Job Overview

The HR Partner (RBA Lead) will drive and sustain Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance at the TE Penang manufacturing site, supporting stringent requirements from TE’s customers . Work closely with TE’s RBA Committee team to ensure full alignment with customer specific RVA expectations, audit protocols, and compliance priorities. Act  as the key liaison between the site and TE on all RBA- related matters, including audit  preparation , issue escalation and CAPA validation. This role requires a highly hands-on, audit-driven approach, with strong focus on labour compliance, foreign worker management, and audit readiness, in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment.

What your background should look like:

1. RBA Compliance & Customer Expectations
•    Lead full implementation of RBA Code of Conduct to meet strict customer audit requirements.
•    Align site practices with both RBA standards and Malaysian labour regulations (Employment Act, Act 446, etc.)
•    Act as the primary interface with customers for all RBA/social compliance matters.

2. Audit Management 
•    Own and manage RBA VAP audits and customer social compliance audits 
•    Prepare full audit readiness including documentation (payroll, time records, policies), site walkthroughs and mock audits and worker interview preparation
•    Drive fast turnaround of CAPA closures.

3. Foreign Worker & Labour Compliance (Core Focus Area)
•    Oversee compliance in: 
o    Recruitment practices (agents, fees, contracts)
o    Passport handling and freedom of movement
o    Working hours & overtime (strict monitoring required)
•    Ensure compliance with Zero forced labour expectations (high scrutiny from US/EU customers).
•    Partner with HR and hostel management on Worker onboarding & orientation with multilingual communication (BM, English, Bengali/Nepali/etc).

4. Dormitory & Worker Welfare Management
•    Ensure compliance with Act 446 (Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities) and RBA housing requirements
•    Conduct routine dorm inspections (cleanliness, density, safety).
•    Address welfare concerns quickly to prevent escalation into audit findings.

5. Shopfloor Integration 
•    Work closely with production to ensure overtime practices are controlled and compliant.
•    Line supervisors understand labour limits.
•    Conduct regular  checks on attendance, OT, and operator conditions.
•    Ensure RBA practices are embedded in operations, not just documentation.

6. EHS & Chemical Compliance Alignment
•    Collaborate with EHS on Chemical management (important in semiconductor/PCB environment) and PPE and safety compliance.
•    Support alignment with ISO 14001 / ISO 45001 (common certifications in Penang plants).

7. Supplier & Subcon Compliance Support
•    Support screening and monitoring of Local subcontractors, service providers, and labour suppliers.
•    Ensure alignment with customer expectations on extended supply chain compliance.

8. Training & Awareness (Multicultural Workforce)
•    Conduct practical, easy-to-understand training for Operators (often foreign workers), Supervisors and line leaders.
•    Use multilingual materials and real-life examples.

9. Reporting & Continuous Improvement
•    Maintain audit documentation and compliance trackers.
•    Provide regular updates to management on Risk areas, Audit readiness and Customer feedback.
•    Drive continuous improvements to maintain competitiveness.

Qualifications & Experience
Education
•    Degree in any field , or related field.
•    Minimum 5–8 years in RBA / CSR / Social Compliance / HR Compliance / EHS.
•    Strong preference for candidates with Experience in Penang E&E / semiconductor / EMS industry.
•    Proven track record handling  customer audits.

Skills & Competencies
•    Strong knowledge of RBA Code of Conductand Malaysian Labour Regulations (including foreign worker laws).
•    Strong audit and CAPA management capability.
•    Comfortable engaging Shopfloor workers, Customers and Auditors.

Competencies