategic HR initiatives and day-to-day HR operations in a fast-paced environment.