Assistant People Manager

Job Purpose:
Watsons Vietnam is seeking a proactive and commercially minded Assistant People Manager to support the full spectrum of Human Resources functions. This role plays a key part in workforce planning, HR operations, employee relations, HR analytics, compliance.
The successful candidate will act as a trusted HR partner to business leaders while ensuring people processes, policies, and programs support the company's growth objectives and employee experience.
1. Compensation & Benefits Management: 50%
Lead the development and implementation of Compensation & Benefits (C&B) programs, including salary benchmarking, job evaluation, C&B policy to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity.
Manage employee lifecycle processes, including onboarding, probation confirmation, promotion, transfer, contract renewal, and offboarding.
Manage end-to-end payroll operations and recurring C&B processes (SHUI, PIT, TU), ensuring payroll accuracy, timeliness, confidentiality, regulatory compliance, and a positive employee experience.
2. Headcount Planning & People Cost Budgeting (15%)
Assist in annual manpower planning and HR budgeting exercises.
Monitor headcount movement and labor cost forecasts.
Prepare business cases and manpower justifications to support organizational growth and operational needs.
3. Performance Management & KPI Framework (20%)
Assist in designing and administering incentive and recognition programs, including KPI bonuses, sales incentives, retention awards, long-service recognition, and other employee engagement initiatives to support business performance and talent retention.
Facilitate the performance management cycle, including KPI tracking, performance review administration, calibration support, and performance-based reward recommendations.
4. Labor Law Compliance & Employee Relations (15%)
Monitor and ensure compliance with Vietnamese labor laws, social insurance regulations, personal income tax regulations, and company policies.
Support the development, review, and communication of HR policies, procedures, and internal labor regulations.
Handle employee relations matters, disciplinary cases, investigations, and grievance resolution.
Coordinate labor inspections, audits, and statutory compliance requirements when required.
Qualifications
Education
· Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, Psychology, Law, or related disciplines.
Experience
· Minimum 5 years of progressive Human Resources experience especially strong C&B background
· Experience in Job Grading (Mercer, Hay, WTW) is highly preferred
· Experience in Retail, FMCG, or multi-site organizations is highly preferred.
· Proven experience in HR operations, employee relations, and HR analytics.
· Experience supporting management-level stakeholders.
Technical Skills
· Strong knowledge of Vietnam Labor Law, Social Insurance, and Personal Income Tax regulations.
· Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (Pivot Tables, Power Query, data analysis, reporting).
· Experience with HRIS platforms (Oracle HCM, Cadena, Workday, or equivalent).
· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Language Skills
· Good command of written and spoken English.
· Ability to prepare reports and communicate professionally with regional stakeholders.
Core Competencies
· Business Acumen
· HR Analytics & Reporting
· Employee Relations
· Labor Law Compliance
· Workforce Planning
· Project Management
· Stakeholder Management
· Communication & Influencing Skills
· Attention to Detail
· Continuous Improvement Mindset.