Lead, Employee Relations & HR Policy - Human Resources Office

Department: Human Resources Office

Job Posting Details

 

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Employee Relations (ER) leader to oversee the full spectrum of ER and HR policy at HKUST. Reporting directly to the Director of HR, you will be the authoritative voice on all complex employee matters, ensuring a fair, legally compliant, and inclusive workplace for our diverse community of academics and professionals. This role is critical in shaping our policies, managing institutional risk, and fostering a positive organizational culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Advisory: Act as a key strategic advisor to the Director of HR and senior leadership on all employee relations, policy, and organizational risk matters. Lead the development and continuous refinement of HR policies and the Staff Handbook, ensuring alignment with local legislation (e.g., Employment Ordinance), institutional values, and international best practices.
• Complex Case & Investigation Management: Lead the end-to-end management of all high-risk, sensitive employee relations cases, including complex grievances, disciplinary actions, discrimination, harassment, and whistleblowing complaints. This includes conducting and/or overseeing rigorous, impartial investigations in our culturally diverse international workplace—ensuring due process, cultural sensitivity, and legal defensibility at every stage.
• Stakeholder & Change Management: Partner closely with Deans, Department Heads, the Legal Office, and external bodies (e.g., Equal Opportunities Commission) to provide expert guidance, mitigate risks, and drive initiatives that enhance staff engagement, wellbeing, and organizational culture.
• Capability Building: Design and deliver targeted training for managers and HR colleagues on conducting fair investigations, managing performance, handling grievances, and navigating cross-cultural ER dynamics.

Requirements

• Degree in Human Resources, Law, Psychology, or a related discipline. A Master's degree, professional HR qualification (e.g., CIPD, SHRM), and/or legal background is a strong plus.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 8 years in a specialized Employee Relations role focusing on complex case management and investigations.
• Demonstrated, hands-on experience in managing complicated ER cases and leading impartial investigations within a multinational or international workplace setting.
• Thorough knowledge of Hong Kong employment laws, regulations, and HR best practices.
• Strong track record of developing and implementing HR policies in a large, matrixed organization.
• Exceptional communication, analytical, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and handle sensitive matters with discretion and empathy.
• High cultural intelligence and resilience, with the ability to navigate diverse perspectives and emotionally charged situations with composure.
• Proficiency in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin is required to effectively engage with our diverse workforce and stakeholders.

(Duration: 2 years, renewable)

(Applicants who have responded to the previous advertisements need not re-apply.)

Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.  Fringe benefits including annual leave, medical and dental benefits will be provided.  A gratuity will be payable upon successful completion of contract.

Please apply on or before: 6 August 2026.

(Information provided by applicants will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposes.  Applicants should read the Personal Information Collection Statement before submission of application.)

HKUST is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to our core values of inclusiveness, diversity, and respect.