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:

1. A. Core HR Operations (95%)
2. B. Backup Immigration Support (5%)
3. C. Continuous Improvement & Governance (5%)
4. 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
2. HRSS Setup & Stabilisation Support

• 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.
• 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:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related discipline.

Skills & Experience:

Minimum 4–6 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.

Culture Commitment

• Ensure adherence to company’s 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

  Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.