Director - Employee Relations

Headquartered in Tokyo, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is a leading global financial institution and a core member of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC Group). Built upon our rich Japanese heritage since 1876, we put our customers first and provide seamless access to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.   SMBC is one of the largest Japanese banks by assets and maintain strong credit ratings across our global integrated network.  We work closely as one SMBC Group to offer personal, corporate and investment banking services to meet the needs of our customers.

With sustainability embedded within our strategy and operations, we are committed to creating a society in which today’s generation can enjoy economic prosperity and well-being, and pass it on to future generations.

Role Overview

The Director of Employee Relations (ER) reporting to and working closely with the Regional Head of Employee Relations, APAC will lead the ER agenda within Singapore, ensuring a fair, respectful, and legally compliant workplace. This role is pivotal in managing ER matters, driving policy implementation, and fostering a positive employee experience aligned with global ER principles and regional strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as the primary ER lead for Singapore ensuring alignment with APAC and global ER frameworks.
• Partner with country leadership and HR team to identify emerging ER trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Act as a change agent to embed ER best practices and promote a culture of fairness and compliance.

Advisory & Consultation

• Act as a trusted advisor to HR Business Partners, managers, and leaders on ER matters including grievances, disciplinary actions, performance disputes, and workplace conflicts.
• Collaborate with Country Legal, Compliance, and Risk teams to ensure effective resolution of ER issues.
• Build ER capability within HR and business teams through training and knowledge sharing.

Case Management & Investigations

• Conduct and advise on investigation matters, ensuring thorough and objective investigations.
• Ensure documentation, risk assessment, and recommended actions are consistent with global protocols and local laws.
• Provide neutral review of escalated cases to ensure fairness and proportionality.

Policy & Compliance

• Implement and maintain ER-related policies and procedures in compliance with local legislation and global standards.
• Monitor changes in Singapore employment law and assess implications for ER practices.
• Ensure adherence to internal controls and regulatory requirements in ER case handling.

Data & Reporting

• Provide analysis and reporting on ER trends, case themes, and outcomes to inform preventative strategies and process improvements.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree with at least 8–10 years of experience in Employee Relations or related HR discipline.
• Strong understanding of local employment laws and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven experience managing complex ER cases and investigations.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to operate independently in a lean environment while collaborating across regional and global teams.
• Capacity to provide support to the HR Business Partner team as workload and priorities allow
• High integrity, resilience, and discretion in handling sensitive matters.