HR Manager

The HR Manager will oversee human resources practices and operations for our Manila office, serving as the local HR leader and a key partner to business leaders. This role is responsible for implementing and localizing global HR programs while building foundational processes and ensuring compliance with Philippines labor law. As a newer office in a growth phase, this position requires an entrepreneurial mindset, strong execution capabilities, and the ability to work independently with high autonomy. We are looking for a highly motivated individual who thrives in a dynamic, global environment, possesses solid problem-solving capabilities, and maintains confidentiality with sensitive information. 

Duties/Responsibilities 

• Serve as a partner and trusted advisor to leaders with Manila-based employees, playing a critical role in enhancing their leadership effectiveness and supporting business objectives 

• Implement and localize people-related strategies and global HR programs to fit the Philippines context, identifying gaps and creating processes that align with organizational objectives and local requirements 

• Develop strong relationships with business clients and support managers in the application of HR policies and procedures, employment law, and HR best practice 

• Act as the HR subject matter expert and point of contact for the Manila office, providing guidance on all HR matters and building credibility across all departments 

• Provide insightful data and analytics to guide decision-making and deliver proactive solutions to business challenges 

• Collaborate closely with HR Centers of Excellence (Benefits, Payroll, Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development) to ensure successful execution of inclusive, global HR programs while adapting for local needs 

• Participate in global project teams on HR initiatives while leading local implementation efforts in Manila 

• Own Philippines HR operations including payroll preparation and processing, facilitating pay change requests, managing onboarding and offboarding processes, and ensuring in-office compliance 

• Act as the primary point of contact for employee grievances, conflicts, and employee relations matters; conduct workplace investigations, work towards effective solutions, and promote a healthy workplace environment 

• Partner with US-based Benefits team to support employee benefits programs and serve as local point of contact for benefits inquiries and administration 

• Ensure full compliance with all Philippines labor laws, DOLE regulations, and local employment requirements including but not limited to: 13th month pay, separation pay, government reporting, and employment standards 

• Identify training needs, coordinate with global Learning & Development team, and organize local training programs to enhance employee skills 

• Assist in the development, implementation, and management of company policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with both global standards and local legal requirements 

Education and/or Experience 

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field (or equivalent work experience) 

• 5-8 years of progressive human resources experience, with significant experience working in the Philippines 

• Experience working for global, preferably US-headquartered companies 

Required Skills/Abilities 

• Extensive knowledge and practical application of Philippines labor law and employment regulations, including DOLE compliance, employment standards, termination procedures, and statutory benefits 

• Proven experience handling employee relations matters in the Philippines**, including conflict resolution, disciplinary processes, workplace investigations, and grievance management 

• Experience working in a global/matrix organization and collaborating effectively across time zones with international teams 

• Working knowledge of HRIS and applicant tracking systems 

• Strong understanding of general human resources practices, policies, and procedures including experience across recruiting, operations, employee relations, and learning & development 

• Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to identify gaps, build processes from the ground up, and work autonomously with minimal supervision 

• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English; ability to communicate clearly with diverse groups of people across cultures 

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze data to make informed decisions 

• Ability to influence and lead without formal authority; executive presence and credibility 

• Comfort working in ambiguity and building infrastructure in a growing office environment 

• Must uphold a strict level of confidentiality and demonstrate ethics and integrity 

Work Environment 

• This job operates 4 days per week in the Manila office 

• Standard working hours align with Philippines business hours; flexibility required to work at least one day per week on a later shift to collaborate with US-based teams and leadership 

• This role reports directly to the Director of HR Business Partners (US-based) and requires comfort working independently while maintaining strong communication across distance