Assistant Manager, Payroll & HR Operations

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Assistant Manager, Payroll & HR Operations to lead accurate, timely and compliant payroll delivery while strengthening HR operational processes across Singapore and Malaysia. This is a hands-on role that combines end-to-end Singapore payroll ownership, regional HR operations oversight, team development and continuous process improvement. The successful candidate will work closely with the People Business Partner and key internal stakeholders to build consistent,scalable and well-controlled HR services. Role Purpose The Assistant Manager, Payroll & HR Operations is responsible for end-to-end Singapore payroll delivery and for improving the consistency, control and scalability of HR administration across Singapore and Malaysia. The role also provides day-to-day guidance to HR operations team members and serves as the first escalation point for complex payroll and administration matters. Key Responsibilities Payroll Management · Manage end-to-end monthly payroll processing for employees in Singapore, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality and on-time completion. · Review payroll inputs and calculations,including salaries, allowances, reimbursements, bonuses, statutory and voluntary deductions, and final payments. · Ensure timely and accurate statutory contributions, tax reporting and year-end activities, including CPF and IR8A requirements. · Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies and respond promptly to employee payroll queries. · Maintain payroll controls, reconciliations,audit-ready records and documented operating procedures. · Provide oversight and second-level support for payroll activities affecting employees in Malaysia. HR Operations & Administration · Standardize and continuously improve HR administration workflows across Singapore and Malaysia. · Oversee employee records, documentation, filing,HR system updates and recurring operational reporting. · Support employee life cycle administration,including on-boarding, changes to employment, benefits administration and off-boarding. · Monitor compliance with applicable employment legislation, payroll requirements, internal policies and data-management standards. · Coordinate with Finance, HR colleagues, external vendors and relevant authorities to resolve operational issues. · Identify opportunities to simplify, automate and strengthen HR processes, controls and service delivery. Team Leadership & Stakeholder Support · Provide day-to-day supervision, coaching and development to HR administration team members. · Serve as the first escalation point for complex payroll and HR operations matters before referral to the People Business Partner. · Set clear priorities, service standards and quality expectations for the HR operations team. · Partner with business and functional stakeholders to support workforce growth and a positive employee experience. · Contribute to the development of a resilient operating model with appropriate coverage, controls and knowledge transfer. What Success Looks Like · Payroll is delivered accurately, securely and on schedule, with zero error and timely resolution of queries. · HR administration processes are consistent, well documented and compliant across the supported locations. · Stakeholders receive clear, responsive and dependable HR operations support. · Team members have effective guidance, define descalation routes and opportunities to build capability. · Processes and systems can support continued business growth without compromising controls or service quality. What You Will Bring · At least five years of relevant HR operations,payroll or HR administration experience, including direct ownership of end-to-end Singapore payroll. · Sound working knowledge of Singapore payroll practices and statutory requirements, including CPF, income-tax reporting and payroll considerations for foreign employees. · Working knowledge of Singapore employment legislation and good HR governance practices. · Exposure to Malaysian payroll or employment practices is advantageous. · Experience supervising, coaching or mentoring junior HR operations staff. · Strong attention to detail, numerical accuracy and problem-solving capability. · Confidence working across multiple locations,stakeholder groups and operating processes. · Experience with payroll and HR information systems; familiarity with enterprise resource planning or dedicated payroll platforms is preferred. · Strong Microsoft Excel skills and the ability to prepare accurate reports and reconciliations. · Clear written and verbal communication skills,with sound judgement and discretion when handling confidential employee and payroll data.