Director Compensation

A major global retailer with significant APAC presences is searching for a new Director of Total Rewards to own compensation strategy, benefits design, HR controlling & analytics, HR compliance, and HR technology/systems infrastructure.

YOU'LL OWN

Total Rewards & Compensation Strategy:

• Co-design and lead the implementation of total rewards strategy aligned to business vision
• Partner with HRBP leadership to design, implement, and evolve SEAO's compensation & benefits offering
• Ensure market competitiveness and internal equity across all markets
• Lead annual salary review process, design compensation proposals for head office population, oversee retail salary structures
• Anticipate changes in local markets that affect comp & benefits packages
• Review, negotiate, and renew insurance programs (medical, life, work injury compensation) across markets
• Promote comp & benefits initiatives to ensure visibility, understanding, and engagement

HR Controlling & Analytics:

• Lead HR controlling activities — headcount tracking, people cost monitoring, budget governance
• Develop accurate workforce and cost forecasts with Finance and Retail teams
• Drive data-driven decision-making through HR analytics and dashboards for senior leadership
• Ensure automation and standardization of reporting

HR Governance & Compliance:

• Define and enhance HR policies and frameworks aligned to business objectives and local regulations
• Ensure full compliance with local labor laws across all 8 markets
• Lead HR audits and implement controls to strengthen governance
• Educate leaders and employees on HR policies; drive adoption and consistent implementation

HR Operations & Technology:

• Lead and develop the HR Operations team (headcount tracking, payroll, employee lifecycle, systems)
• Oversee HRIS to ensure smooth operations, accuracy, timely updates
• Lead transformation of HR Operations function — scalability, standardization, automation
• Establish and monitor HR delivery standards (SLAs) for quality support
• Drive modernization of HR processes to improve efficiency, reduce manual work, strengthen controls

YOU BRING

Experience & Technical Expertise:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field (or equivalent professional experience)
• 10+ years in Compensation & Benefits, ideally in retail, hospitality, or service industry
• Strong familiarity with HRIS platforms (hands-on experience preferred)
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office — Excel and PowerPoint
• Track record designing and managing total rewards programs in multi-market, matrix environments
• Experience managing benefits programs, insurance renewals, and salary structures across multiple jurisdictions
• Understanding of local labor law compliance across Southeast Asia or similar regions

Stakeholder Leadership & Collaboration:

• Proven stakeholder management in matrix organizations
• Strong influencing skills — ability to engage, advise, and align stakeholders at all levels
• Relationship-driven approach; build trust and credibility across diverse teams
• Comfort partnering with Finance, Retail, and Global HR on strategy and execution

Ways of Working:

• Self-motivated, able to work independently and manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environment
• Analytical, organized, translates data into clear recommendations and action plans
• Energized by operational change and continuous improvement
• Passionate about cultivating engaging, inclusive, high-performing work culture
• Strong communication skills — presents insights clearly to senior leadership

Standing Requirements:

• A growth mindset with new technology — you learn the tools before you're told to, and you're honest about what you don't know yet
• The ability to give feedback that lands and receive it without armour
• Stakeholder management across functions — you keep the right people close, informed, and on side
• Communication skills that hold up with senior leaders — clear, concise, and credible in the rooms where decisions get made

NOT REQUIRED BUT VALUED

• Experience in beauty, retail, or FMCG sectors
• Familiarity with LVMH or luxury goods environments
• Background managing compensation and benefits across Southeast Asia specifically
• Experience with payroll modernization or HRIS implementation/migration
• Exposure to data analytics tools (Tableau, Power BI, SAP, etc.)
• Knowledge of regional retail operations and store staffing models

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

You're the strategic HR leader owning compensation strategy and people cost management for a high-growth regional business. You'll partner directly with the HRVP and executive leadership on people strategy, ensuring the business attracts and retains talent at competitive cost. This is a visible, strategic role with significant impact on business profitability and culture.

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