Job Overview

Director, HR Business Partner – SEA Cable Operations (Malaysia & Thailand)

Business Unit:  DDN (Digital Data Networks)

Working Location: Malaysia or Thailand (site-based or near major manufacturing locations)
Business: Cable Operations
Coverage: Malaysia & Thailand Manufacturing Operations

Direct Supervisor: DDN Operations HRBP Director

Direct Subordinates: Plant HR Leaders in Penang, Lamphun and Rayong

Role Overview

The Director, HR Business Partner – SEA Cable is the senior HR leader supporting Cable manufacturing operations in Malaysia and Thailand. This role partners closely with Operations Leadership to drive business performance through effective people strategies, strong HR fundamentals, and disciplined execution in fast‑growing manufacturing environments.

The role is both strategic and highly operational, with a strong focus on site maturity, workforce scaling, leadership capability, labor stability, and organizational effectiveness. The incumbent will work within a matrixed global HR organization, collaborating with HR COEs, HR Services, and regional/global HRBPs.

In addition, the Director HRBP will act as the Global Cable Operations HR coordinator, partnering closely with the DDN Cable Operations Leader.

Job Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR Business Partnership

• Serve as the primary HR advisor to Cable Operations leaders in Malaysia and Thailand.
• Translate business strategy into clear people, organization, and workforce plans.
• Coach leaders on organization design, leadership effectiveness, succession, and talent decisions.

Manufacturing & Site Maturity Focus

• Support site ramp‑ups, expansions, and stabilization across manufacturing locations.
• Strengthen HR foundations including workforce planning, talent acquisition readiness, performance management, and employee relations.
• Partner with site HR leaders to build capability, consistency, and operational excellence.

Talent & Organization

• Lead workforce planning, succession planning, and critical role pipeline development.
• Drive leadership and talent development initiatives aligned with business needs.
• Support change management and transformation initiatives across operations.

Employee & Labor Relations

• Provide leadership on employee relations matters, ensuring fair, consistent, and compliant practices.
• Manage labor relations strategy, including union or works council engagement where applicable.
• Ensure compliance with local labor laws, regulations, and TE policies in Malaysia and Thailand.

HR Execution & Governance

• Partner with HR COEs (TA, TM, TR) and HR Services to ensure effective delivery of HR programs.
• Use data, metrics, and dashboards to identify trends, risks, and opportunities; drive proactive actions.
• Lead and develop country/site HR teams, ensuring strong accountability and execution.

What your background should look like

Key Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; HR, Business, or related field preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive HR experience, with significant HRBP leadership in manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Proven experience supporting multi‑site manufacturing operations in high‑growth or transformation contexts.
• Strong working knowledge of:
• Workforce planning & talent management
• Organization design & change management
• Employee & labor relations
• HR operations and compliance in multi‑country settings
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a matrixed, global organization.
• Strong business acumen, data‑driven mindset, and executive presence.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.
• Fluent in English; local language capability (Bahasa Malaysia / Thai / Mandarin) is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel regularly between Malaysia and Thailand.