Head of HR APAC – Global law firm

Overview

We have been retained by a prestigious international law firm with a strong and reputable APAC business, seeking to appoint a Regional Head of HR (APAC) to lead its HR function across the region. With offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Australia, Japan, and SEA, and a regional workforce of 400+ professionals, this is a high-impact role based in Singapore.

Reporting to the Group HR Director based in EMEA and the Regional COO APAC, this role is responsible for driving the HR strategy, HR advisory, HR projects and operations across multiple geographies. You will work closely with Partners, COOs, Office heads and senior stakeholders to align regional HR initiatives with global objectives, while leading a strong and collaborative HR function across the region.

In this role, you will shape and execute regional HR priorities in alignment with group-wide goals, partnering with global and regional business leaders to deliver pragmatic, forward-thinking people solutions with best-in-class services and a focus on quality deliverables.

You will lead regional transformation programs and oversee the implementation of strategic HR initiatives, while collaborating with Centres of Excellence and Shared Services to streamline operations and ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery. Acting as a trusted advisor and executive coach to Partners and senior leaders, you will drive engagement, performance, and cultural alignment across the region.

Additionally, you will oversee employee relations, compliance, and policy development, champion diversity and inclusion, and lead talent development and succession planning efforts. You will also be responsible for regional business planning, managing the HR budget, and ensuring operational excellence.

This is a hands-on and strategic leadership role that demands exceptional stakeholder management, commercial acumen, and a deep understanding of HR practices across Asia. You will be instrumental in shaping the people agenda and fostering a high-performance, inclusive culture.

To succeed, you will bring extensive experience in senior HR leadership roles, ideally within a global law firm or international professional services environment. You will have a strong track record of leading regional teams and delivering complex change programs, along with deep knowledge of employment laws and HR practices across multiple Asian jurisdictions. Your success will be underpinned by exceptional communication, consulting, and influencing skills, as well as a proactive, innovative mindset and a passion for continuous improvement and people development.

• Extensive experience in senior HR leadership roles, ideally within a global law firm or international professional services environment.
• Strong track record of leading regional teams and delivering complex change programs.
• Deep knowledge of employment laws and HR practices across multiple Asian jurisdictions.
• Exceptional communication, consulting, and influencing skills; proactive, innovative mindset and passion for continuous improvement and people development.

This is a rare opportunity to join a globally respected law firm in a high-profile regional leadership role. You’ll have the platform to shape the future of the firm’s people strategy in Asia and make a lasting impact across the business, working with wonderful people where you can stay and grow long term

For a confidential discussion, please contact: Charlotte Matthew –

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