Deputy General Manager, Human Resources & Administration

Location: Singapore
Reports to: General Manager
Function: Human Resources & Administration

Position Summary

The Deputy General Manager, Human Resources & Administration is responsible for leading and developing the company's Human Resources and Administration functions in Singapore. The role will establish effective HR and administrative management systems that support the development and operation of overseas project teams, build a strong talent pipeline suited to the international engineering and construction business, and ensure efficient, compliant, and sustainable company operations.

This position will work closely with the General Manager, business leaders, project teams, and external professional consulting firms to build scalable people-management practices, strengthen organizational capabilities, and support the company's long-term growth in Singapore and international markets.

Key Responsibilities

1. HR & Administration Framework Development

• Develop and continuously improve the company's HR and administrative policies, procedures, systems, and operating standards.
• Ensure HR and administrative practices comply with Singapore laws and regulations while supporting the specific requirements of international engineering and project-based operations.
• Establish scalable management processes that can support the company's growth and overseas business expansion.

2. Management of External Consulting Partners

• Lead engagement with third-party professional consulting firms, including HR, management, employment, and regulatory compliance consultants.
• Manage consultant selection and evaluation, commercial discussions, project planning, implementation, and delivery.
• Introduce relevant industry best practices, methodologies, and management tools through external advisers.
• Ensure consulting recommendations are effectively translated into practical policies, systems, and operational improvements.

3. Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Lead the development and recruitment of the company's core management and project teams.
• Develop local recruitment channels and talent sourcing strategies within Singapore.
• Manage workforce planning and deployment across expatriate employees, overseas-assigned personnel, and locally hired employees.
• Partner with business and project leaders to ensure timely and effective staffing for current and future projects.

4. Compensation, Performance & Talent Development

• Design and implement competitive compensation and benefits structures aligned with the Singapore employment market.
• Establish and manage performance management and appraisal systems.
• Develop employee training, leadership development, succession planning, and career development frameworks.
• Implement talent retention and employee engagement initiatives to strengthen organizational capability and retain key employees.

5. Administration & Operational Support

• Oversee day-to-day administrative and operational support functions, including office management, facilities, licenses and corporate qualifications, business travel, reception, logistics, and fixed asset management.
• Coordinate office premises, workplace facilities, and administrative resources in Singapore.
• Ensure administrative operations are efficient, well controlled, and capable of supporting project and corporate requirements.

6. Employee Relations & Cross-Cultural Management

• Promote an inclusive and collaborative corporate culture across multicultural and multinational teams.
• Manage employee relations matters and provide guidance to management on workplace issues.
• Identify and mitigate employment-related and labor compliance risks.
• Ensure employment practices are aligned with applicable Singapore employment legislation and local labor requirements.

7. General Management Support

• Support the General Manager on organizational development and other corporate management initiatives.
• Undertake other HR, administrative, and general management responsibilities assigned by the General Manager.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or above in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Administrative Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive Human Resources management experience, including at least 3 years as the overall head of an HR and/or Administration function.
• Experience managing HR functions within an overseas engineering, construction, infrastructure, EPC, or international project environment is strongly preferred.
• Experience leading engagements with third-party HR consulting firms and driving consulting projects through to successful implementation is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Singapore employment legislation, local employment practices, payroll-related requirements, social security/CPF considerations, personal income tax matters, and workforce compliance requirements.
• Understanding of workforce and talent-management requirements within international engineering or project-based businesses.
• Strong leadership, organizational coordination, stakeholder management, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent cross-cultural communication skills and experience working with multicultural teams.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to balance compliance, employee needs, and business requirements.
• Fluent working proficiency in English, with the ability to independently manage local HR and administrative matters in Singapore.
• Fluency in Mandarin will be an added advantage.

Preferred Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a hands-on and strategic HR leader who is comfortable building systems and teams in a growing international organization. They should be able to operate effectively in a multicultural environment, work closely with senior management and external advisers, and translate business requirements into practical HR and administrative solutions.