HR Manager | Johor Jaya

Company Background:

Our client is a Malaysia-based engineering contractor specializing in Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) and trenchless technology for underground installation of telecommunications, fiber optic, and power utilities. The company supports infrastructure and utility projects across Malaysia with strong engineering and project execution capabilities.

Job summary

The HR Manager leads the company's HR function — recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, payroll & benefits coordination, training & development, HR policy compliance and HR administration. Acts as business partner to line management to deliver workforce capability, engagement and regulatory compliance that supports Kum Fatt's operational goals.

Key responsibilities

Talent acquisition & onboarding

• Plan and execute hiring for production, technical, admin roles: create job ads, shortlist, coordinate interviews, conduct reference & background checks.
• Manage end-to-end onboarding, coordinate induction schedule, ensure new-hire documentation completed within 3 working days.
• Maintain candidate pipeline for recurring roles.

Performance & talent management

• Implement and manage performance appraisal cycles (goal-setting, mid-year review, year-end appraisal).
• Support managers with performance improvement plans (PIP), promotions, succession planning.
• Maintain training matrix and administer development programs.
  

Employee relations & engagement

• Handle disciplinary matters, grievances and investigations in conformance with company policy and Malaysian employment laws.
• Design and run employee engagement activities and regular pulse checks; propose improvement actions.
• Advise management on employee morale, retention risks and headcount needs.

Compensation, benefits & payroll support

• Coordinate monthly payroll inputs with finance/payroll vendor; ensure timely & accurate payroll submission.
• Manage statutory compliance for EPF, SOCSO, PCB (MRT/MTD) filings and annual returns; coordinate with external consultants when needed.
• Review and recommend benefits and allowance programs (attendance allowances, overtime policy).
  

HR policies, systems & reporting

• Develop, update and communicate HR policies (employee handbook); ensure document control.
• Maintain HRIS/employee records; generate HR dashboards and operational reports (turnover, headcount, absenteeism).
• Ensure HR practices comply with Malaysian employment legislation and
  safety/regulatory requirements.
  

HR administration & cost control

• Prepare HR budget inputs; monitor overtime, headcount and hiring costs.
• Review and improve HR processes (SOPs) for efficiency and audit readiness.

Job Requirements:

• Degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration or related field.
• Professional HR certification preferred (e.g., CIPD, MIHRM) — desirable.
• 5–8 years HR experience; at least 2–3 years in HR generalist/managerial role, ideally in manufacturing/engineering or SME (Med) environment.
• Solid knowledge of Malaysian labour law, EPF/SOCSO/EIS and payroll process.
• Strong stakeholder management and coaching skills.
• Recruitment & interviewing, performance management, employee relations.
• Data-driven: comfortable with HRIS and MS Excel; ability to produce HR dashboards.
• Problem solving, confidentiality and ethics.
• Good communication in English and Bahasa Malaysia; Cantonese / Mandarin a plus if relevant for shop-floor communications.

Location: Johor Jaya, Johor