Head of Human Resources - Start-up within Private Equity Backed Business

Overview

Our client is a prominent player in its industry, representing a newly founded operating company supported by a major global private equity firm. They are establishing a platform company and seek a Head of Human Resources to develop comprehensive HR policies, frameworks, organizational structures, and build a capable HR Business Partner team aligned with high performance.

Key Responsibilities

The Head of HR will serve as a strategic partner to executive leadership by crafting and executing the people strategy that fuels organizational growth. This role will oversee talent acquisition, employee engagement, compensation, and workplace culture, ensuring HR compliance and alignment with business objectives.

• Collaborate closely with executive leaders to shape and expand the company's HR strategy supporting scalable growth.
• Develop workforce planning initiatives addressing future talent gaps and organizational design.
• Manage day-to-day HR operations, including directing HR team activities, overseeing HRIS systems, and analyzing performance data.
• Create and implement effective recruitment plans to build a robust talent pipeline.
• Lead the entire hiring lifecycle ensuring quality candidate selection, smooth onboarding, and promoting employer branding.
• Drive career development, mentorship initiatives, and succession planning across the organization.
• Design and manage competitive compensation systems including salary bands, bonus schemes, and equity incentive plans.
• Coordinate with external providers to deliver comprehensive and cost-efficient employee benefits.
• Advocate and embed core company values fostering an inclusive, diverse, and engaged work environment.
• Provide expert guidance on employee relations, resolving conflicts and managing complex workplace grievances.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• Proven experience working across Southeast Asian markets is crucial.
• Demonstrated success in start-up environments, particularly growing businesses from small to mid-sized organizations.
• Strong ability to balance hands-on operational tasks with strategic leadership paired with excellent senior stakeholder management skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related fields required; advanced degrees or professional certifications like SHRM-SCP or SPHR preferred.
• An extensive HR career spanning over 10 years, including 3-5 years in senior leadership roles (such as HR Director or Head of HR).
• Strong business acumen with deep understanding of financial metrics and how HR influences organizational performance.
• Superior communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills at executive levels.
• Proficiency with HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday, BambooHR), HR analytics tools, and modern workplace software suites.