Employee and Industrial Relations Manager

The Employee and Industrial Relations Manager will lead end-to-end ER/IR strategy for the Enstek plant, ensuring compliance, workplace harmony and operational excellence. This role is pivotal in managing grievance processes, driving policy governance and building strong union engagement in a newly unionized environment. Acting as a trusted advisor to plant leadership, the ER/IR Manager will foster a culture of fairness, accountability and continuous improvement. Key responsibilities include overseeing misconduct investigations, leading compliance audits and managing foreign worker operations, including hostels and canteen services. The role also includes building leadership capability in navigating the Collective Agreement and shaping constructive union relationships. With a focus on ethical labor practices, risk mitigation, and regulatory alignment, the role ensures the plant remains audit-ready and compliant at all times.

A Taste of What You'll Be Doing

• Grievance & Compliance Leadership:
• Lead end-to-end employee misconduct investigations (preliminary and detailed), ensuring fairness, consistency, and legal compliance across all cases
• Own full disciplinary lifecycle: recommend actions, approve issuance of show cause/warning/dismissal letters, and maintain robust, auditable records
• Drive periodic compliance audits across contract labor suppliers (security, canteen, uniform vendors) and ensure timely corrective action on non-conformities
• Conduct due diligence and performance reviews of foreign operator agencies; submit data-driven recommendations for contract renewals or terminations
• Policy & Process Ownership:
• Manage centralized document control for all HR policies, procedures, and operational guidelines ensuring accessibility, version control, and alignment with evolving legal standards
• Design and deliver compliance training programs for managers and employees, covering HR policy, performance management, and labor law essentials
• Act as the go-to subject matter expert on employment law, IR best practices, and grievance resolution frameworks
• Union Engagement & Strategy:
• Lead plant's transition into a unionized environment: educate leaders and HR on union dynamics, negotiation frameworks, and collaborative engagement models
• Build and sustain a constructive union relationship balancing business needs with employee representation through regular dialogue, transparency, and mutual respect
• Anticipate union-related risks and opportunities; advise leadership proactively on IR positioning and response strategies
• Drive union readiness programs, including leadership coaching, communication protocols, and scenario planning
• Canteen Management:
• Lead vendor governance for contract labor and canteen operations. Monitor service levels, hygiene, and employee satisfaction; drive timely audits, feedback loops, and improvements
• Hostel & Foreign Worker Management (End-to-End):
• Manage full lifecycle of foreign worker operations: manpower planning, documentation, immigration processes, hostel inspections, welfare coordination, and compliance with regulatory and internal standards
• Ensure foreign workers are treated with dignity and respect; champion human rights standards and ethical labor practices
• Coordinate with embassies, Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Immigration, and labor agencies to ensure seamless processes and timely resolution of issues
• Oversee hostel living conditions, safety, and welfare programs; act as the primary point of contact for foreign worker concerns
• Compliance Audits & Risk Management:
• Lead and coordinate audits related to labor compliance, human rights, and ethical sourcing across all third-party providers
• Ensure the plant is audit-ready at all times; track and close findings with urgency and rigor.
• Stay current on evolving labor regulations and proactively adjust policies and practices to mitigate risk

We're Looking for Someone With

• 710 years of HR experience, with deep exposure to industrial relations, employee relations, labor law, and HR compliance, preferably in a unionized manufacturing or FMCG environment
• Proven track record of managing complex disciplinary cases, union negotiations, and IR matters with sound judgment and integrity
• Strong working knowledge of Malaysian labor law, Employment Act, Industrial Relations Act, and related regulations
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); able to prepare reports, dashboards, and present findings with clarity
• Familiar with HR systems, documentation best practices, and audit standards
• Excellent stakeholder management and interpersonal skills; able to influence, negotiate and build trust across all levels, from frontline employees to senior leaders
• Resilient and self-driven, with the ability to balance strategic design and operational delivery
• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Industrial Relations or related discipline

What's Next

After you apply, your application will be reviewed by a real recruiter, so it may take us a few weeks to get back with you by email or phone. Visit our How We Hire page to get insights into our hiring process and more about what we offer.

Get to Know Us

At Kellanova, we are driven by our vision to be the world's best-performing snacks-led powerhouse, unleashing the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Our portfolio of iconic, world-class brands include Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, MorningStar Farms, Special K, Krave, Zucaritas, Tresor, Crunchy Nut, among others.

Our focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) enables us to build a culture of belonging where all employees have a place at the table and are inspired to share their passion, talents and ideas to work.

Mars has agreed to acquire Kellanova in a combination that will shape the future of snacking! The transaction is anticipated to close within the first half of 2025 (subject to Kellanova shareowner approval and other customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals). The companies remain separate until closing.

You can learn more at www.futureofsnacking.com and our hiring teams will be happy to discuss further questions if your application advances in the hiring process.

About Kellanova AMEA

Home to 75% of the world's population and contributing to 50% of the global GDP, the AMEA region represents a vast and promising market for Kellanova. This region provides an extensive geographic presence and holds substantial growth potential, especially considering our diverse portfolio spanning multiple categories.

AMEA is strategically positioned for growth, positioning itself to become a prominent player in the snacking industry while maintaining a steady trajectory of cereal growth. As we expand our product offerings, reach new geographic horizons, and increase investments in emerging markets within AMEA, you have the opportunity to become an integral part of a dynamic and forward-thinking organization. We are deeply committed to investing in our people and enhancing our capabilities to deliver value to our stakeholders.

The best brands. The best people. The best you.

Kellanova is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding our efforts to advance Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, please visit our website here.