Human Resource Director

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

Overall Summary of the role:

The incumbent will be a HR business partner, playing a pivotal role in driving strategic and tactical HR initiatives in alignment with key business priorities of the client groups and vertical market. The individual is responsible for providing HR consulting and coaching to the local business leadership teams, driving the implementation of business-specific HR programs and operations, identifying and providing HR solutions to people issues, and demonstrating credibility by building trusted relationships with business leaders and HR teams.

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and focus to the HR function within the Malaysia Office.
• Work closely with management, finance, and key account leads to provide human resources expertise and insight to support business operations and maintain a successful and profitable operation.
• Management of HR programmes and processes, including:

1. Talent acquisition
2. Employee onboarding
3. Performance appraisal process and yearly talent assessment/talent review
4. Training and Development
5. Employee / Labour Relations
6. Retention programmes
7. Compensation Planning

• Design, develop and implement policies and procedures that encourage a collaborative, successful environment.
• Develop a pipeline of talent to support the needs of the account teams using all available low-cost and creative recruitment options.
• Ensure all talent attached to key global clients is properly on-boarded and receives the required client-specific training and education mandated by our client contracts.
• Coordinate training and development programmes with the Global Learning and Education team with APAC HQ.
• Liaise with local Legal Counsel on employment contract matters and work with APAC on all matters related to expatriate executive moves.
• Update job descriptions, create job posts, shortlist, and screen candidates for freelance, temporary, contract roles, and internships.
• Responsible for coordination and organization of recruitment drives, career/job fairs, and trainee/internship programs for attracting new joiners.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business, Psychology, HR or equivalent discipline.
• 10-12 years of HR Business Partnering experience, with strong business acumen plus 3-6 years of management experience.
• Demonstrate excellent communication, interpersonal, problem-solving and decision-making skills, and ability to handle sensitive situations/documentation.
• Ability to build trusted partnerships and influence outcomes at varying levels of the business.
• Sound knowledge of local labour laws in Malaysia.
• Team-oriented with a One HR Team mindset.
• Experience working in a multi-national organization and with an agency background will have added advantage.
• Ability to effectively delegate and empower team members for success.
• Always strive to be the best and make things happen.

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization—creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers—who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction.

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.