HR Director – Aviation / MRO Joint Venture

Job description

HR Setup & Policy Development

In conjunction with Safran group

• -establish and build the HR function for the new joint venture operation, -develop and implement HR policies, employee handbook, procedures, and practical operating guidelines from scratch. -set up core HR systems and processes including recruitment, onboarding, probation management, training, performance management, leave administration, disciplinary processes, and employee records management. -support the establishment of HR governance, approval workflows, and compliance procedures appropriate for a startup and operational environment.
• Ensure HR practices comply with local employment legislation and aviation industry requirements.

Recruitment & Workforce Ramp-Up

• Support workforce planning and manpower ramp-up to meet operational and business requirements.
• Lead and propose hands-on recruitment activities for technical and operational roles including licensed aircraft engineers, technicians, mechanics, planners, and support staff for new Joint Venture and existing Safran Aircraft Engine business divisions in Singapore.
• Coordinate onboarding and employee integration activities to support operational readiness.
• Partner closely with operational leaders on staffing requirements and workforce planning. Learning, Development & Government Grants
• Develop workforce training and capability development initiatives to support operational and technical competency requirements.
• Identify, apply for, and manage relevant government grants, workforce funding, and training support schemes.
• Liaise with government agencies, training institutions, and external stakeholders on workforce development initiatives.
• Support the implementation of training programs, certification pathways, and skills development frameworks for operational and non-operational employees for new Joint Venture and existing Safran Aircraft Engine business divisions in Singapore.
• Monitor grant utilization, compliance requirements, and reporting obligations where applicable

HR Operations & Employee Support

• Manage day-to-day HR operations in a lean team environment.
• Support payroll coordination, benefits administration, HR systems setup, and employee documentation processes.
• Handle employee relations matters, workplace concerns, disciplinary cases, and investigations where required.
• Provide practical HR guidance and support to managers and employees across operational functions.

Organizational Development & Culture

• Support the development of a positive, collaborative, and high-performance workplace culture.
• Assist management in driving employee engagement and workforce retention initiatives.
• Support organizational growth and change management activities as the joint venture expands.
• Build practical people processes that support operational efficiency and business scalability. Compliance & Administration Ensure compliance, maintain HR records, and support audits.

HR Projects Required Skills

• Hands-on HR leadership with a start-up mindset
• HR setup and operational implementation experience
• Policy drafting and process development
• Recruitment, workforce planning and training grants experience
• Strong execution and problem-solving capability
• Adaptability and resilience
• Stakeholder management and communication
• Operational mindset with business partnering capability

Good communication and interpersonal skills Education and Experience

• Degree in Human Resources or Business Administration,
• At least 10+ years of progressive HR Experience across multiple areas including employee relations, organizational development, compensation and benefits, training and recruitment,
• Preferred experience within aviation MRO, airline engineering, or technical operations environments,
• Familiarity with technical workforce environments and shift-based operations,
• Experience supporting rapid business setup and workforce ramp-up initiatives,
• Exposure to multinational or cross-cultural working environments is advantageous.

Success Measures

• Successful establishment of practical HR policies and processes
• Smooth workforce ramp-up and onboarding execution
• Efficient day-to-day HR operations in a lean environment
• Strong employee engagement and retention
• Compliance with employment and operational requirements
• Effective HR support for operational and business teams