OVERALL ROLE PURPOSE
The HR & Operations Hub Manager will serve as the primary HR and operational lead for the company’s Malaysia hub, responsible for overseeing people operations, payroll, employment compliance, and workplace administration to support business continuity and growth.
As the standalone HR representative in Malaysia, this role will provide practical, on-the-ground leadership across all aspects of HR operations while working closely with the global People team to ensure that company policies, practices, and standards are implemented in line with Malaysian legislation and local best practice. The role requires a confident and resourceful professional who can operate independently, manage multiple priorities, and provide sound guidance on day-to-day HR and operational matters.
A key responsibility of this position will be supporting the company’s transition from an Employer of Record (EOR) employment structure to a locally incorporated entity. The HR & Operations Hub Manager will play a central role in establishing compliant HR frameworks, policies, and operational processes to enable the company to successfully bring HR operations in-house in Malaysia.
The role will oversee the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, and offboarding. The successful candidate will provide guidance to managers on employee performance and conduct matters, including performance improvement plans and terminations where required, ensuring all processes are handled fairly and in accordance with Malaysian employment law.
Our vision is for Malaysia to become the company’s primary people and resource hub for APAC operations. The HR & Operations Hub Manager will play a critical role in building and maintaining the HR and operational infrastructure needed to support the growth of our regional workforce while ensuring that HR governance, compliance, and operational standards are consistently maintained.
As the senior representative for HR and operations in Malaysia, the role will also collaborate with senior colleagues across functions such as Customer Support and Risk & Compliance to ensure company processes and procedures are effectively implemented by local teams.
This is a highly varied and fast-paced role that requires a proactive and hands-on individual who is comfortable wearing multiple hats across HR, operations, compliance, and administration. The successful candidate will combine strong HR expertise with operational discipline to ensure the smooth running of the Malaysia hub and support the continued growth of the business.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Own and manage the full employee lifecycle in Malaysia including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, and offboarding.
- Ensure accurate and timely end-to-end payroll processing, including oversight of statutory contributions and compliance requirements.
- Maintain full compliance with Malaysian employment legislation and regulatory requirements.
- Act as the primary HR representative and trusted advisor for the organisation in Malaysia.
- Oversee office operations and facilities management to ensure a professional, compliant, and well-managed workplace.
- Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and documentation in line with Malaysian legislation and company standards.
- Provide regular HR, people metrics, and payroll reporting to UK leadership and the global People team.
- Establish and manage HR operations in Malaysia as the company’s primary people and resource hub for APAC.
- Support the transition from the current Employer of Record (EOR) arrangement to a locally incorporated entity.
- Implement scalable HR processes and governance frameworks to support future workforce growth.
- Conduct regular HR compliance audits to ensure policies, documentation, and processes remain compliant and up to date.
- Support the development and scaling of Malaysia as the company’s primary people and resource hub for APAC operations.
- Support and manage general finance related tasks for the APAC region as required.
MAIN RESOINSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE
Human Resources Operations
- Manage the full employee lifecycle in Malaysia, including recruitment, onboarding, confirmation, performance management, and offboarding.
- Draft and administer employment contracts and employment documentation in compliance with Malaysian employment legislation, including the Employment Act 1955.
- Maintain and update HR policies and procedures to ensure alignment with Malaysian legal requirements and company standards.
- Provide practical HR advice and guidance to line managers on people-related matters.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records and HR documentation in accordance with statutory and company requirements.
- Ensure consistent and professional HR practices across the Malaysia hub. Payroll & Statutory Compliance.
Employee Relations & Performance Management
- Manage employee relations matters including grievances, disciplinary actions, and domestic inquiries.
- Support managers in addressing performance and conduct issues in a fair, consistent, and legally compliant manner.
- Lead and support the implementation of performance improvement plans (PIPs) where required.
- Ensure proper documentation and compliance for resignations, terminations, and disciplinary procedures.
- Provide guidance on Malaysian employment law requirements related to employee relations and termination processes.
Payroll, Finance & Statutory Compliance
- Work closely with the Head of Financial Accounting & CFO on any finance related tasks for APAC and Group support.
- Manage and oversee accurate end-to-end monthly payroll processing.
- Administer statutory contributions and submissions including but not limited to:
- Employees Provident Fund (EPF)
- Social Security Organisation (SOCSO / PERKESO)
- Employment Insurance System (EIS)
- PCB submissions to the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN)
- Prepare annual tax documentation including EA forms.
- Liaise with payroll vendors and external service providers where applicable.
- Ensure timely statutory submissions, payments, and payroll reporting.
- Respond to payroll queries from employees and management.
HR Compliance & Governance
- Ensure ongoing compliance with Malaysian labour laws, regulations, and statutory requirements.
- Monitor legislative updates and implement required changes to HR policies and processes.
- Conduct regular HR compliance reviews and audits to ensure policies, procedures, and employee documentation remain accurate and compliant.
- Liaise with external legal advisors, auditors, and HR consultants when required.
- Support responses to any regulatory, employment, or Industrial Relations matters
HR Infrastructure & Entity Transition
- Support the transition from the current Employer of Record (EOR) arrangement to a locally incorporated company entity.
- Assist with establishing compliant HR frameworks, processes, and governance structures for in-house HR operations.
- Implement scalable HR systems, processes, and documentation to support organisational growth.
- Support workforce planning and recruitment as the Malaysia hub expands.
Office & Operational Management
- Oversee the day-to-day management of office operations and facilities (this will mean working hybrid and being in the office regularly and as needed).
- Manage relationships with office vendors, landlords, and service providers.
- Monitor administrative and office budgets and support cost control initiatives.
- Ensure workplace compliance with local health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate with global teams (including finance and operations) on administrative and operational matters.
Stakeholder Collaboration & Reporting
- Act as the primary HR and operational point of contact for the organisation in Malaysia.
- Work closely with the global People team and UK leadership to align local HR operations with company policies and strategic priorities.
- Provide regular HR, people metrics, and payroll reporting to senior management.
- Support leadership with workforce planning and operational decision-making.
EXPERIENCE & SKILLS REQUIRED
- Degree educated, preferably in Human Resources, Business Administration, Law, or a transferable discipline.
- Professional HR qualification preferred (e.g. MIHRM, CIPD, or equivalent).
- Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in Human Resources within Malaysia, with hands-on responsibility for HR operations and employee relations.
- Strong practical knowledge of Malaysian employment legislation, including the Employment Act 1955 (as amended), Industrial Relations Act, and relevant statutory obligations.
- Proven experience managing the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, disciplinary procedures, and offboarding.
- Demonstrated experience handling employee relations matters, including grievances, disciplinary processes, domestic inquiries, performance improvement plans, and terminations in compliance with Malaysian labour law.
- Previous finance department general administration and task management.
- Experience managing or overseeing end-to-end payroll processes and statutory submissions including EPF, SOCSO / PERKESO, EIS, and PCB (LHDN).
- Experience operating in a standalone HR role or within a small HR team, with the ability to independently manage HR operations.
- Experience developing or implementing HR policies, processes, and governance frameworks aligned with local legislation and organisational standards.
- Experience working with or managing Employer of Record (EOR) arrangements, entity setup, or HR infrastructure build-out is highly desirable.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work independently with confidence, sound judgement, and minimal supervision.
- High level of integrity and professionalism when handling confidential employee information.
- Clear communication skills and ability to work effectively with international stakeholders and leadership teams.
BENEFITS
- Generous leave + Public Holidays
- Paid Charity Day.
- Flexible working hours and with hybrid working.
- Company-provided equipment.
- Annual training and development budget.
- Extensive opportunity to grow your career at an innovative FinTech.
Employment structure: This is a permanent role with Wirex. In locations where we do not yet have a legal entity, employment is offered via a trusted Employer of Record (EOR) partner to ensure full compliance with local employment laws. We’re happy to explain this in more detail during the interview process.
