Head of Human Resources

Job Description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Business Partnership & Leadership

• Partner with the Business Unit Director and Regional HR Leadership to formulate and execute the country-level HR strategy aligned with global and regional business objectives.

• Serve as a trusted advisor, executive coach, and change agent to the Country Leadership Team, guiding organizational design, workforce restructuring, continuous improvement, and culture transformation initiatives.

• Drive change management and transparent communication strategies across both office-based ("wired") and manufacturing/factory floor ("non-wired") environments.

Talent Management, Capability & Performance Culture

• Lead end-to-end talent acquisition, executive onboarding, succession planning, and critical talent retention strategies to support operational growth.

• Oversee the country-wide Performance Management System, establishing clear KPIs, critical success factors, and merit-based recognition programs that drive a culture of accountability and innovation.

• Identify workforce capabilities and skill gaps; design and deploy strategic learning and development plans to maximize human capital potential.

Industrial Relations, Employee Relations & Compliance

• Maintain proactive Industrial Relations (IR) strategies and employee engagement frameworks to foster shop-floor harmony, mitigate labor agitation, and minimize workplace friction.

• Ensure strict adherence of all HR, payroll, and workplace policies to Sri Lankan labor laws, statutory regulations, and Avery Dennison Global Standards.

• Oversee objective disciplinary, grievance resolution, and internal investigation processes in alignment with local legal frameworks and corporate governance standards.

Compensation, Benefits & HR Operations

• Implement and adapt competitive Compensation & Benefits (C&B) structures in line with local market trends and corporate guidelines to ensure equitable pay and talent retention.

• Ensure accurate, timely payroll administration, employee benefits management, statutory contributions (EPF/ETF), and accurate HR metrics reporting.

• Drive employee engagement initiatives, internal climate diagnostics, and actionable interventions to elevate workplace morale and retention.

Administration, Facilities & Governance

• Oversee the overall general administration, facilities management, physical security, and employee services.

• Manage non-production capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) budgets for HR and Administration, ensuring rigorous cost control and high service ROI.

• Coordinate with external legal counsel, company secretaries, insurance underwriters, architects, project consultants, and regulatory advisory bodies regarding site expansions, lease agreements, risk assessments, and compliance audits.

• Ethics & Values Stewardship: Serve as an ambassador and executive role model for Avery Dennison’s core values, ethics, and Business Conduct Guidelines, while championing Environmental, Health, Safety (EHS), and sustainability frameworks across all plant and office operations to guarantee a safe, compliant, and ethical working environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of relevant HR experience with at least 3 years in a senior management role, preferably in MNC.

• Mastery of technical HR competencies in change management, recruitment, C&B, training and employee relations.

• Bachelor’s Degree in applicable field as Business Administration /HR //Law /Labor Administration.

• University bachelor degree in a business discipline or relevant education and work experience.

• Preferably good knowledge of the manufacturing industry.

• Related professional HR qualifications.

Additional Information

AVERY DENNISON IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or other protected status.