Associate Director, Rewards and HR Transformation
Our client, a highly reputable Asian diversified business group with global footprint, is seeking an experienced Associate Director, Rewards and HR Transformation to join its Group Headquarters in Singapore. The organisation manages a portfolio of consumer-facing businesses and services and is progressively transforming its operating model, capabilities, and talent strategy for a more digital, technology-enabled environment. The HR function today is primarily operational, and the organisation is now taking steady, practical steps to enhance its strategic HR, HR business partnering, and total rewards capabilities.
The role
Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this is a hands-on group-level role with meaningful exposure to senior leadership. You will work closely with business leaders, HR Centres of Expertise, Shared Services, and other HR colleagues in Singapore to support a more structured, data-informed and commercially aligned people agenda.
The role is well suited to a grounded HR leader who is comfortable working with legacy processes, building trust over time, and progressing change in a paced, sustainable manner. You will balance day-to-day operational needs with practical improvements in rewards, workforce planning, HR processes, and ways of working, recognising that transformation in this environment is iterative rather than overnight.
Key responsibilities
- Support the Chief People Officer and senior leaders in aligning HR priorities with business needs and longer-term workforce requirements.
- Lead and coordinate workforce planning, organisational design, and restructuring activities in a structured, pragmatic way.
- Manage and gradually strengthen HR transformation initiatives, ensuring clear plans, realistic timelines, and disciplined follow-through.
- Refine HR operating model and processes to improve clarity, consistency, and service quality, with a strong focus on the Singapore headquarters.
- Partner with HR Centres of Expertise and Shared Services to deliver integrated, end-to-end HR solutions, balancing strategic intent with practical implementation.
- Build and uplift HR business partnering capabilities, including simple tools, guidelines, and routines that help HR colleagues engage more effectively with the business.
- Provide leadership for total rewards, including salary structures, job architecture, market benchmarking, incentive frameworks, and governance, ensuring solutions are fair, competitive, and sustainable.
- Strengthen the use of HR systems, data, and reporting to support everyday decision-making and basic dashboards for leaders.
- Work collaboratively with Finance, Legal, Technology, Analytics, and Business Operations to deliver stable, coherent people outcomes.
- Coach and support HR team members, role-modelling patience, resilience, and a continuous improvement mindset.
Candidate profile
- At least 15 years of progressive HR experience, including solid exposure to senior-level responsibilities in complex or evolving organisations.
- Experience leading or playing a key role in HR change and improvement initiatives, ideally in environments where HR has been primarily operational.
- Strong grounding in total rewards, including compensation structures, job evaluation, incentive design, and market benchmarking.
- Practical, business-minded approach, able to translate strategy into realistic, staged HR and rewards initiatives.
- Proven ability to build trust with senior stakeholders over time, listen well, and navigate differing expectations with calm and maturity.
- Resilient, patient, and comfortable working with legacy systems and processes while moving change forward step by step.
- Familiarity with HR technology and data, and experience managing projects or workstreams with clear plans and governance.
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related discipline; further qualifications or professional HR certifications are an advantage but not essential.
This role will appeal to a steady, down-to-earth HR leader who enjoys building, improving, and guiding others through change at a measured, sustainable pace.
All applications will be handled in strict confidence.
