Senior HR Operations Specialist – Tier 1

Position Summary:

To deliver accurate timely and compliant HR operational services across the Hire-to-Retire lifecycle for the APAC and EMEA regions ensuring data integrity process compliance and exceptional employee experience while actively contributing to the establishment stabilization and long-term sustainability of the APAC HR Shared Services Centre (HRSS). This includes supporting data migration and cleansing UAT and go-live readiness knowledge management process standardization and First Time Right quality. Escalation follows the HRSS Tier 1 chain (Tier 1 Team Lead Senior Team Manager HRSS Director). This role carries core accountability for end-to-end HR operational processes with minor (5%) backup responsibility in immigration-related tasks.

Scope of Role:

APAC & EMEA regional coverage (ROA China EMEA and new HRSS migration markets).

Key Responsibilities:

A. Core HR Operations (95%)

1. Employee Data Management

• Process and validate employee lifecycle transactions (new hire transfers promotions terminations) in HCM systems (Oracle/SF) ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Conduct proactive data audits and cleansing to maintain 100% data integrity across APAC and EMEA regions.
• Manage document generation (contracts letters certificates) in alignment with Coherent templates and statutory requirements.

1. HR Process Execution

• Administer benefits enrolment changes and terminations according to country-specific policies and vendor SLAs.
• Handle payroll-impacting data changes and coordinate with Payroll teams to ensure accurate monthly processing.
• Execute statutory compliance activities such as contributions reporting tax documentation and audit preparation.

1. Service Delivery Excellence
   • Serve as Tier 1 resolution point for escalated employee queries from Helpdesk ensuring SLA adherence and positive employee experience.
   • Identify recurring issues propose process improvements and work with COEs to resolve root causes.
   • Maintain confidentiality and compliance with data privacy laws (e.g. GDPR PDPA).

1. HRSS Setup & Stabilisation Support
   • Support data migration cleansing and validation activities for HRSS go-live.
   • Participate in User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and feedback loops for system/process readiness.
   • Document new SOPs and update the HRSS knowledge base to ensure standardization and scalability.

B. Backup Immigration Support (5%)

• Assist in employment pass (EP) and professional visit pass (PVP) application processes when primary immigration specialist is unavailable.
• Support quota checks vendor coordination and document collection for immigration cases.
• Ensure compliance with local immigration regulations during backup duties.

C. Continuous Improvement & Governance (5%)

• Contribute to HR process optimization initiatives for operational efficiency.
• Support governance and compliance reporting activities for audit readiness.
• Participate in cross-functional HRSS projects as required.

Organizational Relationships:

Reports to: Senior Team Manager HR Operations

Direct Reports:

Indirect Reports (through Direct Reports):

Dotted Line (Matrix) Reports:

Primary Location: Penang Malaysia

Job Requirements:

Education:

Bachelors degree in Human Resources Business Administration or related discipline.

Skills & Experience:

Minimum 46 years HR operations experience in a shared services or multinational environment with exposure to multiple APAC countries.

Process migration and HRSS setup knowledge including UAT SOP drafting and workflow mapping.

Strong service orientation with demonstrated ability to meet or exceed SLAs.

Continuous improvement mindset with ability to spot inefficiencies and recommend solutions.

Strong stakeholder management and ability to work with diverse teams across cultures.

Clear concise written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in a third language (Vietnamese Japanese Korean Hindi or Filipino) is an advantage.

High level of discretion in handling confidential employee data.

Proven experience in data migration process documentation and HR systems UAT.

Exposure to immigration processes (EP PVP) preferred but not mandatory.

Languages:

English at least one additional language (Vietnamese / Japanese / Korean / Filipino / Hindi).

Competencies:

Service Excellence Orientation Consistently delivers high-quality timely HR services with a focus on stakeholder satisfaction and compliance.

Collaboration & Influence Builds strong working relationships with cross-border teams peers and stakeholders to drive standardization and problem resolution.

Continuous Improvement Mindset Identifies process gaps and recommends improvements to enhance HRSS efficiency and accuracy.

Judgement & Decision-Making Applies sound reasoning in resolving HR operational issues balancing policy compliance and business needs.

Adaptability & Resilience Maintains performance and composure under shifting priorities high volumes and tight deadlines.

Behavioral:

Attention to detail and First-Time-Right execution.

Resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced evolving HRSS environment.

Proactive problem-solving with minimal supervision.

Effective cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) & SLAs:

• 98% First-Time-Right transaction accuracy.
• 95% SLA adherence on case resolution.
• 100% compliance with statutory and audit requirements.
• 3% error rate in recurring HR reports.

CultureCommitment

Ensure adherence to companys values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm Find a Sense of Purpose in Work