Head of HR and Admin

A. JOB PURPOSE The Head of HR and Admin is the site-based owner for HR operations, people administration, and workplace services at a greenfield site in Vietnam. The role provides end-to-end, on-the-ground leadership for core HR execution: local policy implementation, recruitment coordination and onboarding, employee relations and engagement, HR systems/data integrity, and compliant payroll inputs and statutory coordination through an outsourced payroll vendor.
In addition, the role leads the Administration function to ensure high-quality employee services (canteen, transportation, cleaning) and coordinates site security arrangements with Facilities. As the site becomes operational, the role operates with increasing autonomy while aligning with Group HR standards and governance.
B. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
HR Strategy & Governance
Drive site HR initiatives aligned with business objectives.
Implement HR policies, governance practices and workforce initiatives in compliance with company standards and local regulations.
Talent Acquisition & Workforce Readiness
Ensure timely workforce ramp-up for business growth and operational needs through recruitment oversight, onboarding, workforce planning and employer branding support.
Work closely with overseas group entities on workforce training and visa arrangements abroad, and mobility matters including secondment.
Employee Lifecycle & HR Operations
Oversee onboarding, employee administration and lifecycle processes (contracts, probation, employee movements, offboarding) to ensure a seamless and compliant employee experience.
Employee Relations & Engagement
Foster a positive, high-performing workplace culture through employee relations, engagement initiatives and coaching managers on people management.
Act as a key interface with the Trade Union and employment law related government institutions.
HR Service Delivery, Systems, Reporting & Compliance
Ensure accurate HR administration, data management, workforce reporting, payroll coordination, benefits administration and statutory compliance.
Performance & Capability Development
Support performance management, training administration and employee development programs to build organizational capability.
Administration & Workplace Services Leadership
Lead the HR & Administration team and operations, ensuring efficient, high-quality and cost-effective workplace services, effective vendor management and continuous improvement of the employee experience.
C. REQUIREMENTS
Experience
12-15+ years of progressive HR experience in Vietnam, with strong hands-on ownership of HR operations and employee relations in a site-based environment, and a can-do attitude.
Experience in greenfield projects or new facility/site setup (new entity operationalization, start-up, or rapid scaling) strongly preferred.
Recruitment oversight experience across multiple roles/levels (technicians and support functions), ideally in ramp-up or growth environments.
Proven people management experience, leading a team with mixed HR/Admin scope (4-5 direct reports).
Demonstrated experience managing in-house/outsourced payroll operations, including time/attendance input validation and vendor coordination.
Proven ability to work with a diverse range of local and regional stakeholders, including Group functions, overseas group entities, government authorities and vendors.
Exposure to engineering/industrial or similarly regulated environments is an advantage.
Qualifications & Knowledge
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Law, or related discipline.
Solid working knowledge of Vietnam Labour Law and common statutory requirements (contracts, working hours/leave, social insurance, personal income tax coordination).
Language
Fluent Vietnamese and English required. Chinese is an advantage.
Leadership Competencies
Business Partnership:
Able to advise the General Manager and leaders with practical, risk-aware people solutions while aligning Group HR governance.
Delivery for Results:
Strong ownership, pace, and ability to deliver under ambiguity and tight timelines.
Employee Relations & Judgement:
Handles sensitive issues professionally and consistently; strong documentation and fairness mindset.
Compliance & Controls Orientation:
Strong knowledge of Vietnam HR compliance expectations; disciplined in filings, records, and process controls.
Vendor & Stakeholder Management:
Works effectively with diverse internal and external, local and regional stakeholders to provide practical, timely support; coordinates the payroll vendor and workplace service providers, balancing cost, quality and employee experience.
People Leadership:
Sets direction, coaches and develops team members, and builds a service culture with accountability, knowledge sharing and capability building across functions.
D. WORKING ARRANGEMENT
Based in Hanoi initially; willing to relocate to Quang Ninh to work fully on-site once the site is operational.
Flexible hours when required to support operational needs.