About the Role
The Associate Director – HR will serve as a strategic HR leader and trusted advisor to business leaders in Singapore, driving both strategic and operational HR initiatives aligned with organizational goals and regulatory requirements. This role will be responsible for translating global HR strategies into local execution, ensuring compliance with Singapore employment legislation, and enhancing employee experience across the lifecycle. The incumbent will collaborate closely with HR Business Partners and Centers of Excellence (COEs) including Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, Talent Development, and HR Services to deliver integrated HR solutions. The role also plays a critical part in strengthening organizational capability, driving employee engagement, and fostering a high-performance, inclusive culture within Singapore.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic HR Partnership
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior business leaders, providing strategic HR insights and solutions across workforce planning, organizational design, and talent strategies
- Translate business goals into actionable people strategies, ensuring alignment with regional and global HR priorities
- Support leadership teams in driving organizational effectiveness and transformation initiatives
HR Program Execution & Governance
- Lead the deployment of HR programs and processes in alignment with global frameworks and Singapore-specific regulatory requirements
- Ensure strong governance and compliance with Singapore employment laws, MOM regulations, Fair Consideration Framework (FCF), and internal policies
- Partner with HR COEs to drive key initiatives across talent management, compensation, learning, mobility, and diversity
Employee Relations & Compliance
- Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations matters including disciplinary actions, grievances, and conflict resolution
- Ensure all HR practices comply with local employment legislation and company policies
- Act as a key escalation point for high-risk ER cases and compliance matters
Talent Management & Capability Building
- Drive talent review, succession planning, and leadership development initiatives for Singapore
- Design and implement programs to enhance employee capability, engagement, and retention
- Partner with business leaders to identify skill gaps and workforce development priorities
Employee Experience & Engagement
- Champion employee engagement initiatives to enhance employee value proposition and workplace culture
- Foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion where employee experience is prioritized
- Lead initiatives focused on employee connectivity, well-being, and organizational culture
Data & Insights-Driven HR
- Leverage HR data, metrics, and analytics to provide actionable insights and support decision-making
- Monitor HR trends (attrition, engagement, performance) and recommend improvements
- Drive continuous improvement and simplification of HR processes
Collaboration & Operations
- Work closely with HRBPs, COEs, and HR Services teams to ensure seamless HR service delivery
- Oversee delivery of HR operations and administrative processes through shared services
- Lead and mentor junior HR team members
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related discipline
- 12-15 years of progressive HR experience, preferably in a matrixed multinational organization
- Proven experience in strategic HR business partnering at senior leadership levels
- Strong knowledge of Singapore employment laws, MOM regulations, and HR compliance frameworks
- Demonstrated experience in employee relations, talent management, and organizational development
- Exposure to regional or APAC HR operations is highly preferred
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior leadership level
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution
- Experience in leading and driving HR transformation initiatives
- Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making capability
- Proven leadership coaching and advisory experience
- High level of business acumen and commercial understanding
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
About Cognizant:
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.
