HR Business Partner

Job Summary Vertical Institute is looking for an experienced HR Business Partner to lead and strengthen the company's people function. Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a senior and hands-on HR role covering Singapore employment law, HR compliance, employee relations, HR policies, performance management, talent acquisition oversight, HR operations, and strategic HR partnering. Strong knowledge of Singapore employment law and hands-on employee relations experience are essential. Key Responsibilities HR Compliance & Employment Law - Own and maintain employment contracts, HR policies, and the employee handbook. - Advise management on Singapore employment law, including the Employment Act, MOM requirements, CPF obligations, and relevant employment guidelines. - Ensure compliance across payroll, leave, statutory benefits, and employment requirements. - Monitor changes in employment legislation and update policies accordingly. - Manage employment-related regulatory and statutory matters. - Maintain accurate and audit-ready HR documentation. Employee Relations & Performance Management - Manage employee relations matters including disciplinary cases, grievances, investigations, performance issues, and terminations. - Advise managers on appropriate and legally compliant approaches to employee matters. - Conduct and document investigations and grievance processes. - Support managers with performance management and employee development. - Ensure HR actions are properly documented and consistently applied. Talent Acquisition & Onboarding - Oversee the talent acquisition function and work with the TA team on recruitment priorities. - Ensure recruitment practices are fair, consistent, and compliant. - Own and improve the onboarding process from offer acceptance through probation completion. - Partner with hiring managers on workforce planning. - Support HR practices for offshore and contractor positions. HR Operations & Team Leadership - Lead and develop a lean HR team covering HR operations, payroll, onboarding, and employee engagement. - Establish and improve HR SOPs, processes, and service standards. - Ensure HR systems and records remain accurate and audit-ready. - Support government grant and manpower scheme applications where applicable. Strategic HR Business Partnering - Partner with the CEO and department heads on organisational design and workforce planning. - Identify risks relating to retention, performance, capability, employee relations, and compliance. - Provide practical recommendations on people-related challenges. - Develop HR reporting and workforce insights. - Support employee engagement, culture, performance, and organisational effectiveness initiatives. Requirements - 6–10 years of progressive HR experience. - Experience in a senior HR or HR Business Partner role. - Strong and demonstrable knowledge of Singapore employment law. - Hands-on experience managing employee relations, disciplinary matters, investigations, performance issues, terminations, and grievances. - Experience drafting and reviewing employment contracts, HR policies, and employee handbooks. - Strong understanding of MOM requirements, CPF, and statutory employment obligations. - Experience partnering with senior leadership. - Experience leading or supervising an HR team. - Strong HR operations and process management experience. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills. - Strong judgement and ability to handle confidential matters professionally. - Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Law, or a related field. Preferred Experience - IHRP certification or equivalent HR professional qualification. - Experience managing offshore, remote, or multi-jurisdictional employees. - Experience in a fast-growing SME, technology, education, training, or professional services environment. - HRIS and payroll systems experience. - Experience with government grants or manpower-related schemes.