Manager - Governance & Compliance (HR Shared Services)

Description

Position Summary: 

To lead governance, compliance, and labor relations oversight within the APAC HR Shared Services Centre (HRSS), ensuring all HR operations comply with global and local statutory, regulatory, and data privacy requirements. This role acts as a trusted advisor to Regional HRBPs and HRSS leadership, driving adherence to internal controls, audit readiness, risk management frameworks, and continuous improvement initiatives critical to the successful setup and sustainability of the HRSS.

Scope of Role:

Global coverage with focus on APAC & EMEA statutory and labor relations landscape.

Partnership with Regional HRBPs, COEs, and external advisory bodies.

Oversight of audit activities related to labor and compliance matters.

Key Responsibilities:

Governance Framework Development & Maintenance

1. Design, implement, and continuously improve a robust governance framework for HR Shared Services, including policies and controls for data retention, record compliance, data privacy, and labor relations.
2. Ensure the governance framework aligns with global HR policies, local laws, and industry best practices, promoting a risk-aware culture.
3. Lead governance risk assessments and compliance monitoring to identify gaps and recommend mitigations.

Compliance Management & Statutory Oversight

1. Monitor, interpret, and communicate changes in global and local statutory regulations affecting HR operations, including labor laws, IR frameworks, and data privacy (GDPR, PDPA, etc.).
2. Conduct impact analysis for new regulations and coordinate timely updates to HRSS processes and policies.
3. Manage record-keeping and data retention compliance to meet internal and external audit requirements.

Labor Relations & Industrial Relations Advisory

1. Provide expertise and guidance on labor relations issues, supporting Regional HRBPs and business leaders with complex employee relations and IR matters.
2. Support the development and maintenance of IR frameworks that comply with country-specific requirements and global standards.
3. Advise on consultant engagements and external labor advisory services as needed.

Audit, Risk & Control Management

1. Coordinate internal, external, and ad-hoc audits focusing on labor relations, compliance, and governance within HRSS.
2. Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and risk-based audits (RBA), facilitating corrective action plans and preventive controls implementation.
3. Maintain audit readiness through continuous monitoring, documentation, and training.

HRSS Setup & Continuous Improvement

1. Drive governance-related activities during HRSS design and rollout phases, including SOP creation, control design, and compliance integration.
2. Develop dashboards and KPIs for ongoing compliance monitoring and governance reporting.
3. Foster continuous improvement initiatives to enhance governance maturity and operational resilience.

Stakeholder Engagement & Training

1. Act as a trusted advisor to HRSS leadership, Regional HRBPs, COEs, and Legal/Risk partners on governance and compliance matters.
2. Deliver governance and compliance training programs to HRSS teams and business stakeholders to build awareness and adherence.
3. Facilitate effective communication on governance updates and compliance expectations.

Organizational Relationships:

Reports to: HRSS Director

Direct Reports:

Indirect Reports (through Direct Reports):

Dotted Line (Matrix) Reports:

Primary Location: Penang, Malaysia 

Job Requirements:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Law, Business Administration, or related field.

Skills & Experience:

Minimum 7 years' experience in HR governance, compliance, labor relations, or risk management roles within Shared Services or global HR environments.

Comprehensive knowledge of labor laws, IR frameworks, data privacy laws, and governance best practices across APAC and EMEA regions.

Proven experience managing audits, risk assessments, and compliance programs.

Strong analytical skills with ability to translate statutory requirements into operational impacts and controls.

Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and advisory skills.

Languages:

English + at least one additional language (Vietnamese / Japanese / Korean / Filipino / Hindi).

Competencies:

Governance & Compliance Expertise: In-depth knowledge and application of regulatory and internal control frameworks.

Risk Management: Proactively identifies, assesses, and mitigates governance risks.

Advisory & Influence: Builds credibility and influences diverse stakeholders across regions.

Analytical Thinking: Skilled in impact analysis, audit findings interpretation, and root cause investigation.

Continuous Improvement: Champions governance maturity and operational excellence initiatives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) & SLAs:

1. Compliance audit score: 100% adherence to statutory and internal standards.
2. Timely completion of audit responses and corrective actions: 100% within agreed timelines.
3. Statutory impact assessments completed within 2 weeks of release: 100%.
4. Stakeholder satisfaction score for governance advisory: ≥ 4.5 / 5.0.
5. Completion rate for governance and compliance training: ≥ 95%.
6. Reduction in compliance incidents year-over-year: measurable decrease

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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