Manager/ Senior Manager, Plans & HR Operations

Job Purpose

The Senior Manager/Manager, Plans & HR Operations is a critical role that sits at the intersection of HR, Finance, and Corporate Strategy. You will be responsible for the integration of annual workforce planning with financial budgeting, ensuring that SMRT(Rail) has the right talent, in the right roles, at the right cost to execute its strategic goals. You will act as a strategic advisor to the middle management leadership, drive key initiatives and manage complex stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities

1.Strategic Budget Planning and Management

• Lead the annual Manpower Cost budgeting process.
• Develop, model, and forecast headcount and personnel expense budgets, providing insightful analysis on trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Ensure all budget plans are aligned with the SMRT(Rail) strategic priorities and financial targets.
• Monitor budget utilization, analyse variances, and provide regular

2.Strategic Workforce Transformation and Planning

• Lead the strategic workforce planning (SWP) process to identify current and future talent needs, critical skill gaps and career development initiatives.
• Develop and implement workforce transformation roadmaps to build future-ready capabilities, including strategies for upskilling, reskilling, talent acquisition, and restructuring.
• Analyse workforce data (e.g., attrition, productivity, demographics) to inform strategic decisions on organization design and talent management

3.Project Leadership and Execution

• Drive and manage key strategic projects related to organizational design, cost optimization, talent retention and operational efficiency.
• Utilize project management methodologies to define project scope, deliverables, timelines, and ensure successful implementation.
• Champion change management initiatives to ensure smooth adoption of new processes and structures.

4.Stakeholders Management

• Proactively manage and align a diverse group of stakeholders, including C-suite executives, HR Business Partners (HRBPs), Finance, and department heads.
• Facilitate strategic discussions, present complex data in a compelling manner, and build consensus around manpower and budgeting strategies.

5.Strategic Guidance and Collaboration

• Act as a trusted advisor to the Director, HRBP (Rail) on all matters related to manpower strategy and budget planning.
• Work closely with the HRBPs to ensure corporate strategies are fully integrated with the overarching manpower and budget plan.
• Provide expert guidance on the financial implications of HR programs and initiatives.

6. Corporate Alignment

• Serve as the primary liaison with Corporation HQ on all strategic thrusts related to manpower and budgeting.
• Ensure plans and executions are fully aligned with org-wide directives, policies, and reporting requirements.

Qualifications & Work Experience

• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in a strategic role involving workforce planning, budgeting and HR Business partnering.
• Proven experience in a senior role requiring direct interaction with and advisement of Senior Management-level executives.
• Experience in leading mid-large scale, complex projects from conception to implementation.

Skills

Technical skills include:

• Financial Literacy- High proficiency in financial modelling, budgeting, forecasting, and data analysis. Strong Excel skills are essential.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving-Expertise in analysing complex workforce data to derive actionable insights.
• Project Management-Strong organizational and project management skills with a focus on delivering results.

Generic skills include:

• Strategic Acumen-Ability to think long-term and connect manpower strategy to business and financial outcomes.
• Stakeholder Influence-Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at the most senior levels.
• Collaboration-A proven team player who can build strong, collaborative relationships across different functions.