We are pleased to be partnering a well-established multinational pharmaceutical company with a focused commercial presence in China. The China business is entering a multi-year growth phase driven by portfolio expansion, deeper channel penetration and selective new product introductions. The client is hence seeking an experienced Head of HR to serve as the senior people leader for the country, partnering closely with the China General Manager and leadership team to build the organisational capability required to deliver this growth agenda. This position can be based in either Shanghai or Beijing.
The Role
You will be the trusted people partner to the country management team, driving all aspects of HR:
- Act as strategic HR business partner to the China GM and senior leadership team, translating commercial priorities into people and organisational plans.
- Lead and develop a team of 10–12 HR professionals (including administrative support), building a high-performing, service-oriented function.
- Own end-to-end HR strategy and delivery in China: talent acquisition and succession for commercial roles, performance management, compensation & benefits, employee relations, engagement and culture.
- Drive organisational design and capability building to support planned growth, including future scaling of commercial teams and new functional needs.
- Ensure robust compliance with China labour law and company policies while maintaining pragmatic, business-aligned solutions.
- Partner with regional/global HR on localisation of global frameworks and contribution to broader Asia-Pacific people initiatives.
- Champion a results-oriented, collaborative culture that attracts and retains commercial talent in a competitive market.
You will collaborate closely with the regional HR team and partner with stakeholders across the business to deliver scalable HR services.
Ideal Candidate
- 10–15+ years progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years in a senior country or regional HR leadership role (Head of HR / HR Director / senior HRBP) within a multinational company.
- Strong preference for pharmaceutical, biotech, medical devices, consumer health or related life-sciences / healthcare experience; commercial (sales & marketing) environment preferred.
- Proven track record as a strategic business partner to a General Manager / country leadership team, with visible impact on growth or transformation agendas.
- Hands-on leadership of a multi-functional HR team and solid knowledge of China labour regulations, talent markets in Shanghai/Beijing, and multi-channel commercial organisations.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills in both English and Mandarin.
- Comfortable operating in a matrix environment with dotted-line reporting to regional/global HR.
- Growth mindset: energised by building capability and supporting a business that is expanding rather than simply maintaining steady state.
What's On Offer
- High-impact country leadership role with direct influence on a growing commercial organisation.
- Opportunity to shape people strategy during a key growth period and work closely with both local and international leadership.
- Collaborative, professional culture within a European-heritage company that values long-term partnership and local insight.
If you are a commercially minded HR leader ready to build and scale people capability in support of ambitious growth plans, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Janard Liew
Principal Consultant - Executive Search
Email: [email protected]
Personnel Registration Number: R21100704
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Work Location: In person
