HRBP Manager

We are pleased to be partnering a client in the Construction/Engineering sector to appoint a hands‑on HRBP Lead (circa. MYR200-220k annual base) for their Malaysia operations. The business is scaling rapidly and needs someone who can build while firefighting – a genuine player‑coach who can lead a small HR team, step in when needed, and partner with operational leaders who started on the ground.

This is not a corporate ivory‑tower role. You'll be expected to visit project sites, understand the realities of the workforce, and earn trust through action – not just PowerPoint. This role is based in Petaling Jaya (Selangor), with some travelling to other offices in Malaysia involved.

Job Description

In this pivotal role, you will serve as the key liaison between HR and business leaders e.g. GM, COO, and be instrumental in developing and implementing people strategies that support critical business objectives and foster a high-performing, engaged culture. You will be joining them during a period of rapid ramp-up, hence you will spend much time on the ground understanding workflows, building trust, and seeing challenges first-hand.

• Leading and coaching a small team of HRBPs – not just delegating, but rolling up your sleeves when the pressure is on
• Building HR processes from the ground up in a young, agile environment
• Partnering directly with site managers, project leads, and senior leadership on workforce planning, talent retention, and employee relations.
• Managing the full spectrum of HR – from strategic workforce planning to day‑to‑day operational tasks (ER cases, foreign worker compliance)
• Driving culture, engagement, and organisational development as the business scales

The Successful Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a proven proactive and collaborative professional with:

• 8–12 years of HR experience, with at least 6 years in an HRBP role
• Proven team leadership – you've managed more than one HR professionals and have a natural player‑coach style
• Comfort with ambiguity – you thrive in environments where no two days look the same
• Construction, EPC, engineering, heavy manufacturing, or property development experience is highly preferred
• Deep knowledge of Malaysia employment law and hands‑on IR/ER experience
• Humble, down‑to‑earth, and credible with operational leaders – you're as comfortable on a site as you are in a boardroom

What's on Offer

This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands-on thinker to embed themselves within the business and make a tangible difference. If you are ready to apply your HR expertise to solve complex challenges and contribute to continued success, please get in touch.

Janard Liew

Principal Consultant - Executive Search

Email: [Confidential Information]

Personnel Registration Number: R21100704