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Manager, Industrial Relations

FFM Berhad
Sungai Buloh, Selangor
 
 
To lead the Industrial Relations (IR) Centre of Expertise for FFM Group, driving a consistent, legally compliant, and business-aligned IR framework across all subsidiaries.
The role partners with business leaders and HR teams to proactively manage employee relations risks, strengthen organisational discipline and governance, and support sustainable business outcomes.  
This role operates within a Group HR model that balances standardisation with business realities. The incumbent is expected to collaborate closely across subsidiaries, demonstrate strong ownership of outcomes, and contribute to continuous improvement of Group HR practices
 
 
Key Accountabilities
 
IR Strategy & COE Leadership
  • Define and drive the Group-wide IR strategy, frameworks, and guiding principles aligned with business objectives and risk appetite.  
  • Act as the central subject matter expert and escalation point for complex and high-risk IR matters across subsidiaries.
  • Ensure consistent application of IR practices while allowing calibrated flexibility based on operational realities.
  • Promote proactive and preventive industrial relations practices by identifying emerging employee relations risks and advising leadership on early intervention strategies.
 
Advisory & Case Management
  • Provide clear, timely, and commercially sound advice to business leaders and HR teams on disciplinary actions, misconduct investigations, grievances, performance management, and terminations.  
  • Oversee end-to-end management of IR cases, ensuring proper documentation, due process, and risk assessment.
  • Guide domestic inquiries and support decision-making on appropriate outcomes.
 
Governance, Compliance & Risk Management
  • Ensure full compliance with applicable labour laws and regulations, including the Employment Act, Industrial Relations Act, and Trade Unions Act.
  • Develop, review, and standardise IR policies, procedures, templates, and documentation across the FFM Group.
  • Proactively identify IR risks and implement mitigation strategies to safeguard organisational interests and reputation.
 
Process Standardisation & Continuous Improvement
  • Drive standardisation and centralisation of IR processes, frameworks, and escalation protocols across subsidiaries.
  • Continuously review and enhance IR practices to improve efficiency, consistency, and employee experience.
 
Stakeholder & External Engagement
  • Build strong working relationships with business leaders, HR teams, and key stakeholders across the Group.Manage and oversee external legal counsel, ensuring cost effective and outcome-focused engagements.
  • Represent the organisation in conciliation meetings, negotiations, and engagements with authorities, unions, and industry bodies where required.
 
Data, Insights & Reporting
  • Develop and monitor IR metrics and dashboards (e.g. case trends, resolution timelines, risk indicators).Analyse data to identify systemic issues and recommend targeted interventions.
  • Provide insights to support informed decision-making at Group and subsidiary level.
 
Capability Building
  • Design and deliver IR-related training programmes for HR teams and people leaders.
  • Build organisational capability in managing employee relations matters confidently and consistently.
  • Coach stakeholders on handling IR issues in a legally compliant and practical manner.

 

Leadership & Culture
  • Role model integrity, professionalism, and sound judgement in handling sensitive matters.Foster a culture of fairness, accountability, and respect in employee relations practices.
  • Support Group HR initiatives and organisational transformation efforts.
 
Additional Responsibilities
  • Undertake projects and assignments as directed by the Head of HR and senior management. 
 
 
Qualification, Relevant Experience & Skills
  • Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Law, Business Administration, or related discipline.
  • Professional certification in IR/Employment Law is an advantage.
  • Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in Industrial Relations.  
  • Proven experience managing end-to-end IR cases, including domestic inquiries, and external engagements.
  • Experience in a Group or complex organisational environment preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of Malaysian labour laws and IR practices.
  • Expertise in IR governance, compliance, and policy development.
  • Ability to translate legal requirements into practical business solutions.
 
Competencies
  • Able to make and assess personal/team decisions and align actions with organisation’s vision and mission.
  • Able to establish and maintain open/trusting relationships with colleagues and stakeholders to nurture collaborative partnerships and work towards a common goal.
  • Able to contribute and encourage new ideas and approaches to support business growth; demonstrate openness to and enthusiasm for new initiatives and appropriately challenges the status quo; adapt and improvise quickly, appropriately, and decisively to internal/external changes.
  • Able to display accountability for team and personal decisions/outcomes and take proactive actions to achieve results with dedication to follow through on commitments; create plans and manage resources to accomplish and deliver self and team’s commitments.
  • Able to understand and prioritise stakeholders’ needs/expectations and develop solutions to improve service delivery.
  • Able to appreciate the complex interrelationships between external factors and internal business operations and develop strategic plans in response to market shifts and shocks anchored on organisation's vision, purpose, and strategy.
  • Able to nurture the culture of learning organisation.
 
 
 

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