Job Description

About Qra (pronounced Q-ra) - is a modern, start-up, neighbourhood grocer; thoughtfully designed to bring communities closer through quality food, curated selections, and personalised experiences; all with a genuine Qra touch.

As the Assistant Manager, People & Culture at Qra, you will play a vital role in building a positive and high-performing workplace culture that aligns with our mission and core values. You will be the main point of contact for day-to-day HR operations, ensuring smooth communication between our team members and leadership.

This role is ideal for someone who is proactive with excellent interpersonal skills, a sharp eye for detail and has a strong understanding of labor laws and government regulations. You should be comfortable navigating both strategic and operational HR tasks, managing multiple priorities simultaneously and demonstrating a strong sense of accountability in meeting deadlines and delivering results.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll & HR Operations

• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, including attendance validation, allowances, and statutory contributions.
• Maintain and update employee data in the HR system and ensure compliance with regulatory requirement.

Foreign Worker and Hostel Management

• Liaise with foreign worker agencies to ensure all documentation and permits are current and compliant
• Review and verify foreign worker attendance records and monthly agency invoice
• Collaborate with hiring managers to coordinate worker placement and hostel arrangements
• Oversee hostel conditions to ensure they meet company standards for cleanliness, safety, and overall living environment

Employee & Industrial Relations

• Handle employee grievances, disciplinary matters, and conflict resolution with fairness and consistency
• Support investigations and documentation for IR cases, including warning letters, domestic inquiries, and terminations
• Ensure adherence to Malaysian labor laws and internal company policies

Employee Engagement & Retention

• Assist in organizing employee engagement activities, promoting a positive workplace culture.
• Conduct exit interviews, analyze data and propose retention strategies.

Compensation & Benefit

• Conduct market and trend analysis to ensure effectiveness and competitiveness of existing C&B programs.
• Assist in reviewing and enhancing C&B policy & procedures to ensure continuous improvement and relevance.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Lead and guide the team, applying creative strategies to attract the right talent
• Provide support for manpower planning, recruitment and selection process.
• Oversee and enhance onboarding processes to ensure a smooth and engaging experience for new hires

Performance Management

• Support the performance management cycle, including goal setting, performance reviews, and feedback sessions.
• Collaborate with managers to identify areas for improvement and development opportunities for employees.
• Assist in managing and tracking employee performance issues, providing support for coaching and improvement initiatives.

Learning & Development

• Identify training needs and collaborate with managers to create development programs that enhance employee skills and career growth
• Coordinate internal and external training sessions, ensuring they align with business goals and employee development plans
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of training programs, ensuring continuous improvement and value to the team

HR Policy & Compliance

• Assist in developing, implementing, communicating and enforcing company policies and procedures.
• Stay updated on employment law changes and ensure company compliance with labor laws.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration or equivalent
• Minimum 5 years of HR generalist experience, preferably in retail, F&B or similar operational environment
• Strong working knowledge of Malaysian Employment Act and industrial relations practices
• Hands-on experience in payroll and HR operations. Familiarity with Rymnet system will be an advantage.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Must have:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• A strong sense of ownership, integrity, and a people-centric mindset
• Self-motivated, proactive and resourceful, with a commitment to continuous learning and a hands-on approach
• Highly detail-oriented with excellent follow-up capabilities
• Strong time management skills with the ability to thrive under pressure
• Capable of multi-tasking and working efficiently in a fast-paced environment

Skills