Deputy Head of Bus HR (Bus Operations)

About the Role

The Deputy Head of Bus HR (Bus Operations) serves as the primary HR consultant and operational backer within the Bus Business Unit at SBS Transit Ltd. This position is responsible for supporting manpower planning, employee relations, performance management, and workforce readiness to ensure the delivery of safe and reliable bus services. The role requires interaction with Bus Operations leadership and supervisors, working closely with HR corporate functions such as Talent Acquisition, Compensation & Benefits, Organizational Development, and HR Operations.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with depot managers, controllers, and supervisors on daily HR needs including staff deployment, manpower shortages, and workforce concerns.
• Monitor key workforce metrics such as attrition, absenteeism, overtime, and headcount deviations; report notable trends with recommended actions.
• Translate operational manpower requirements into HR requests, coordinating timely recruitment and HR operational fulfillment.
• Serve as the first point of contact on HR policies, procedures, and employment inquiries for Bus Operations leaders.
• Oversee and facilitate annual and mid-year performance appraisal cycles; assist in goal setting, performance documentation, and calibration.
• Follow up on performance remediation plans and support talent mapping and workforce development for Bus staff.
• Manage employee lifecycle correspondence including confirmations, extensions, transfers, redesignations, and discipline-related letters.
• Coordinate accurate HR processing for promotions, role changes, and contracts with HR Operations.
• Advise supervisors on HR policies, equitable employment practices, and employee action procedures.
• Maintain accurate employee records and assist with HR audits and data requests.
• Provide manpower planning support and assist in operational restructuring including headcount mapping and impact analysis.
• Help manage transition activities during depot reorganizations, route modifications, or service changes.
• Support budget alignment and manpower submissions with Finance and Operations leaders.
• Handle Industrial Relations matters such as union engagement, grievance management, and routine IR queries.
• Assist in conducting disciplinary investigations, fact-finding, and formal inquiries ensuring compliance with company policies and labor laws.
• Escalate complex IR and disciplinary issues to senior HR leadership for guidance.
• Coordinate engagement initiatives targeting frontline staff such as drivers and inspectors.
• Communicate HR policies, organizational updates, and initiatives to Bus Operations teams.
• Assist with change management during service transitions, restructures, or policy refreshes.
• Help foster a culture emphasizing safety, service, and accountability across depots.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 to 7 years of HR generalist or HR Business Partner experience, especially with large, frontline or operational workforces.
• Strong background in industrial relations within unionized environments, including disciplinary facilitation.
• Expertise in employee lifecycle management, performance appraisal processes, and HR advisory roles.
• Ability to independently handle multiple HR issues and escalate when necessary.
• Proficient in analyzing HR data to identify workforce trends and prepare management reports.
• Good understanding of Singapore labor legislation, Ministry of Manpower regulations, and fair employment practices.
• Skilled communicator capable of engaging frontline staff, supervisors, and senior leadership effectively.